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PROVIDENCE, OBEDIENCE AND PROTECTION (5)
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Ruth 2:8-12

Galatians 6:7-10

 

“…whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.”

 

PROVIDENCE, OBEDIENCE AND PROTECTION (5)
 
The past is rarely forgotten, and what goes around eventually comes around. The law of providence brings with it the law of sowing and reaping. What one gives is what one expects, and Christ presenting guidelines for godly Christian life in the Sermon on the Mount summarises it thus: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt 7:12).
 
“All that thou hast done unto thy mother in law…The LORD recompense thy work…” (Ruth 2:11-12). The response of Boaz to Ruth’s gratitude and question is a summary of the first chapter of Ruth. How he came to know “all that thou hast done … since the death of thine husband” is not told to us, but his knowledge of Ruth’s past kindness is clear. Yet, even as Boaz said this to Ruth, he made sure to point out to her that it was the LORD who would recompense her. She should not consider the kindness he showed to her as payment for the kindness she had shown to her mother-in-law. She should not see Boaz as the payer, but rather continue to look to God as the sole Benefactor of all good deeds. Boaz himself did not know how God would answer his prayer and good will for Ruth.
 
“…under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:12). The resolve and declaration of Ruth in 1:16-17 most definitely comes to mind here. Ruth’s firm response to Naomi as they left Moab was her confession of faith in the LORD. She would not retain or introduce aspects of her old life or religion as she went with Naomi back to Bethlehem. She sought to be included in the LORD’S covenant and as such be partaker of His goodness. How everything would turn out though unknown to her, unfolded before her right from her first encounter with the provisions of the LORD’S law in the Promised Land. She had come to trust Him under His wings, and He showed Himself faithful to those who trust in Him.
 
THOUGHT: Meditate on the lyrics of the hymn “Under the Care of My God, the Almighty.”

PRAYER: (Use Psalm 91:1-2.)

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