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PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (6)
LORD’S DAY, JULY 28
Ruth 2:18-23

Matthew 6:25-34

 

“…the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself…”

 

PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (6)
 
The answer Ruth gave to Naomi confirmed to Naomi the workings and the hand of the providence of God in Ruth’s day. The events of the day might have seemed strange, and definitely favourable to Ruth, but she did not understand the full extent of the grace and favour that she had been shown. At evening, as she returned home and responded to Naomi’s enquiry, things that had been until then unknown, began to unfold.
 
“…The man’s name with whom I wrought today is Boaz” (Ruth 2:19). The world seeks to promote secrecy in almost everything, even within the family. Ruth’s day had been very blessed. Naomi’s questions did not offend her. She responded truthfully and openly. Taking into account especially that the conversation was between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in- law, a relationship that in most places is strained by competition for the affections of the same man, we find a picture of the blessings that accompany a cordial, warm, open, caring and loving godly relationship. What blessings were in store as she honoured her mother-in-law with truthful and honest answers, which until then were unknown to Ruth.
 
We ought to remember that Naomi’s testimony to both her daughters-in-law was that they had been kind in their dealings with her (Ruth 1:8); and that it was Ruth’s choice to accompany and live with her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:16). It was also Ruth’s choice and initiative to go out to glean that morning (Ruth 2:2) and she had gone out with full knowledge, permission, and blessing of her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:2). Her relationship with her mother-in-law was not secret, and word had gone around on how she had honoured Naomi since her husband’s death (Ruth 2:11). At the end of the day, she came with all that she had gleaned, without hiding from her mother-in-law, and brought to her what she had saved from what she was given to eat while she worked in the field. She did not know Boaz, but Naomi did, and that would change her life.
 
THOUGHT: Godly relations bless all who choose to cultivate them.

PRAYER: Father, bless me with godly, healthy relationships that edify.

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