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PROVIDENCE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED PRACTICALLY
MONDAY, JULY 29
Ruth 2:18-23

Genesis 24:12-27

 

“…hath not left destitute my master

of his mercy and his truth…”

 

PROVIDENCE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED PRACTICALLY
 
Naomi’s joy for Ruth and the fruit of her labour was unmistakable. As she asked where Ruth had gleaned that day, she blessed the LORD for He was the one who had taken note of her daughter-in-law. She said, “…blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee...” (Ruth 2:19), but she did not know the full workings of God’s hand of providence until Ruth mentioned the name of “he that did take knowledge” of her. The quantity of the grain that Ruth had gleaned was evidence of kindness and generosity, but the mention of the name Boaz was evidence of God’s hand of providence extended to them.
 
“…Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead…” (Ruth 2:20). Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, when he was sent on a very important mission and bound by an oath in his quest for a wife for Isaac, upon arrival outside the city to which he was sent, standing by a well, prayed for guidance. In his prayer he said, “I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.” He was confident that God would act towards Abraham in accordance with His covenant with Abraham, and Eliezer described God’s act on behalf of Abraham by the words “shew kindness unto my master Abraham.” The guiding hand of providence was pictured and described both by Eliezer in his errand for his master and by Naomi in her response to Ruth’s answer as “kindness.”
 
Boaz had shown favour to Ruth, and Naomi recognised the kindness that Ruth had received. Galatians 6:10: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Just as God’s hand of providence moved Boaz to show favour and do good, God still moves His children and directs them to act kindly towards others, and through their acts of kindness and the mercy they extend to their brethren, God meets needs, answers prayers, and providentially accomplishes His purposes.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 84:11.)
PRAYER: Grant me, Father, faith in Thy providence and grace to serve others.

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