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PROVIDENCE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (5)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Ruth 2:18-23

1 Kings 12:1-15

 

“It is good, my daughter,

that thou go out with his maidens…”

 

PROVIDENCE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (5)
 
Ruth, being directed by the hand of providence, had been led to the field of a blood relation of Elimelech, a kinsman. While at the field of Boaz, she had received favour and had reciprocated with hard work and commitment. As she came back home, she recounted to Naomi the events of the day and the chapter then ended with Ruth’s narration of the instructions given her by Boaz, and Naomi’s response to it.
 
“He said unto me also … It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens…” (Ruth 2:21-22). One of the greatest challenges facing young people is receiving and obeying instructions from their elders, Rehoboam being such an example. Boaz’s instructions were not to restrict Ruth, but were for her protection; and Naomi expressed her approval and concurred with what Boaz had said. Unlike Rehoboam, Ruth was content to heed and follow the instructions of Boaz and Naomi.
 
“So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz…and dwelt with her mother in law” (Ruth 2:23). Ruth presented a picture of the balance between trusting the leading of God’s hand and the taking of responsibility for one’s life and welfare. She went out in faith at the beginning of the chapter, and as the chapter ends, she continued and lived in obedience to instruction and guidance. She followed Boaz’s maidens through the barley and wheat harvests, and through this time, had provisions for daily sustenance and protection from the dangers and ills that faced young and vulnerable women like her while out gleaning. She not only heeded Naomi’s words, but also continued to dwell with her through all this time. She continued to provide for Naomi’s needs and, as she continued to live with her, had security and counsel in the home when she came back from the fields. Young people put themselves in unnecessary pains and dangers through self-will and desire for independence when they cut themselves off from invaluable experience and wisdom from godly parents and elders.
 
THOUGHT: God’s Law requires obedience to parents in the Lord.

PRAYER: O Father, help me to trust Thee and be obedient to godly advice.

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