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PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (3)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
Ruth 3:1-5

Proverbs 18:22; 19:14

 

“I will therefore that
the younger women marry,

bear children, guide the house…”

 

PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (3)
 
When Ruth went out to look for a place to glean, she committed herself to the leading of providence. But now as Naomi sought to get rest for her in the house of a husband, she took deliberate and calculated steps. A secure and happy home cannot be achieved by chance. The Book of Proverbs is clear in that a good and godly wife is given by the LORD. In the Book of Psalms, the Psalmist categorically asserted, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Ps 127:1).
 
“…is not Boaz of our kindred…” (Ruth 3:2). The process began with a reference to Boaz. This reference was important because it set the tone for the whole process. A Christian marriage requires those who enter into it do so in the Lord, and as such it must be as God’s Word doth allow. The mention of Boaz as a kindred would make the marriage lawful as God’s Word and the Law of Moses said that a widow “shall not marry without unto a stranger” (Deut 25:5). As such, the union that Naomi sought for Ruth would be one that was in accordance with God’s revealed will and thus a lawful one. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul pointed out a similar principle when he said, “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord” (1 Cor 7:39). Christian marriage must be strictly between Christians. Before beginning the process of pursuing a relationship that leads to marriage, the first things that must be ascertained (i.e. the prerequisites) are faith in Christ and the lawfulness of the union in accordance with God’s Word. In the marriage liturgy, the couple presenting themselves for holy matrimony are solemnly charged: “For be ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together otherwise than as God’s Word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful.” If a couple prays for and expects God’s blessings and help in their home, they must first submit themselves to God’s revealed will and ordinance.
 
THOUGHT: Choose to obey God and live with joy, not with regrets.

PRAYER: Father, give me the grace to obey Thy word in life’s choices.

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