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PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (6)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Ruth 3:1-5

Deuteronomy 25:5-10

 

“…the wife of the dead
shall not marry without

unto a stranger.”

 

PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (6)
 
We now come to the most critical and interesting part of Naomi’s instructions to Ruth. Some things and actions when heard, may sound strange to those who are not familiar with the social or cultural practices. And so did Naomi’s instructions to Ruth. Just as our customs may sound strange to some, theirs would sound strange to us. But, considering the characters of the persons involved as have been presented to us, we must be careful not to read our own perspectives into the narrative.
 
“…mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in…” (Ruth 3:4). The message that Ruth had to bear was a proposal for marriage. Ruth agreed to bear the proposal. She had taken upon herself the burden to go and glean, and God led her, granted her grace and blessed her effort. Likewise, this second mission was similar to the first in that it was within the provisions of God for the widow. The same God who made provisions for gleaning by the widows, is the same God who made provisions for Levirate marriage. If she could commit herself to God’s leading in seeking out daily sustenance, she should also be able to commit herself to the same God to lead in seeking security and joy in her husband’s home. We cannot say how much Ruth knew about her mission that night, but Naomi knew, and Ruth trusted and obeyed Naomi. As recorded in the account here, Naomi’s instructions did not come with explanations, and Ruth responded with unquestioned obedience. We who trust God in many areas of life, must be ready and willing to trust God in all areas of life. God’s provisions in Deuteronomy 25 put Levirate marriage almost as a right of the widow in that she had recourse to the elders of the land in case the brother refused (Deut 25:7-10). She would go to the elders, and they would call him to question him, and if he refused before the elders, then she could put him to shame by removing his shoe. Surely God who made such provisions would be pleased to guide and bless those who sought His help for His honour in seeking rest, like Naomi and Ruth did.
 
THOUGHT: I can pray for God’s help when I seek to do His will.
PRAYER: Grant, O Father, that I may trust in Christ and obey His Word as I seek in life things that are in accordance with Thy will.

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