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PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (18)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
Ruth 3:14-18

Psalm 46

 

“Be still, and know that I am God…”

 

PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (18)
 
Naomi’s advice to Ruth was one that showed great wisdom. The chapter which began with a call to action with instructions and counsel on what to do in the pursuit of “rest,” ended with a call to do probably the most difficult thing that could be asked of anyone: to be still. Yet, this call is a common call to God’s people. This is seen from the call of Moses to the children of Israel when standing before the Red Sea, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exod 14:13), to Joshua’s call to the priests bearing the Ark who were to lead them across the Jordan, “When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan” (Josh 3:8).
 
“Then said she, Sit still, my daughter…” (Ruth 3:18). The call to be still is not, in this case, an admission of helplessness or hopelessness, but rather it is the opposite. It is an expression of faith and confidence that although we had done our part and could do no more, things did not depend upon our action, but rather upon the work of One who works for His glory and our good. It comes from the understanding that there is one who works for us, as Naomi explained to Ruth as she called her to sit still. Naomi said, “the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” This was a testimony to the character and commitment of the kinsman-redeemer. There was nothing more that Ruth could do, but there was no need for her to do any more, as the case and matter had been taken up with one who would be their advocate, to plead their case before the elders of the city. All the actions and activity of Ruth were geared to getting the assistance and advocacy of Boaz, and as she had returned with the assurance from Boaz that he would “do to thee all that thou requirest,” she did not need to do any more and indeed could do no more. If Ruth had told Naomi everything that Boaz had said, this would mean that Naomi was confident that Boaz would address even the matter of the nearer kinsman, which she had not thought of as she directed Ruth on what to do. The matter with all its complications and intricacies would be addressed. And, indeed, Boaz did address it such that all their hopes were realised and God was glorified.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 103:19.)

PRAYER: Father, increase my trust in Thy providence.

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