A Response to Obedience
In Ruth chapter two, we witness a beautiful display of God's provision and faithfulness in the lives of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth, a Moabite woman, found herself in a foreign land after the death of her husband. Despite the challenges and uncertainties she faced, Ruth remained faithful to Naomi. At the end of chapter one, we see Ruth make a commitment to care for her mother-in-law, regardless of the cost to her and her future.
Chapter two opens with Ruth going into the fields and gathering leftover grain to provide for herself and Naomi. The act of going into the fields was not only a means of survival but also a demonstration of Ruth's humility, diligence, and obedience. What Ruth didn’t know was that her obedience to do what was right kickstarted something that would forever change her life.
In Ruth 2:3, we see this, “So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz…”
“And as it happened:” Here is God’s provision and sovereignty working on Ruth’s behalf. What was an apparent happenstance, in fact, was God working in her life. As Ruth was obedient, a domino effect began. Not because of the goodness of Ruth, but because of the goodness of her Father.
As Ruth labored in the field, Boaz took notice of her. He inquired about her identity and learned of her loyalty to Naomi. Boaz, inspired by Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law, extended kindness and protection to her. He instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather and ensured her safety and dignity while she worked in his fields.
God orchestrated the meeting between Ruth and Boaz, using Boaz as an instrument of His provision and love for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz's generosity and kindness towards Ruth were not merely coincidental but a direct result of Ruth's obedience and faithfulness. It was an extension of God’s love toward her.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves in seasons of uncertainty and difficulty, much like Ruth and Naomi. We may wonder where God is in the midst of our struggles. However, the story of Ruth reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good.
Ruth's obedience and faithfulness did not go unnoticed by God. He saw her heart and provided for her needs in ways she could never have imagined. Similarly, when we remain faithful to God, even in the most challenging circumstances, He promises to take care of us.
Reflection Questions:
Chapter two opens with Ruth going into the fields and gathering leftover grain to provide for herself and Naomi. The act of going into the fields was not only a means of survival but also a demonstration of Ruth's humility, diligence, and obedience. What Ruth didn’t know was that her obedience to do what was right kickstarted something that would forever change her life.
In Ruth 2:3, we see this, “So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz…”
“And as it happened:” Here is God’s provision and sovereignty working on Ruth’s behalf. What was an apparent happenstance, in fact, was God working in her life. As Ruth was obedient, a domino effect began. Not because of the goodness of Ruth, but because of the goodness of her Father.
As Ruth labored in the field, Boaz took notice of her. He inquired about her identity and learned of her loyalty to Naomi. Boaz, inspired by Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law, extended kindness and protection to her. He instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her to gather and ensured her safety and dignity while she worked in his fields.
God orchestrated the meeting between Ruth and Boaz, using Boaz as an instrument of His provision and love for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz's generosity and kindness towards Ruth were not merely coincidental but a direct result of Ruth's obedience and faithfulness. It was an extension of God’s love toward her.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves in seasons of uncertainty and difficulty, much like Ruth and Naomi. We may wonder where God is in the midst of our struggles. However, the story of Ruth reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good.
Ruth's obedience and faithfulness did not go unnoticed by God. He saw her heart and provided for her needs in ways she could never have imagined. Similarly, when we remain faithful to God, even in the most challenging circumstances, He promises to take care of us.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some moments in my life where God provided for me? (It can be a time where He sent new friends, financial blessing, healing, etc)
- Where is God asking me to trust Him in my life right now? Is there a place that I have put off limits to Him?
- How can I be obedient to what He is asking?
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