Welcome to Wednesday, April 5, 2023. And welcome to the Book of Ruth, a refreshing change from Judges and the chaos of Israel’s forsaken faith. Ruth was a foreigner, a Moabite widow. She would normally have been rejected and excluded, but here’s a story of God’s heart for you and me. Read ahead in the first chapter of Matthew, and you’ll find that her diligence earned her an honored spot in the lineage of Jesus as the great-grandmother of King David! Read on …
Today's Reading:
Ruth 1,2; Psalms 53, 61; 2 Corinthians 5
Scripture
“May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” (Ruth 2:12)
Observation
This must be one of the most beautiful verses in the Book of Ruth. Its poetic rhythm and gentle presentation are precious. Ruth’s testimony—her track record—was “fully reported” to Boaz, which brought favor in his sight. Although expressed privately, Ruth’s love, determination, and loyalty became known publicly. Make no mistake — who we are, sooner or later, will be made known. Our diligence and deeds done in the name of the Lord will always receive His reward. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not vain in the Lord.”
Ruth had to meet her daily needs for finances and food, but instead of cutting corners, she was determined to fulfill them in ways that pleased the Lord. Later on, in Ruth 3:10, Boaz commended her when she had a chance to carouse and party, and she remained pure — “You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.” Her excellence was her moral excellence, diligence, and determination to fulfill her needs only according to God’s ways.
Application
I will have needs just as anyone else, but where I seek refuge will be critical. We can find counterfeits that will give us instant pleasure in many places, but our deepest needs will be fulfilled only under His wings and in His time. However, this requires character through patience, diligence, and lots of self-control. God’s ways are the best, and He will reward those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have known times when I tried meeting my needs in ways other than Yours, but they have only left me hungry and empty. Thank You for reminding me, by Your mercy and grace, that You are the only way. Under Your wings I will take refuge.
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