DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN INTERRUPTIONS AND INTERLUDES

INTERRUPTIONS AND INTERLUDES: How do you respond to interruptions and interludes? An interlude has been described as: "an intervening or interrupted period, space or event." I don't respond very well to these and have always had a problem when circumstances did not go according to my plans - just ask my family!

After days of planning and hoping to write about the Kinsman Redeemer mentioned in Ruth chapter two, I now find myself in an interlude and instead of writing about the Kinsman Redeemer, I have been impressed to discuss the importance of the WORD OF GOD.

God's WORD: Have you ever realized its importance? The book of John begins by stating, In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD was God. The Epistle of First John begins: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled concerning the WORD of LIFE - we declare to you. When the writer to the Hebrews begins his letter he starts by saying, God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in the these last days has spoken to us through His SON... (Heb. 1:1-2). The writer continues in the next few chapters to exhort us to LISTEN to that WORD and to give the more earnest attention to it.

God's Word is His communication to mankind and He has revealed that communication through His Son, the LORD Jesus - THE WORD OF GOD. How important was God, the Father's Word to Him when Jesus ministered here on earth? It was so important that He informed us that the Words that He spoke were not HIS but the Father's who sent Him (John 14:24, & 17 14). The Father also testifies of the importance of the WORD OF GOD when He speaks to the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration and says, This is my beloved SON, HEAR HIM. Jesus felt the importance of the WORD of God so much that he tells us that those very WORDS that the Father gave to Him, He also gave to His disciples that they might give them to their listeners and eventually make them known through the written Word. If the Word of God was so important to Jesus, and to His disciples, how important and what preeminence should it have it our lives?

Not only were the words that Jesus spoke His Father's words but the works He did were those of His Father as well. He stated in John 14:10-12, The Words I say unto you, I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does HIS WORKS.....believe on account of the WORKS themselves. The people living during the time of Christ's ministry saw the works He did and should have believed on Him. He tells them that those very works were not His but that His Father did those works through him. The Father both spoke His words and did His works though Jesus, His Son. Why was the Word of His Father and the Works of His Father so important to Him?

One reason the Father's words and the Father's works were so important is because Jesus desired the WILL of His Father. The book of Hebrews tells us in 10:7-9, Behold, I am come (In the Roll of the Book it is written of ME!) TO DO THY WILL, O GOD. You can find similar texts confessing His desire to do His Father's will in John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38. We see the extent of that desire to do His Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane as He is facing Crucifixion (the WILL of His Father). There He prays, Take this cup from me, nevertheless, NOT what I WILL, but what YOU WILL ( Luke 22:42).

What do the Word of God, the Works of God and the Will of God have to do with interruptions and interludes? Because in all of these there was the "timing of God". The Psalmist states that our times are in HIS hands but so many times we want to control the time. When interruptions and interludes happen we are flustered and frustrated. How did Jesus respond - or did he even experience those interruptions and interludes?

Jesus recognized that His Father had a planned TIME for him for all the events in His life - but, especially for the Cross. He states in John 7:6-8, My time is not yet at hand... My time has not fully come. In many places in the Gospel we hear Him referring to His hour or His TIME is not YET.

What were some of those times in the Life of Jesus and how were they effected by interruptions and interludes? He began with a time to be born. Even at His birth however, there was an interruption. We hear of Herod seeking to kill the young child and his early childhood was interrupted by a time spent in Egypt. There was an interlude. Then there was the time of early childhood or of growth and learning. We find Him at one point in the temple learning from the teachers of His day and His mother and Joseph come to "interrupt" His time there and take Him back home. His statement to them was, "Don't you know that I must be about my Father's business" - and yet, he submits to their authority for His time had not yet come. In fact, we don't know exactly how long that submission lasted but we do know that it was not until he was thirty years old that we see Him finally beginning that "time" of ministry. There was an interlude in which He grew in His home, worked in the Carpenter's shop, faithfully attended the Synagogue and waited His Father's time for full ministry.

Even after He began His ministry, we find Him "interrupted" many times. At one point after he had healed many people and resumed His preaching (that for which He said He came to do), his disciples came to Him and said, "all men seek for thee". His response was, "I must go to the next cities to preach and teach for that is what I was sent to do."
At one point, he was preaching in a house and a great multitude was there and we are told that his mother and brothers sought him and tried to get him to "take a break". But, His response was, Who is my mother, brothers and sisters? He who does the will of my Father in heaven - the same is my mother, brothers and sisters.
Many times he would escape to a lonely place to pray only to find himself "interrupted" in prayer by his disciples or some crowd of people. Jesus knew what it was to face the interruptions and interludes of life. His peace came in accepting each interruption as the will of God and continuing in the plan of God for His life.

I have often imagined that as a young child listening to those teachers in the Temple that Jesus longed then and there to begin His ministry - to do "His Father's business" - but he knew His TIME had not come. I wonder how many times while helping Joseph or Mary He longed to begin His heavenly Father's business - but His TIME had not come. Even after he began that ministry of preaching God's Word and doing God's Works how often did He long to finish that by His atoning work on the Cross and go back to the fellowship of His heavenly Father. Jesus knew the boundary of time and circumstances and submitted Himself to the interruptions and interludes of life.

What application can we make from these truths in our own lives? I am sure that many of you, like I, can identify with interruptions and interludes. Some of you have started college and the finances are just not sufficient at the moment to finish. Perhaps a parent has gotten ill and it is up to you to care for him or her. Maybe you have finished college but you can't find a job.

Perhaps sickness has interrupted your own life and you must spend time bedridden instead of doing the job for which you were trained. Maybe you had planned to be a stay-at-home Mom now that your children have come along but circumstances have forced you for the time being to help with the family income by working outside the home in your little vineyard (Prov. 31:16). Maybe you are the other mother who had trained and planned for a career only to find you must remain at home and do the work for which you had never planned.

Maybe you were very happy in a ministry at your church and circumstances have forced you into a situation where you feel you may never minister again. Maybe as a wife who supports her husband, your life has been interrupted by a job change for him and now you must be the one to leave family, home, friends, church or position to go where he goes - perhaps to face many days and nights alone. The situations can be endless and I think all of us can say that at some point we have faced these interruptions or interludes in our lives. What can we learn from Jesus about how to respond to them?

First, like Jesus, we should recognize the importance of the WORD of God and give it priority in our lives. We should both learn it and communicate it to others. We also should seek to do the WORKS of God and not our own works. We should desire the WILL of God above our own will. And, we must submit to the TIMING of GOD for our lives. If for a time, like Jesus we have to journey into Egypt, then let us wait for His word telling us when it is time to return. If we feel the call of God to ministry and long to be "in the Temple" learning and asking questions and going about our Father's business, but find we must submit to some higher authority, let us do so with patience and faith that God will bring about His will for us in His time.

If we long to stay in prayer but the baby cries or a loved one is in need, answer the call and resume to prayer as you can. Find His Will in His Word and continue to move toward that Will with resolve even if for a time, there are interruptions and interludes. And, trust that God has a Good purpose in all the interruptions and interludes of life. Remember that Jesus has passed this way already and above all He is a compassionate and merciful High Priest and when it comes to the interruptions and interludes of life - He can have compassion on the weak and is able to give aid to the needy. Look to Him - trust Him - and commit your way unto Him, He will bring it to pass - IN HIS TIME.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN PROVISION

PROVISION: Have you ever been in real need? I was not raised in a wealthy home but I can say that everything we needed physically was provided. We may not have had all our wants, but we did have food, water, clothing, housing and an education. While there are segments of the American population who perhaps suffer in poverty, most of us do not really know what it is to experience real need. What is the real need for the life of a body? It is basically two things - food and water.

I introduce the blog this way to help us think about Boaz's provision for Ruth. What was that provision? Boaz first provided a field for Ruth to glean - to gather the necessary grain for making food. In Ruth Chapter 2:8, Boaz encourages Ruth to remain in his field only and to continue to work beside his workers. He provided permanent employment.

Not only was Ruth's employment permanent but it was abundant in its wages. Boaz commands his servants to allow Ruth to glean or reap even among the sheaves and not to insult her for doing so. Why would he say that? In the last post we contrasted law and grace and in Ruth 2:15-16 we see a further contrast. The law said that the strangers were to reap the outer portions of the field and to leave what had fallen for the poor and needy (Leviticus 19:9-16). Gleaning among the sheaves was left for the owner only. In Ruth chapter 2, Boaz tells his servants to allow some of the harvest to fall for her on purpose. As we see from that law in Leviticus, anything that had fallen to the ground was to be allowed to be gleaned by the stranger. Boaz is providing for Ruth lavishly and abundantly. He is allowing her to reap the most she can according to her ability and even more than her ability.

Boaz not only provided a field of permanent work and abundant wages - he also provided water for her thirsty need. The work Ruth was doing was hard and it was dry and hot. Boaz knew she would need water to quench her thirst. He tells her in 2:8, When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw. He not only provided the water but he provided that which his servants had already drawn from the well. That was one less chore Ruth had to do and she was able to quench her thirst from the water already drawn. Boaz's grace is abundant toward her and she is humbled and thankful for it.

The provision of Boaz continues to be shown by his desire for communion or fellowship with Ruth in chapter 2:14, "Come here, that you may eat bread.." The invitation to a meal was not only to share in the host's provisions but it was to enjoy fellowship with those invited. Boaz invites her to eat with him and then provides the very food for her to eat. He not only provides it but the text says that he served her the roasted grain. He prepared and served her lunch. No wonder Ruth is in such awe of Boaz whom she is coming to know as a gracious and generous man.

Ruth is also gracious, for we are told from those verses that after she had eaten and was satisfied that she kept some of the food back. She was not a glutton. Even though there was plenty of food - she stopped when she was satisfied. She also kept what was left over for a very good reason. The rest of the chapter says that she later shares what she had left with Naomi. She not only takes what she gleaned from the field to Naomi - she also takes some of the lunch that had been prepared for her so that Naomi might enjoy the benefits of Boaz's abundance too.

This story reminds me of the incident the Apostle John gives in John chapter 4. That chapter tells of a women who is a Samaritan and like Ruth - an outcast from Israel. The Lord being hot, tired and thirsty from ministering through preaching and a long journey sat down at a well where this woman was drawing water. He had the audacity to ask for a drink from this woman. In fact she is even surprised that He, an Israelite, would ask from her, a Samaritan woman.

Jesus' response to her after she questions his intentions in talking with her is, "If you knew the GIFT of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked HIM and HE would have given you LIVING WATER." WHO is it that spoke to her and what is the GIFT he desires to give? In response to her request for that Living water, Jesus reveals her sin and confesses to her that HE is the Messiah - the One who is to come to take away the sin of the world. HE is that Living Water. The GIFT He desires to give to her is ETERNAL LIFE and she must drink of the water that HE GIVES - the water that gives life eternal. His desire is to give LIFE and to give it more abundantly.

Are you thirsty today? Have you been drinking from the fountains of this world - The fountain of education, popularity, success, money, entertainment - even family? Have those fountains left you empty and dying of thirst? Have you found them to be dry and not life giving but life taking? Jesus longs to give you that Water of LIFE which only HE can give. Come to Him, ask from Him. It is His desire to fill you and to satisfy you with Living water - the water that gives LIFE ETERNAL and LIFE ABUNDANT. Do you know Who He is? He is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world - He is the Water of Life. Do you know the GIFT of GOD? It is Eternal Life and it is found only in HIM. Now that you know HIM and the GIFT He longs to give, ASK from Him. His promise is that HE will give it to you.

Ruth and the Samaritan woman are alike in another point. Ruth took her provisions and shared them with Naomi. In this chapter of John, we see that the woman at the well also takes what she has learned of Christ and shares that knowledge to the town of Samaria. This causes a whole town to come and hear Him themselves and to drink of His Living Water. This situation launches a discussion from his disciples about his actions - which they question. They think that perhaps he just needs to eat some food. The Lord's response is that He has food to eat that they don't know about and eventually has to explain to them that his food (or true satisfaction) is doing the will of His Father in Heaven.

In the rest of John chapter 4, Jesus begins to talk to His disciples about the harvest and the reaping that needs to be done. He tells them to pray that the LORD of the harvest will send for reapers into HIS fields for they are ready for harvesting. Much like the time of Ruth - it is the barley harvest season - only the harvest that Jesus longs for is the harvest of HIS PEOPLE into His Kingdom. Have you entered that harvest? Are you praying for the Lord to SEND those reapers? Each of us has his or her duty to either go, pray or send. What can we do to see that the harvest is reaped and Christ's barns are full of grain for bread?

In the next few chapters of John, Jesus talks about the importance of BREAD and just as He reveals Himself to be the WATER of LIFE - He now reveals HIMSELF as the BREAD OF LIFE. He tells them that just as we must ask and drink of the WATER OF LIFE, we must also ask and EAT of the BREAD of LIFE. As explained in the opening of the blog, the great need for physical life is water and bread (food). So, also, the two great needs for Spiritual life or Life ETERNAL is the WATER of LIFE and the BREAD of LIFE. They are Christ Jesus Himself - he says, I AM THE LIVING WATER and I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. He invites you as Boaz did Ruth to COME and drink of the WATER that HE gives and to eat of the BREAD that He provides. Do you see your need? Do you know yourself to be a sinner and HE the Savior that was to come to take away the sin of the world? IF so, He offers you that WATER and that BREAD of eternal life and bids you DRINK and EAT.

If you have drank of this WATER and eaten of this BREAD - don't be "stingy" with what HE has given. Like Ruth - take that which was given you to others who are in need also. Like the woman at the well - GO - TELL others about this ONE who has told you all that you ever did and say, "IS THIS NOT THE CHRIST?" Give to others the WATER and BREAD of LIFE and become a reaper in the LORD'S harvest. Remember that sometimes the work is hard and hot and you need to sit by the reapers and drink of that water too and eat of that bread as well - even as you go about your work of harvesting. May the LORD PROVIDE you with abundant WAGES as you go, tell and share.

Hark! The voice of Jesus crying,

who will go and work today?

Fields are white, and harvests waiting;

Who will bear the sheaves away?

Loud and long the Master calls,

Rich reward He offers free:

Who will answer, gladly saying,

"Here am I, send me, send me!"

If you cannot be a watchman,

Standing high on Zion's wall,

Pointing out the path to heaven,

Offering life and peace to all,

With your prayers and with your bounties

You can do what God commands;

You can be like faithful Aaron,

Holding up the prophets hands.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN LAW AND GRACE

LAW VS GRACE: Have you ever heard or said, "Laws were made to be broken"? Well, that statement is false. Actually, laws are made to be kept. There are reasons for making them and consequences in breaking them. If you have ever gotten a speeding ticket, you know the consequences for breaking the speed limit set for a certain highway. In fact, I paid a heavy consequence for breaking the speed limit while driving back from Texas a few years ago. While it sounds like freedom to say, "laws are made to be broken", breaking them brings bondage - not freedom.

What could broken laws possibly have to do with the story of Ruth and Boaz? The book of Deuteronomy is the second giving of the Law of Moses from God to the nation of Israel. One of those laws stated in Deut. 23:3 is: An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of the LORD: even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the LORD forever. The chapter continues to give us the reason why. For now, it is enough for us to know that Ruth was a descendant of Moab and by law had no right to enter the assembly of Israel. Some feel that at the time of the events in the book of Ruth, the tenth generation of the Moabites had been reached. We do not know that for sure, but we know that there was a law that no Moabite could enter its assembly. How then could Ruth become a part of Israel?

Ruth entered the blessings of Abraham by faith in the God of Abraham through the grace of God. When she left Naomi to find work Ruth made the statement that her need was to find favor or GRACE from one of the field owners. Boaz favored her in giving her a place to work but he also favored her by offering her provision and protection. By the grace of Boaz, Ruth entered into the riches of Boaz. As we will eventually see, that grace was bestowed because of the love of Boaz.

What a picture of the Gospel is this second chapter of Ruth! There is a law that keeps all of mankind from the riches of God. That law states, "the soul that sins shall die". Since all have sinned, all have died spiritually and will die physically one day. We are like Ruth - without hope and without God. How can we possibly approach a holy God since we too are aliens from the commonwealth of Israel? (Eph. 2:11-12) The only way is by GRACE.

The pictures of grace are numerous in God's word and in the lives of His people. I love the story of Esther when she desired to approach the king in her need to save her people. There was a problem, however, in approaching the king. That problem was a law of the Medes and Persians that said that no one could come into the presence of the king that had not been called except the one upon whom the king FAVORED or showed GRACE by holding out the golden scepter. That scepter was held out to Esther and she found grace to help in her time of need. (Esther 5:2-3).

The life of David is filled with examples of the grace of God both to him and from him. Mephiboseth, the grandson of Saul, had fled in the day that Saul and Johnathan were killed for Saul's rebellion against God. But, because of his love for Jonathan, David desired to show "KINDNESS" or "GRACE" to anyone left of the family of Johnathan. We are told that David sent for Mephibosheth, restored to him all that he had lost and treated him as one of his own sons. What was Mephibosheth's response? He said, "What is your servant that you should regard a dead dog like me?" Mephibosheth knew that he had no right to the goodness of David - but out of love to Johnathan and now Mephibosheth, David showed the kindness and grace of God to him.

Grace has been defined as "favor bestowed on someone who does not deserve it and can not earn it." The responses of people to undeserved kindness to them says a lot about them. What was Ruth's response to the grace of Boaz? She says, "Why have I found favor (grace) in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" (Ruth 2:10) "I have found favor (grace) in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants". Ruth was overwhelmed or surprised by GRACE! She was also humbled by that grace for she knew that it was undeserved and unearned.

How would it have looked if Ruth had proudly said, "Well, Boaz, it is about time you took notice of ME - I have been working in this field all day and I deserve this payment and this attention." No - Ruth knew better! She knew she deserved nothing from Boaz. By law, she was "shut out" of the blessings of Abraham. She neither deserved it nor earned it. Even her ability to work in his field was a gift from Boaz and Ruth knew that! She was both humbled and thankful for the grace of Boaz.

I have often wondered if in after years - after the stress of time and family - Ruth began to think she "deserved" anything from Boaz? Perhaps she could have said, "I have born him this child (or children as the case may have been), I have taken care of his house, labored in his field and while our relationship may have begun in grace, I have certainly added to it by my works". The reason I ask that is because, many times (to our shame), I think we Believers begin to think that way about the grace of God. After becoming His servant and working in His field, do we feel that God is "obligated" to us in any way? The Apostle Paul said that even the "ability to be a servant was by the GRACE of God" - it is His gift. (I Cor. 3:10,) and as with Boaz, it is His field in which we serve. God never OWES anyone anything but He certainly loves to GRACE His people with everything, even the ability to serve Him and then to one day reward them for the very service with which He gives them. What a GRACIOUS GOD we serve.

I am sure that if Ruth ever began to think that way, God brought back to her memory her time in Moab, her long journey back with Naomi and the hunger she felt as she left Naomi that day to go out and try to find work to provide for herself and Naomi. And, I am quite sure that He reminded her of the fact that HE provided for them in giving them Boaz and all the riches that came with him. This was enough to keep her humble and grateful both to Boaz and to the God of Boaz and now her God too.

How is it with you? Have you come to experience the Grace of God in Christ Jesus? Ephesians 2:8-9 says, By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,it is the GIFT of God, not as a result of works, that no one should boast. If you have come to experience this grace, how has it been with you in after years? Have you served Him faithfully for years? Have you began to think that the blessings of God are "deserved" because although you began in Grace, you are being perfected by your works? If that is the case, maybe it is time to remember all that God has done for you instead of all that you have done for God. Remember where you came from and where you could have been had not God revealed Himself and His GRACE to you. Maybe it is time to "humble yourself" once again under the mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you at the right time. Maybe it is time to ask again as Mephibosheth did, "What is your servant that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am," or as Ruth, who said, "Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" Remember, as the Apostle Peter said, in 2 Peter 3:18, to Grow in GRACE and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To HIM be glory both now and to the day of eternity.

Amazing GRACE! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretched like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Twas GRACE that taught my heart to fear
And GRACE my fears relieved.
How precious did that GRACE appear
The hour I first believed!

The LORD has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures,
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

John Newton

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE: Have you ever had something happen in your life that was just unexplainable? I think almost everyone can testify to that fact. What did you attribute to the event? Did you call it fate? Perhaps you said, "it was just MEANT to be". Maybe you just thought you were "lucky". If it was a bad circumstance, perhaps you thought you were "unlucky". When we read Ruth chapter 2 we have to ask the question, "what is the cause of the unexplainable circumstances in the lives of Ruth and Naomi?" I think there is a better explanation than "luck" or "fate". I believe the best explanation is the providence of God.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word providence? Some love that word and some hate it. It has been the cause for many theological debates over the centuries. One thing we cannot argue is the fact that God's providence is seen throughout the Bible. Can there be any benefit to us in knowing the providence of God? As we read further in Ruth chapter 2, Naomi and Ruth will help us see its importance.

Providence has been given many - some lengthy - meanings. I'll just provide a few. "God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny." (Webster) "Providence is that continuous agency of God by which He makes all events of the physical and moral universe fulfill the original design with which HE created it." (Dr. Strong) One of my favorite explanations is by Dr. J. V. McGee, "Providence is the hand of God in the glove of history".

Many expositors of Ruth have made providence the theme of the book. John Piper entitled one of his writings on Ruth as, A Sweet and Bitter Providence. Mike Black, a frequent teacher at Believer's Chapel in Dallas has given Ruth chapter 2 the heading, Chance, Choice or Providence? In his teaching he makes the point that the events in the lives of God's people either happen as a result of chance, choice or providence. In one sense chance and time happen to all as Ecclesiastes 9:11 tell us. Any of us at any given moment can be the subject of a "chance" meeting or event.

Concerning choice, Mr. Black says, "the choices we make, make us." Our choices are important. There is however, a great deal in our lives that is unexplainable by either choice or chance. If the events of our lives are by chance, why were we the ones in that car wreck instead of someone else or vice versa? If the events be by choice, what choice did we really have as to the place, time and family in which we were born? Could or would we make better or worse choices depending on these events? What advantage would the one born and living in a highly educated land have over one born in the jungles of Papua New Guinea as far as choosing a Med-School or Law School degree - or even the income to provide for one. Whose "choice" could be praised for that? There must be a better explanation. I believe that this little story of Ruth lets us see the other side of chance and choice. Ruth shows us the God of providence working out His plan for these two widows, for their kinsman redeemer and for God's purpose for the ages.

God's purpose for the ages is to glorify Himself through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. His glorification is seen in the Redemption of believers to Himself as we mentioned last time. It also includes the setting up of God's Kingdom. Scripture makes mention of that Kingdom again and again. We are even encouraged to pray for it. (Matthew 6:10). In fact if you own a Bible concordance, it would be worth it to look up the name Kingdom and see how many times it is mentioned. Perhaps in your reading, you could start taking note of the mention of the Kingdom of God.

In order to set up a kingdom, there must be a king. Besides all its applications for life, marriage, love, chastisement, employment, death, the character of God's people and His care for the widows and poor, the little book of Ruth is written as a precursor to the coming King and His Kingdom. This King would not only rule over the nation of Israel but in the hearts of God's people - not only for time, but for eternity. In order for there to be a King there must be a birth and in order to have a birth there must be the coming together of a man and a woman. This second chapter of Ruth shows us that first meeting of the man and woman who will give birth to the line of the coming king of Israel. This earthly king will be in the genealogy of the coming King of all, the LORD Jesus Christ. Would anyone venture to think that this meeting was just a chance?

After returning to Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth sees the need of providing food for herself and her mother-in-law. In this chapter of Ruth we see the everyday events of life meeting the eternal purpose of God. Ruth asks and is encouraged by Naomi to go into a field to work. Chapter 2:3 says, So she departed and went and gleaned in a field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. From the human standpoint, Ruth just happened to come to that field - but, there is another side of this event. That is God's side.

The book of Ephesians 1:11 says that we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to HIS purpose who works ALL things after the counsel of His will.
Someone has said that "predestination is His plan and providence is the working out of that plan". We read that God has planned a Kingdom and in the book of Ruth we can see Him working out that plan. Proverbs 16:9 says, The mind of a man plans his way but the LORD DIRECTS his steps. The psalmist also speaks of the steps of a righteous man in Psalm 37:23, The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the LORD. The Gospels tell us that a sparrow does not fall nor do we lose a hair on our heads that is not known to our Heavenly Father. There are literally hundreds of Scripture references to the fact that God's hand is in the glove of man's "happenings". He orders, purposes and predestines all things according to HIS will which He brings about in His providence.

This does not mean that God is the author of sin. James tells us that God neither tempts man with nor is tempted to sin. Sin happens because we do not yield to the rule of the One who is to be King in our lives. God can and does use sin for His Glory and our good. The best example of this is of Joseph who was sold by his brothers into slavery and later makes this statement to them, Do not be angry with yourselves, you meant evil against me but GOD meant it for good. (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph then goes on to tell his brothers who had sinned against him that he is going to provide for them. How could he be so kind to his brothers after they had treated him so horribly? The reason is because he recognized the PROVIDENCE of God in the events of his life, even in the sinful ones. God was going to bring good out of evil and HE is the only One who can do that. The highest example of this being Our LORD Jesus on the cross when we hear him cry in Luke 23:34, Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing. In His humanity, how was Jesus able to say this? It was because He had previously prayed, Father, if it be possible let this cup (the cup of suffering and death, separation from His Father for the first time in all eternity) - let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not MY WILL, by Your will be done. (Matthew 26:39). He recognized the PROVIDENCE of God in His life - even at the Cross.

Here too, in Ruth chapter 2: 3-7 the events unfolding before us are not just chance but PROVIDENCE. We see the providence of God in bringing Ruth to just the right field in which to work and at just the right time. We are not told from the human standpoint how she chose that field. Perhaps she had asked around as to who was the best and kindest field owner who might show her grace, favor and employment. Perhaps, as she passed she saw many other women gleaning and the fruitful baskets they were filling. Perhaps, she just had a desire to turn into that field. We are not told, but we do know that "God was directing her steps" as to place and time.

We see also that God was directing the steps of Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, as to place and time. We read that he actually had been in the town of Bethlehem but for some reason he decided to make a visit to his field - just at the right time to see Ruth! We see God working in bringing this woman to this man and this man to this woman for His eternal purpose. He is using the everyday events to bring about His eternal purposes.

God is doing the same thing with the events in your life. Each of us daily have events in our lives that to us just seem to "happen". Perhaps they are just ordinary events of life - like working in a field, going to the grocery, chauffeuring your children from school and back. Later we look back and realize that there was more meaning in that "happening" than can be explained by chance. Have you not found that to be true in you life? Perhaps we don't even know for years or may not know until eternity exactly how God is going to use that seemingly insignificant event in our lives for His eternal purpose.

God is not indifferent to the"'happenings" in your life? There may even be hard events - sad ones - disappointing ones at times, but even in those hard times God is "directing your steps" for His Glory and your good as He did in the lives of Joseph and his brothers. Are you anxious about your circumstances? Has someone sinned against you and you just cannot forgive? Perhaps you have sinned against someone else and find it hard to forgive yourself. Remember the words of Joseph - "don't be angry with yourselves, you meant it for evil but GOD meant it for good". Our peace comes in recognizing that "God MEANT IT" and in submission to HIM as KING - saying, "not my will but yours be done." We can rest only as we realize that God has a purpose in it all. As Charles Swindoll has said, "Our peace comes in resting in God's providence not resisting it."

For those who belong to Him, His purpose is for their good and His glory. Who knows what events will unfold in your life today that will have a far reaching eternal value for you and for others and ultimately for the Glory of God. God calls you to be faithful in the everyday events and duties of life. We may not know what eternal purpose He has for them. Ruth and Boaz did not know when they met that they would give birth to a child who would be in the line of the great king of Israel. In fact, at the time of their meeting, there was NO KING in Israel. So, believe that God has a purpose in the events in your daily life, even if they seem insignificant or hard. Trust Him today - submit to HIS RULE - HIS KINGDOM in you life. He is a KING, but a kind, benevolent King, who has loved you enough to die for YOU and to "order all your steps". Put your TRUST in HIM!

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea;
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright design
and works His sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break

in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But, trust Him for His grace,
Behind a frowning PROVIDENCE
He hides a smiling face.

William Cowper

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN RENEWED HOPE

HOPE: Have you ever lost hope? The book of Proverbs 13:12 says,"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life". Hope has been described as "confident expectation." We might say this was Naomi's attitude on her wedding day. Her expectations for the future were bright, confident and hopeful. But, a lot has happened since then and - as we have seen in the last few posts - Naomi's hope has certainly been deferred and her heart made sick.

Naomi gives us a hint of her deferred hope in Ruth 1:12-13 when she urges her daughters-in-law to return back from following her. She says, "I am too old to have a husband. If I should say that I have hope that tonight I would have a husband and give birth to sons, would you wait for them until they are grown? Would you keep yourselves from having husbands until then? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me." We can all feel the lost hope in Naomi in this chapter as she expresses her grief.

People however, cannot live without hope. Lost hope makes the heart sick as well as the countenance sad. This is perhaps one of the reasons hope is mentioned so often in the Scriptures. Paul said that the three things that would remain are faith, hope and love (First Corinthians 13:13) - and while love may be the greatest, hope is certainly one of the three important things. He also tells us in Romans 15:4 that, "whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." Paul ends this chapter by saying in verse 13, "now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." It is the LORD'S will that His people abound in hope.

There are times however, in our lives when that hope is deferred - just like it was in the life of Naomi - and we must pass though great affliction. But, hope deferred is not hope denied. It can be renewed! And, as we read the story of Naomi, we see her hope renewed in Ruth Chapter 2, by the introduction of the near relative or kinsman redeemer.

This is where all true hope (or true expectation) is renewed - by the introduction of the One who loved us and gave His life for us - our Kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was our kinsman in that He was made flesh (like us) and for us. He took upon himself the form of a man (human) and lived among us. He was tempted with our sins (yet without sinning himself). He is also well acquainted with our sorrows and can be touched with the feelings of our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus understands our situations and is compassionate toward them. But, as a Kinsman Redeemer, He not only understands and is compassionate, He is also ABLE to alter the situation and work on our behalf. As our Kinsman, He is able to help us by being related to us, but as our Redeemer, He is able to help us by power and by purchase.

These two women had lost everything, even the power to make a living or provide for their necessary daily food. They needed help, favor and provision. They also needed someone who could "buy back" or redeem that which Naomi had lost during the long years she had wandered from her God and from the land of blessing. They needed a kinsman redeemer. In Ruth Chapter 2, they are introduced to one who is able to alter their situation. We will see the character of this near relative unfold for us in the posts to come but for now let us dwell on the hope that is renewed for them.

Naomi's hope was being renewed by the gift of Ruth and Ruth's willingness to find work to provide food for them. She says to Naomi, "let me go and glean among the ears of grain in a field of an owner in whose sight I may find favor" (or grace). We could expound for hours on the character of Ruth shown in her willingness to help Naomi instead of seeking a husband for herself, or pursuing her own desires and aspirations. Truly, Ruth's "faith is being shown by her works" (James 2:21-26). She had formerly turned to God from idols to worship Him and she now serves Him by her service to others, specifically, her mother-in-law. Surely, Naomi is beginning to see what a blessing God has provided for her in giving her Ruth, as she had earlier seen His blessing to her in His providence by returning her to the land during the abundant harvest of barley.

The hope for Ruth is being renewed by the fact that the LORD had provided a way for the poor and the stranger to be cared for in Israel - and Ruth is both poor and a stranger. According to Leviticus 19:9-11, 33-37, the LORD had told his people that when they reaped their harvest they were not to glean all the grain but leave the corners of the fields and leave the fallen fruit that fell on its own for the poor and the stranger to come and glean. The poor and the stranger were to be provided for by God's people but they were to be industrious enough to work for it. And, we see this willingness in Ruth. She does not sit down in despair or give up in discouragement. She seeks active work to provide for herself and Naomi.

Perhaps the blessings of God are bringing renewed hope to Naomi and she is being reminded of the greatness and goodness of her God as she watches the events unfold around her. Hope is springing up in her again and she is only too happy now to help Ruth in a quest that Ruth does not even understand but which will unfold in the chapters to come. As we look at these two women, it is heartwarming to see the care each one has for the other - Ruth, as she seeks work to provide for each of them, and Naomi, as she encourages and later instructs Ruth in the things of God and the customs of His people. In it all however, the biggest surprise will be for Naomi.

Maybe it would have been wonderful for Naomi to have had that little house in the subdivision of Bethlehem; for her two sons to have lived, married Jewish women who would have born children and grandchildren. And, no doubt, it would have been wonderful for her to have grown old and enjoy a full life with Elimelech. But as we will see, God had a greater plan and though He had to defer her hope, He will not only renew and restore but eventually reward that hope to be far greater than her expectations on her wedding day.

Where are you today? Is your hope deferred? Is your heart sick? Is your countenance sad? Maybe the hopes of your wedding day have been altered or the plans after your graduation did not come to fruition, but as you lay them at the feet of Jesus, he is able and willing to renew those hopes and to do far more for you than you can ever imagine.

According to the words of the Apostle Paul, it is the LORD'S desire that you be filled with hope. That hope begins with the introduction of your Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ. See His willingness to be made like you in becoming human; to leave all by leaving the fellowship of a loving Heavenly Father and to spend all to purchase you back for Himself. Look at the blessings He has provided for you in caring for your everyday needs and even providing many of your desires.

So put your hope in HIM today. Believe He is both willing and able to renew you and your hope. Trust him for your present and your future. He is proving faithful in the life of Naomi - and he will prove faithful in your life. "Oh, Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is loving kindness, and with Him is abundant REDEMPTION. And, He will REDEEM Israel from all his iniquities." (Psalm 130:7-8). He will redeem you today as you place your trust in HIM. Put your HOPE in HIM alone.

My Hope is in the LORD who gave Himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.
For me He died, for me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN BITTERNESS

BITTERNESS: Have you ever felt that emotion? Webster describes bitterness as expressive of severe pain, grief or regret. If we have lived any significant amount of time at all, especially to the age Naomi was during this narrative, who of us cannot say that at some point in our lives we have not experienced bitterness.

In Ruth 1:19-22, Naomi has now returned to the land of blessing and is greeted by the women of the town with awe at her change. In fact she had changed so much that they question whether it is even Naomi at all. They were asking, "Is this Naomi"? Surely, you have had this experience. Someone moves away and returns after many years and you hardly recognize them. Just ask anyone who has attended their fortieth or fiftieth high school reunion. We don't know exactly what age Naomi was when she left Bethlehem but even if she was entering early middle age, there would still be a significant change in her appearance in ten years, especially in the days in which Naomi lived. She did not have all the scientific advances toward youth and beauty that the modern world has.

But, Naomi's change was not just outward. Her change was not just from middle to old age. Her change was a change in the soul. As she expresses it herself, it was a change from "full to empty", from "pleasant to bitter". Her change was truly that of pain, grief and regret; pain in her present circumstances, grief at all her loss and regret for leaving the land of promised blessing and trusting in the provision of another land. And, she could not see past her grief to the providence of God working for her.

Naomi tells the women who question if it is really her in Ruth 1:19-22, "Don't call me Naomi", meaning pleasant, "but call me Mara", meaning bitter. Then she continues to say, "I went out full". Here she admits that she (of course along with her husband and sons) went out and yet she goes on to say, "and the LORD has brought me home again". She confesses her own wrong turn in going out from the land of promise, but recognizes the providence of God in bringing her home again.

The LORD knows His sheep and calls them back to Him when they wander from him. There is a marvelous verse in the life of David from 2 Samuel 14:13-14 when he expelled his son, Absalom, from him and would not restore fellowship. A wise woman was told by Joab to speak to David about the situation in order to bring Absalom back. In her argument, the woman said to David, "Does God take away a life? Instead he devises ways (or means) in bringing his banished ones back to Him." Did you know that He has devised the greatest means of all in bringing back his banished ones to Him? That means is the way of the Cross of Calvary. We can come back by way of repentance and faith in the work of the Son of God for our salvation. Have you experienced that? Have you, as a lost sinner, come back to God by way of Christ Jesus' death for you on the cross? If not, my prayer is that you will come to Him now.

Back to Him was the phase that Naomi used, "The LORD has brought me back home". She does give the Glory to God for bringing her back. But, in her grief and bitterness, she makes the statement that He has brought her back again empty. Grief, bitterness and pain blind us to the real working of God. In Naomi's grief and bitterness she could not yet see that God had not brought her back again empty. She may have lost her husband and sons but God had brought her back with a companion who would prove to be better to her than ten sons. Although, she is unable for now to see God's working or to even be thankful that He has provided her a companion and loved one in Ruth. God understands and is well acquainted with our griefs. He does not ridicule, chide or blame us for our tears and sorrow. He is patient with us and allows sorrow and grief to have it's perfect work. We need to have the same patience with others in their griefs and sorrows.

Maybe you are in bitterness today for whatever reason and you cannot see God's provision for you because of your grief and pain. But, know this, that if you are His, you have the assurance that He is working for you, that he is working all things for your good. (Rom. 8:28). Yes, you may hurt, you may have to experience the bitter trial of pain and suffering, perhaps even as a chastisement for your own sin. But, remember His pain and suffering for you. He too experienced sorrow to bring you to God. God was not only devising means to bring back Naomi to the land of blessing, but through her suffering he was devising means to bring Ruth to Himself and to do a far greater and eternal work in, through and for both of these widowed, sorrowful women. Who can tell what eternal purpose God may have for your suffering and grief today?

No, Naomi did not come back empty. God never brings back his people empty. He has far greater blessings for us than we can ever imagine. In fact the last verse gives us a hint of those blessings in the life of Naomi and Ruth. It says, "Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. When Naomi left, she left during a famine. Now that she returns, she returns to a feast of barley. If she could have seen through her grief and bitterness, she would have seen the great blessings of God in giving her Ruth and in bringing her back not to a famine but a feast. Will she see that in the weeks to come? Will her "hope deferred" be turned in to "hope renewed"?

How about you? Are you having a hard time seeing the providence of God in your life? Has your hope been deferred because of losses and crosses? Are your eyes blinded by grief, sorrow and pain? Know that you are not the only one to have passed this way and know too, that God has devised means to bring you back to Him and back to the blessings He has in store for you. Look to Him today, look beyond your bitterness, beyond your grief to His goodness. See the people and things that He has placed around you today and know that He has a good purpose for it all. And, hopefully, your "mara" (bitterness) will soon be turned into "Naomi" (pleasantness). And, God will bless your trials to His Glory and your good.

Be still my soul; the Lord is on your side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain,

Leave to your God to order and provide:

In every CHANGE He faithful will remain.

Be still my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend,

Through thorny ways leads to a JOYFUL end.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN TURNING, RETURNING AND FOLLOWING

TURNING AROUND: Have you ever been driving along merrily thinking all was well and that you were following the right road only to realize that you were lost? I think most of us can relate to that situation. How we handle it may be a little different in each case. For example, I am prone to immediately turn around and follow the exact path back until I recognize where I went wrong. My husband on the other hand seems to enjoy the adventure and will simply take another turn winding his way discovering new things along the way but somehow miraculously finding his way to the appointed place.

One of the things we discovered about Naomi was that she realized she was in the wrong place. Somewhere she and her family had taken a wrong turn in the will of God and she realizes that she must return or go back in order to enjoy the promised blessings of God.

This was not uncommon for the people of God in the Bible. In fact one of the reasons God sent his prophets was to turn the people back to him when they had turned away. The book of Hosea plus many of the other prophets are filled with pleadings to return to the LORD. "Come, and let us return unto the LORD; for He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us, He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day. (Hosea 6:1-2) Also, in Hosea 14:1, he pleads with them, "Return, O Israel to the LORD your God...take with you words and turn to the LORD". The LORD'S promise for their returning was that of revival and blessing. Naomi in Ruth chapter one has realized that her first step was to return to the LORD and to the land of His promises. Where are you today? Are you on the wrong road perhaps merrily driving along thinking all is well only to realize that somewhere, you have taken a wrong turn and you are lost? If that is the case with you, you have only one turn to make. That turn is toward the LORD. He will lead you to the place He wants you to be.

Having made the decision to return, Naomi finds a companion in Ruth who has also made a decision. Ruth's decision was not to return but to turn in the first place. She had never know the true God of Israel nor the blessings He had promised His people. Hers was a first step of turning toward God. But, in order to do that, she realized that she also had to turn from something. In First Thessalonians the Apostle Paul comments concerning the Thessalonians when he had preached to them the Gospel that they had turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." (I Thess. 1:9) Ruth must not only turn to God but she must turn from her gods, her idols.

When Naomi was instructing both Ruth and Orpah concerning their following her, she told them to return to their home and their family. Orpah did turn back and we are told that she turned back to her people and her gods. This was the true test for both of the daughters-in-law. To what God and to what people will they now turn.

Ruth's reply is astonishing and heroic for she said, "do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you: for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your PEOPLE shall be my PEOPLE and your GOD, my GOD!" Her response to Naomi is a revelation of her true conversion. She now casts her lot in with the people of God and worships the true God of Israel. She turned from idols to serve the true and living God.

It was however, not enough for her to turn, she must also follow. In those verses from Hosea chapter six, after urging them to return, Hosea goes on to say in verse three, "then shall we know, if we FOLLOW on to know the LORD.." (KJV). The (NASB) translates it, "So, let us know, let us press on to know the LORD." This was the constant cry of the LORD Jesus after winning his disciples, "FOLLOW ME", "LEARN FROM ME". It is not enough to turn from idols, not enough to just turn to the true God, we must follow on to know the LORD. How is it with you? Even if you have realized that you must return to the LORD or perhaps you have realized that you must turn in the first place from your idols to serve the true and living God, have you also "followed on" to know Him? We cannot serve Him rightly if we do not know Him correctly.

Ruth followed on with Naomi to learn more of the true and living God, not expecting anything but suffering and sorrow. But, she was willing to take up that cross and follow on to know Him better. What would be her outcome? Would she experience the same thing that the LORD Jesus told his disciples when He said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for MY SAKE, and for the GOSPEL'S sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions, and in the age to come, eternal life". It will be exciting to see how the LORD repaid Ruth's decision to "lose all for His sake" and to follow on to know Him.

It seems we have three decisions to choose from, to return, to turn and to follow on to know HIM better. Turn to Him if you have never truly placed your faith in Him. This means you must turn from your own idols to serve Him. You may even have to leave the companionship of many whom you love, perhaps houses, lands or friends, only to receive a hundred fold now and eventually, eternal life".

Perhaps you need to return to Him after following a wrong path. As Hosea said, "take with you words, say to Him, "Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously...", (Hosea 14:2). His promise is that, "I will heal their apostasy, I will love them FREELY" (Hosea 14:4).

And, the third choice is to follow on to know the LORD. What are you doing today to know HIM better? There is only one way to know Him, that is through His revelation of Himself through His Word by His Holy Spirit. Are you looking there? Are you following Him in His Word and coming to know Him better? Turn, return and follow on to know HIM!!! For, "those who live in His shadow will again raise grain, and they will blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I (the LORD) who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; From ME comes your FRUIT. " (Hosea 14:8). Will Naomi and Ruth once again be fruitful in the land? We will see as the weeks go by but for now, may you be fruitful in the knowledge of Him as you turn, return and follow Him today.

Your way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be!
Lead me by your own hand, choose out the path for me;
Smooth let it be or rough, it will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it leads right onward to your rest.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN FAITH,LOVE AND REASON

FAITH & LOVE VS REASON: Have you ever done anything that seemed unreasonable? You tried to weigh all the options for a wise and logical decision but faith and love led in an opposite direction. Are faith and love logical? While God gives us wisdom to make the best decisions possible based upon the information before us, sometimes decisions are made that just don't make sense. On a recent radio program of Discover the Word, Haddon Robinson made the point concerning Ruth's decision to follow Naomi that she acted in an unreasonable or illogical way. The quote was given by Pascal that, "Love has reasons that reason cannot reason". Some have said that the quote is really stated, "Love has reasons that reason cannot understand". Either way, love and reason seem to sometimes be in conflict.

I remember when my daughter first met her husband and how she assessed every logical reason why she should not date him and then later why she should not marry him, but love won the day and all reason was left behind. Now after almost six years of marriage and two beautiful daughters, she confesses that marrying him was the best decision she ever made!

Scripture actually gives us examples of actions that appeared unreasonable or illogical. Mary breaking the alabaster jar of precious ointment worth a year's wages just to pour on the feet of Jesus (Matthew 26:7) to some seemed unreasonable. The woman who was a sinner coming to Jesus and letting her hair down to wipe his feet in front of others (Luke 7:44) seemed unreasonable. Fishermen leaving their livelihoods to follow an itinerant preacher (Matthew 4:20-22) seemed unreasonable. A widow giving all that she had to a collection plate (Mark 12:41-44) seemed unreasonable. What would make these people act in such an illogical or unreasonable way?



It appeared unreasonable for Ruth to follow Naomi after Naomi's instruction to her and her sister-in-law in Ruth 1: 8-15. Naomi instructed them both to return to their own home for she could neither care for them nor provide them with any more husbands. Following Naomi was uncertain, dangerous and meant, more than likely, a life of loneliness, suffering and poverty.


In the last post I noted that Naomi's decision to return was based upon her remembrance of home, and the goodness of her God in restoring to the land the bread that was needed in ending the famine. Naomi knew the true God of Israel and she knew the blessings that He had promised His people in the land He had given them. In spite of Naomi's failures and probable disobedience in leaving the land, she was willing to make the long journey back and return to her God and the place of blessing.


Ruth however, was not from Bethlehem and her decision to follow Naomi would truly seem unreasonable. After watching her sister-in-law, Orpah make the decision to turn back based upon what seemed like good reasons from Naomi, what would Ruth do? Orpah's decision was based upon logic and reason and it made good sense based upon the information she was given. But, Ruth decided differently. When we look at Ruth's decision to follow Naomi we have to conclude that her decision was based upon two things, faith and love; faith in the true God of Israel and love to Naomi, her mother-in-law. These are of course two great principles of Christianity, faith in God and love to all His children.

We don't know from the human standpoint what it was that led Ruth to make a different decision. Was it the kindness of her husband and his witness in the short time they had been married? Was it the faith, love and kindness of Naomi to her and Orpah? Did Ruth see something in this family and in Naomi herself that made her want to discover the true God of Israel? We are not told the specifics but we can conclude from Scripture itself that God was working in her heart to bring her to faith in Him and to love for His people. To leave one's homeland, one's god and family was no easy thing and it was especially hard for a young widow with no promise of a future in the land she had chosen to go. But, there was something about this "goodness of God" that Naomi witnessed to that drew Ruth to Him and to His people. She was brought to faith and love by the grace of God.

What would be the outcome of her belief in the true God of Israel and love to God's people? We will see in the next few posts how God "repaid her kindness" and if she did truly enter into the blessings of Abraham. But for now, how about you? Have you come to believe in the God of Naomi, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Have you heard Jesus' call that he gave to his disciples when he said, "Come, follow me"? Are you trying to reason why you should not follow him? Are you being called to a ministry that from the human standpoint, just makes no sense logically? Is faith and love leading you opposite of sense and reason? We do need to be careful here that we are not reasoning as far as sin is concerned. Genuine faith never leads to sin but away from it. Are you being led to follow Jesus and are you willing to allow it to cost you everything? Ruth was willing to make that seemingly blind choice to get to know the true God of Israel and His goodness to his people, for after all, "love has reasons that reason cannot understand". Do you love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and all your strength? If so, then follow him where ever he leads even if it seems unreasonable!

"He always wins who sides with God-to him no chance is lost;
God's will is sweetest to him, when it triumphs at his cost.
Ill that He blesses is our good, and unblest good our ill;
And all is right that seems most wrong, if it be His sweet will."
F.W. Faber

HOMESICK, HOMECOMING AND DIVINE APPOINTMENT

HOMESICK & HOMECOMING: Have you ever been really homesick? I can remember several times especially in my youth longing for my home after being away for only a few days. It is a feeling that can literally make you sick.

We can't help but wonder if Naomi had this feeling during the long years she spent in Moab. Her homesickness must have been magnified after the deaths of her husband and sons. True, she had her daughters-in-law, but how much did they really share in her beliefs and manner of life? And, would they continue to remain faithful to her now that she tells them that she has nothing to offer them but poverty and disappointment? (Ruth 1:11-13)

The longing for home begins with the memory. It was so with the prodigal in Luke chapter 15. When he remembered the goodness of his father and had come to the end of himself, he longed to return and then decided to do so. We can't help but wonder what memories must have stirred in Naomi for her to begin the process of deciding to return to Bethlehem. Perhaps in the previous years while in Moab, the care of her home, husband and children had masked the memory of her homeland, God, and family. But now she had heard that God had visited his people and had ended their famine, giving them bread in Bethlehem, the house of bread. We might say that she had been reminded of the goodness of her Heavenly Father.

When Jesus sent messages to the seven churches of Asia in the book of Revelation, he specifically tells the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-5, that they had left their first love and told them to remember, repent, and return and then do the first works. I can't help but think that this is somewhat the process that Naomi went through. We don't know if Naomi was complicit with her husband in leaving Bethlehem or was obedient to him in following him, but now finding herself alone and in need, she remembers her homeland and she hears of the goodness of her God in giving them Bread and she longs for home.

Longing for home, however, and deciding to make the long journey back alone are two different things. Perhaps her mind was filled with the wonder of what kind of reception she would receive from her family and friends. Perhaps she was embarrassed that she and her family had left to find food and comfort in another land while her family and friends had remained to bear the toil and trial of the famine that hit that country. Perhaps she was afraid of the ridicule they would give her now that she is older and lost so much in the land in which she had formerly gone to escape. But, these thoughts must give way to the one great thought that, "God had visited his people and given them bread". Naomi could make the decision to return home based upon one thing, the GOODNESS of her God in restoring to the land the blessings he had formerly removed.

How about you today? What memories need to be stirred in you and what decisions need to be be made in your life? Have you left your first love? Have you tried to escape the trials and testings of God by choosing a place of your own to live, to serve, or to work? Have you been unfaithful to a spouse, have you neglected a child or friend? Have you forgotten the goodness of God and the truth that He longs to bless His people. The blessings of God only come in the place of God's choosing and it was Bethlehem that God had chosen to be the House of Bread, not Moab and when God restored His blessing, he restored it in the place of His choice.

Do you need to make a decision to return to God and to the place of His blessing in your life? Does your decision to return involve the thoughts that others will ridicule, neglect and shun you? Are you looking at your own abilities thinking they have dwindled over the long years that you have been away from your Heavenly Father? You will never return to the House of Bread and the place of God's promised blessing looking at others or looking at yourself including your lost abilities, failures and lost time. You will only make that decision as you remember the Goodness of your Heavenly Father. Remember the food He has and to spare. Even His servants are fed with the best of His food. How much more does He long to have his children return and receive His BREAD and his BLESSINGS. Like the prodigal's father, God waits, longing and looking for the return of the one who has left.

Returning to God starts with remembering the Goodness of God but it does not end there. The actual decision must be made to return. Naomi has made that decision in her own life, not knowing what awaits her and for now assuming that journey will be made alone. But, once the decision has been made to return to the place of God's choice she will discover that the goodness of God was not limited to her in the land of Bethlehem but that He has a "Severe Mercy", as C.S. Lewis stated it, awaiting her. She will be "Surprised by Grace." Amidst the sorrow of the death of her whole family and the loss of all things, God is working in the heart of her daughters-in-law and will also bring them to a decision. What decision will they make? And, upon what will it be made. We will discuss those questions in the next posts but for this one, the application is obvious.

Are we homesick for God, for His blessings, for His people, for the things of God in general. Are we in a "far country", a place of our own choosing instead of God's. Have we left the place of the blessings of our Heavenly Father and do we need to make the decision to return. We will not make it looking at others and fearing what they will say or do. Nor will we make it looking at ourselves and how much we have lost in the years that we have wandered from God. We will only make that decision by remembering the Goodness of our Heavenly Father. Remember Him today and His goodness to you in the past. And look at His goodness to you in the present in bringing you up to this moment in life and to this moment of decision. If you cannot remember His goodness on your own, look in his Word and see His goodness portrayed on every page of Holy Scripture and know that He longs to show that same goodness to you personally. And, as you look at Him and look to His Word, it is my prayer that your feeling of being homesick will be turned into a decision of homecoming.

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me:
See on the portals He's waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Come HOME, Come HOME;
You who are weary, come HOME;
Earnestly, Tenderly, Jesus is Calling
Calling, Oh Sinner Come HOME!!

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN DEATH AND HUMAN DISAPPOINTMENT

DEATH: How does that word affect you when you hear it? It is something we all must face. We hear it mentioned on the news, we read about it in the newspaper and we experience it with a loved one. We also know that one day whether sooner or later, we too will experience it.

My first witness of death was that of my mother. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done, even though I knew she was going to be with the Lord and was no longer going to experience the pain and suffering she had gone through most of her life. After her death, I wrote to a friend and mentor and told him that I could certainly see why the Apostle Paul called Death an enemy in First Corinthians 15:26. When my friend replied to my letter he reminded me that while death certainly is an enemy, that same chapter in Corinthians also says that it is the last enemy, it is swallowed up in victory and it is one of the things that is ours.

We cannot escape the subject of death in the bible or in life. The real question is, are we prepared for it? We know the reason for death . It entered into the world because of sin, Adam's sin. "In the day that you eat of it, you shall surely DIE", (Gen.2:17) was the command of God to Adam. We also know the result of sin and death. It is the eternal suffering and separation from God. But, the good news is that God has supplied a remedy for our death. It is in the Redeemer, the Lord Jesus, "just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of one man (Christ Jesus) many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:12 &19). The one death we can escape is the eternal death but there is only one way to escape it and that is faith in the ONE who became sin for mankind, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

We still however, must all face that physical death unless the Lord comes before then. What should our attitude be toward this death if we are Christians? One thing we learn from writers in the New Testament is that they were not afraid to talk about death and deal with it, as hard as it may be. Jesus spoke often of his suffering and death. The Apostle Paul said that he faced death daily and that for him to live was Christ but to die was gain (Philippians 1:21). Even Peter talked about the fact that his death was imminent as the Lord had shown him. (2 Peter 1:14)

In the last post I mentioned the famine that Naomi and her family faced in Bethlehem. Famine almost certainly meant death if there was no relief from it. But, as I mentioned also, the Lord had given his people a promise to "keep them alive in famine" and they were to put their trust in HIM alone. It seems, though we cannot be sure, that Elimelech took his family to a foreign land to escape the famine and death and only to live there for a short time. We know nothing about the long years they were there except that the very thing they had tried to escape, death, had found them in the very place they had tried to escape it.

Naomi is now left alone having watched her husband and only children die in a foreign land. She has lost everything. The expectations of her wedding day are shattered, her youth is gone, her family is gone, her means of income is gone. She no longer has the support and encouragement of her friends and family from the land of Bethlehem, and she is left in a foreign land with no hope, no hope that she can see anyway. It is no wonder that her cry was, "the hand of the Lord is gone out against me". But, hope deferred is not hope denied and in her grief and bitterness she was unable to see that the Lord was not against her, but FOR her. This is something that Jacob had to learn in his affliction and it is something that both David, in Psalm 56:9 and the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:31-32 assured us of, that God is FOR US.

He was FOR us when sin and death entered the world and He gave his only begotten Son to die FOR us. And, He is for us in life, for if he has done the most for us in giving His Son, will he not do the lesser in giving us all things that pertains to life? It is hard in our grief to see the hand of God in our afflictions and to fight the temptation to say, "the hand of the LORD is gone out against me", but if we are HIS, He is never against us, he is always FOR us. Even when we sin and grieve Him and his chastening must come, we are told that His chastisement is FOR us, for our good (Hebrews 12:10-11). The real question is, "are we HIS - do we belong to the ONE who is never against us, but FOR us? Have we seen Him with eyes of Faith, dying for us? Have we placed our faith and trust in his work on the cross FOR US? If so, then He is never against us in the circumstances and losses of life.

What are you facing today? Does the thought of death frighten you? First of all we must face the fact of death. We are told, "It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment, (Hebrews 9:27). That should frighten us if we do not belong to Him, but the Lord Jesus tells us that if we are His, we don't have to be afraid of death, HE has overcome it and given us victory even in death. As a Christian, it is one of the things that is ours!

But, while we live, we do face the sorrows of life, the loss of income, youth, family, friends, even our loved ones in death. How do we face these things? We grieve, yes, that is natural and normal and we should. Even Jesus in his humanity grieved over the loss of friends and the sorrows of this life because of sin and unbelief. But, we should never forget that God is not against us because of the circumstances we are facing but rather is FOR us, working all things FOR our good. Look to Him and see his hand working FOR you not against you as you face your trials. Remember that in your human disappointments, even if that disappointment is the death of a loved one, or perhaps your own coming death, that He is working His Divine Appointment and it is for your good and His glory.

We will see in the next few weeks how God worked for Naomi's (and Ruth's) good and how He reveals that He is FOR them in all of the circumstances they have had to face, including the death of their loved ones. My prayer is that you will see by faith his Hand working FOR you today and place your trust in Him.

GOD IS FOR ME, THIS I KNOW,
SO ONWARD, UPWARD WITH HIM I GO,
FACING LIFE OR FACING DEATH
HE IS FOR ME AND WORKS MY BEST.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN TRUE LOVE

TRUE LOVE: Have you experienced it? A few weeks ago when our granddaughter was visiting us she begin telling me about her week and the fact that her Papa was not the only one who went to work. Her daddy went to work and her mama sometimes went to work and when her mama went to work, her daddy took care of her and her sister. I asked her if her daddy took very good care of her while her mama was at work? She immediately and emphatically replied in a higher voice, "OH YES, MY DADDY LOVES ME"!!!!

I have loved our son-in-law from the day our family was introduced to him but that day I began to love him even more. To think that a man could instill such a confidence in a daughter's assurance of his love to her caused my heart to give thanksgiving to the LORD who created her. I couldn't help but think how it would please the LORD for his children to have that same assurance and express it with the tone of a three year old child and say to the world, "OH YES, MY DADDY LOVES ME".

One of the great preachers of the Gospel in the last century went on a preaching tour around the world. When he returned someone asked him, "Well, what great truth did you discover on your many travels". His answer was, "Jesus loves me, this I know." I wonder if his tone and assurance was the same as my three year old granddaughter?

In the book of Ruth one of the things we discover is true love. There was the love of Abimelech and Naomi. There was the love of Naomi's two sons for their wives Orpah and Ruth, there was the love of Naomi for her daughters-in-law and no doubt it was requited to Naomi. There was the love of Ruth and Boaz, and then the love of the baby born to them, Obed. There is no doubt about Naomi's love to him for she took the child and cared for him as her own. But all of these loves in the little book of Ruth are small in comparison to the true love of the One who inspired it. That love is seen not only in the outward expressions of love but also in the disciplines of life. I thought of that in relation to my granddaughter's confidence and expression of her daddy's love to her, knowing that he too expressed that love sometimes not just in the outward care or emotions but in the disciplines of life. And yet, when I asked her about his care, her immediate and emphatic response was not, "OH, MY DADDY DISCIPLINES ME", but it was "OH, YES, MY DADDY LOVES ME"!!

This same discipline of a loving heavenly Father opens the book of Ruth and we will expand on that as the posts develop in the future but there is a little Scripture in Romans chapter 15:4 that says, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE"!!! I capitalize that word HOPE because it has the same meaning as expectation. It is the LORD'S desire that his people have TRUE EXPECTATIONS of Him and His Word. That hope, those expectations include not only the outward expressions of a loving, caring Father, but the disciplines of life that accompany it.

If you have not read the book of Ruth lately, perhaps you could take a few minutes today and make it a part of your reading and look for God's love expressions to you both in outward blessings and in the disciplines of life. As you do, it is my hope and prayer that you will be able to say with the same confidence and assurance that my granddaughter said of her daddy, "YES, MY DADDY LOVES ME", or in the words of the hymn writer, "Jesus loves me this I KNOW". Perhaps you are one that cannot say that of an earthly father. Sadly, there are many today who cannot say that with confidence and assurance of their earthly father, but you can of your heavenly Father. Do you know that love? Can you tell a watching world with confidence and assurance, "JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW?" Or, "YES, MY DADDY LOVES ME!!" May you experience and express that love today!!

DIVINE APPOINTMENT IN LOSS AND DISAPPOINTMENT

LOSS: Have you experienced any? Most of us have to our sorrow and disappointment. Whenever I experience loss, my mind immediately goes to Naomi in the book of Ruth. In one of the former posts I discussed the expectations of Naomi on her wedding day and soon we will see if those expectations proved true.

In the fist chapter of the book of Ruth we are introduced to a family in Bethlehem, the family of Alimelech, who experienced a great trial. Trials are common to the believer in Christ. The reasons are varied when we look through the Scriptures. Some trials are for testing, some for chastisement and growth, some because of our sins, some because of the sin of others, some because of the enemies of Christ and His Gospel, and some are just the natural outworking of the fall of man, but all are under the direction of a Sovereign God who appoints all things for His Glory and man's good.

The trials experienced by the family of Naomi began with a famine. This was not the first time God had tried his people by famine. Abraham, Issac, and Jacob all experienced a famine in their time. The interesting thing about the famine experienced by Naomi and her family is that it occurred in Bethlehem, which means House of Bread. Of all places to experience a famine, one would think the house of Bread would not be that place, but it was and it would benefit us to discover why.

This famine was more than likely sent as a chastisement for the people of God since the book of Ruth occurs during the time of the Judges. This history of God's people was a time when the word of God was rare and the people of God did that which was right in their own eyes. They had no regard for the Word of God or for the will of God. When we abandon God's Word and God's will, it leaves us no other choice but to be awakened by God and that awakening usually occurs by way of a trial.

If you have ever looked at the many times famine is mentioned or experienced by the people of God in the Bible, you will also notice that there were two choices for those facing the famine. One choice is to simply trust what the Lord told his people in Job 5:20, "In famine He will redeem you from death, or Psalm 33:18-19 "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for his lovingkindness to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD, He is our help and our shield."

The second choice when facing a trial is to trust human reason rather than the Word of God. In other words, to put our trust in man or human solutions. We are warned against that, as stated in Psalm 60:11, and 108:12 "O, give us help against the adversary, for vain is the help of man," and again in Psalm 127:1-2, we are told that it is "vain for you to rise up early , to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors, for HE GIVES to His beloved even in his sleep." This is not an indictment against work but rather trusting in that work instead of the God who provides all things. We are even told to watch against putting our trust in other strengths, as stated in Psalm 33:17-18, "A horse is a false hope for victory, nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear HIM, on those who hope (trust) in His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine".

So, we see that we have two choices when facing great trials, to trust God or to trust other strengths whether it be our own or something else. What did this family do when faced with this great trial?? We will discover where they put their trust and how it effected their lives in the next few posts. But, for today, are you facing a great trial? The odds are you are facing one, have faced one or will be facing one in the future. Decide today to put your trust in the LORD, not in man or human solutions. Remember His promises to those who TRUST in Him. He has promised to deliver, He has promised to provide and He has promised to keep you alive even if you go through a famine. Look to HIM today, look to His word for His great promises to you and put your trust in HIM - He is faithful!!