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.