The book of Ruth fits in the context of our group as families seek resources in their time of crisis and need. It is an opportunity to see God work within individual lives.
The main goal of our Alzheimer's/Dementia support group is to encourage and inform those in various stages of their journey with their loved one. It is a time to focus on the images of God's mercy and providence.
The incredible drama in Ruth continues with a series of more small extraordinary events, one of the loveliest illustrations of God's redeeming grace.
We focused on Ruth chapter 3:1-11 in our devotional. We were reminded again of the marvelous way in which God steps in to care for individuals, bringing them into his family, giving security and hope needed.
The story transforms and reflects Ruth's care, turning Naomi into somewhat caring for Ruth and desiring a better life for her.
The drama continues, Naomi, with incredible insight, sends Ruth on what appears to be a romantic mission, defying the culture of the day.
So you remember the story in chapter 3, verse 1:
"Naomi said to her, 'My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?"...I wanna work this deal out...For you, this an ancient Near Eastern custom, since Boaz was older by a generation, he would not ask her. That's not what was done. She would have to make an overture to him.
So verse 3, "Wash yourself, anoint yourself"...what's that? You know, clean up and put on some perfume, "Put on your best clothes...Go down to the threshing floor; but don't make yourself known to the man until he's finished eating and drinking, his meal is over. When he lies down, you shall notice the place where he lies. You shall go and uncover his feet and lie down."
You say, "That is strange." It is strange. It was an old Near Eastern custom. Boaz would not, being older by a generation, approach her. He showed tremendous kindness, but he would not have initiated a proposal. But this is the way a woman could very gracefully initiate a proposal to a man.
And so, with no breach of her moral virtue, "In the middle of the night, the man was startled, bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. He said, 'Who are you?' She said, 'I'm Ruth, your maid. So, please, sir, spread your covering over you maid, for you're a close relative.'" What's she's saying is, "Marry me." Men, I know you would dream that this will happen, but it won't. It is an ancient Near Eastern custom. "Marry me." "And he said...what a kind man...'May you blessed of the Lord, my daughter."~ GTY
What an exquisite picture of how God partners for his purposes, a story with deep insight about his relationship to us. It illustrates the incredible image of God's mercy, provision, and God's steps for giving them hope and security.
Boaz viewed Ruth as worthy. God views us as worthy when we exhibit faith, obedience, and courage to ask and accept a life, of redeeming status.
Boaz assures Ruth that he will do all in his power to answer her request, however, he reveals a glitch in the scenario, there is a closer kinsman.
From the barley field to the threshing floor, to legal proceedings this story progresses in the next installment of this saga next month.
Feelings-of-despair PART ONE CLICK HERE
Catching-glimmers-just-happens-tos. PART TWO CLICK HERE
"The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." Ps.9:9
Consider (Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT) “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
ReplyDeleteBeloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12-13
ReplyDeleteDaniel 4:35 say, “But He does according to His will in the host of heaven; And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?”
ReplyDeleteOr Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”
God does NOT make mistakes and he ordains particular circumstances at the perfect time.
We don't need to have an answer. Just know that it is God sustaining for His purposes.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NRSV
ReplyDeleteThree times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.