Providence and Problems

Introduction

In Ruth chapter 1 we saw how there are consequences for sin, how hearing the good news of the gospel demands a choice be made (whether positive or negative), and that there is a better way to live through faith in Jesus Christ and following Him.

Samuel, the attributed author of this book, wrote this text to declare the goodness of God through His providence to the people of Israel.

This text declares the goodness and kindness of God through His providence to us today.

This text presents three inferences in the three scenes of this historical account that reminds us of God’s goodness and kindness through His providence.

It’s Worth Working in Your Waiting

Ruth 2:1–3 “And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.”

After coming into Bethlehem during the beginning of the barley harvest, the only way of receiving food for widows and the poor were to glean from the fields.

Leviticus 19:9 “And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.”

Leviticus 19:16 “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 24:19–21 “When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.”

As Naomi remained in her depression, Ruth was willing to go to the fields and glean for Naomi and herself. It just so happens - COINCIDENCE??? - that she goes to the field of one of the near kinsman of Elimelech - Naomi’s deceased husband.

“Kinsman usually referrs to a blood relative based on Israel’s tribal nature. In the case of an untimely death of a husband without a son, the law of levirate marriage becomes operative - that is, the husband’s brother was obligated to raise up a male descendant for his deceased brother and thus perpetuate the deceased’s name and inheritance. The kinsman was also responsible to redeem the estate which is his nearest relative might have sold because of poverty (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary).”

Takeaway: When you are in circumstances and situations that you are trusting in the Lord but are in waiting, keep working in your waiting. DO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO IN YOUR WAITING!

It’s Worth Thinking About Your Theology

Ruth 2:4-18-

Boaz sees Ruth and inquires about her. Boaz then instructs her not to leave his field, as he would provide protection. There’s a pretty good chance that Boaz is starting to develop feelings for Ruth; however, there is a problem. Ruth is a Moabitess. According to the Scriptures, we can infer that Boaz is a godly man. Because Ruth is a Moabitess and and Boaz is an Israelite, the God instructed His people not to marry or intermingle with the Moabites. Spirit of the Law vs the Letter of the Law.

Psalm 37:5–6 “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”

Matthew 10:42 “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

John 4:7–11 Jesus & the woman at the well.

Boaz chose to obey the Spirit of the Law - to share God’s love to this woman who had renounced her previous life and extend God’s love toward her.

Takeaway: Although we know sin is sin, if we are not careful, we withhold God’s love because we have become slaves to our own theology - understanding of God. God has called us to live SEPARATELY from the world; however, WE CANNOT REACH THE LOST (THOSE WHO NEED GOD’S LOVE MOST) IF WE ARE NEVER AROUND THEM AND NEVER MINISTER TO THEM.

It’s Worth Trusting Even in Trials

Ruth 2:19–23 “

Ruth gleans from Boaz’s field - gleaning more than others because Boaz desired to bless her/minister to her. After sharing a meal with Boaz and his people, she finishes gleaning and returns home to Naomi. Naomi is surprised by the amount of barley she has harvested (nearly 22 liters), and discovers that Ruth has been gleaning in Boaz’s field. Naomi realizes God’s goodness and kindness even in the midst of her depression and proclaims the goodness of God!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Job 19:25 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

Naomi learned a difficult lesson - God is still God even in the difficult times of life.

Takeaway: In difficult times, we must trust God! His goodness and faithfulness will shine through if we remain patient!

Providence and Problems

As the Book of Ruth shows us, the goodness and kindness of God is shown through His divine providence, even when we cannot see it!