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April 7
Today’s reading is in the “4” chapters of the book of Ruth.
The setting for this book takes place in the last days of the Judges...a 400+ year period of anarchy and oppression in Israel. This would be called the “dark days” in Israel...a “time in which each man did what was right in his own eyes...rather than in God’s.”
Elimelech may have been one of those men. And then maybe not...
He decided to leave the land of promise. He decided to take his family back across the Jordan River. He decided to lead his wife and two sons back to the wilderness of Moab, from which his ancestors had been delivered.
These would seem to be steps in the wrong direction. However, God was about to bring a young Moabite woman into their family. And eventually, she would bare a son into the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. From our vantage point, God had Elimelech right where He wanted him.
“O Lord, Your will and ways are far higher than our own. What You reveal to us is in Your time and Your purposes...and You will be the judge, not me.”
Friends, we may have counseled Elimelech to stay home...to stay near family and “life long” friends during the harsh famine years in Israel. We may have counseled him to trust God...wait upon the one who is Lord of the rains and the drought, and look for ways to serve others in Bethlehem in those hard days. But whether God directed Elimelech to go to Moab or not, God made sure that His plans were accomplished.
Again, the young Moabitess named Ruth was “His plan”. And He would definitely use “her in-laws” to put her right where she needed to be. Ruth would be loved in this family. She would learn much from this family...especially, she would learn of the One true God...and would be led to faith in that Lord by this family.
It may seem a bit odd, but I have always had an affinity for Ruth’s story. I too was led to faith in the Lord by the loving family of the young woman I was courting. I too would discover my purpose and meaning in life from the ones God brought into my life and heart.
As Beverly and I began to think about marriage...Ruth’s story was included in our conversations...especially her words spoken to her mother in law...words that we borrowed toward each other...”For where you go I will go...where you lodge I will lodge...your family will be my family and your God my God.”
Now another piece of the text.
Many times I have used additional words of Ruth’s heart in my communion with Christ...such as...“All that you say I will do...” Ruth humbling herself before her mother in law, as Naomi instructed her in the traditions of her new and extended Israelite family.
“O, Lord...You have much more to teach us...Speak and we will listen...”All that You say, we will do...by Your grace.”
One more thing...Boaz, a major player in Ruth and God’s story today is a foreshadowing of “The Redeemer”...see if you can see it too...that’s the rest of the story.
Have a great day
