Journal notes on the book of Ruth
In the natural realm, things seemed quite bleak for the three widows, Naomi, Ruth, and Orphah (1:1-5). From God's eternal perspective, however, "All things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." God is looking for those whose hearts are wholly committed to following Him. He found such a person in Ruth.
"...your people shall be my people, and your God, my God..."(1:16) Naomi's journey with Ruth to the land of Isreal at "the beginning of barley harvest" (1:22) seems to imply the Lord's divine timing in His ordained set of circumstances that followed. Ultimately, the Lord opened the door to Ruth for her to meet relative of Elimelech, and future husband, Boaz, the kinsman redeemer. Ruth responds to this open door as she 'puts her feet' to her prayer, "Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favour (2:2).
Divine instruction and application
"Do not glean in another field, nor go from here..."(2:8). Divine instruction is accompanied with divine protection so that God's blessing comes to pass without hindrance. Ruth begins to reap all that she sowed since following Naomi to the land of Israel. The sowing of sincere love to her mother-in-law and the sowing of commitment to follow Naomi and her God, the God of Israel, would reap blessing and favour resulting in a good report (2:11,12). Thus, Ruth receives the full reward of her faith.
"Under whose wings you have come for refuge" (2:12). This reminds me that abiding in Christ comes with a promise of divine protection as the Psalmist declares in Psalm 91:4, "And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Obedience to God's command again bring blessing in chapter 3:5. "For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning..."(3:10). It is not how ones begins the race, but how one finishes. When it is God's will, through faith filled prayers, it will come to pass no matter what the situation may look like (3:13).
(4:1-12) God's will comes into fruition. Ruth is redeemed and a match made in heaven is established. This heavenly match also included a royal line and genealogy from King David to the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless God!
Abide in Christ and take refuge under His wings!
"...your people shall be my people, and your God, my God..."(1:16) Naomi's journey with Ruth to the land of Isreal at "the beginning of barley harvest" (1:22) seems to imply the Lord's divine timing in His ordained set of circumstances that followed. Ultimately, the Lord opened the door to Ruth for her to meet relative of Elimelech, and future husband, Boaz, the kinsman redeemer. Ruth responds to this open door as she 'puts her feet' to her prayer, "Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favour (2:2).
Divine instruction and application
"Do not glean in another field, nor go from here..."(2:8). Divine instruction is accompanied with divine protection so that God's blessing comes to pass without hindrance. Ruth begins to reap all that she sowed since following Naomi to the land of Israel. The sowing of sincere love to her mother-in-law and the sowing of commitment to follow Naomi and her God, the God of Israel, would reap blessing and favour resulting in a good report (2:11,12). Thus, Ruth receives the full reward of her faith.
"Under whose wings you have come for refuge" (2:12). This reminds me that abiding in Christ comes with a promise of divine protection as the Psalmist declares in Psalm 91:4, "And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Obedience to God's command again bring blessing in chapter 3:5. "For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning..."(3:10). It is not how ones begins the race, but how one finishes. When it is God's will, through faith filled prayers, it will come to pass no matter what the situation may look like (3:13).
(4:1-12) God's will comes into fruition. Ruth is redeemed and a match made in heaven is established. This heavenly match also included a royal line and genealogy from King David to the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless God!
Abide in Christ and take refuge under His wings!
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