Kept By His Power

Ruth works long and hard and brings everything home to Naomi.   She literally pours her grain offering into Naomi's lap. She takes the food from her own mouth to feed Naomi. I understand this feeling. Many times, I have lain awake praying, warring, and crying out for others. I do not say this to boast or to seek commendation, but when God awakens you on the behalf someone else and you are in desperate straits yourself, you begin to understand a tad bit better the concept of agape  or unconditional love. My friend, V. X., calls it 'paying the price in prayer for someone." Most of us are willing to pay the price in gossip, but not intercession and fasting. Oops, now I am meddling.

Have you ever been in a relationship where you seem to bring everything to the table: the financial, emotional, and spiritual resources? You look over at the other person and wonder what will she bring? Well, the truth is we all have benefited from Christ’s gifts for He has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 2:13). We had nothing, but Christ died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). In fact, He came to earth to do just that -to die and give us abundant life (John 10:10). Of course, He did that because God so loved the world (John 3:16)

Rev. Byrn MacPhail offers these encouraging words, “The book of Ruth reminds us that, in the most difficult of times, we are kept by the power of God. We are reminded in this book that there is no such thing as an ordinary event in the lives of God's children. Everything we do, or don't do, is significant. We learn from Abraham, from Joseph, from Moses, and from Ruth, that everything we do "is a part of a cosmic mosaic which God is painting"(John Piper). For the Christian, what many would call "ordinary events" are really events that are connected to a perfect eternal plan.” Romans 8:28 encourages us  to , "know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”- even on new journeys.

God works through the burdens we carry for others- the offerings of prayer, tears, and emotional, physical, and financial consolation that we pour into the laps of those who are unable to return one ounce of what we have given.Those hours of prayer and tears for a wayward child or a spouse overtaken in sin truly affect change because they touch the heart of Jesus. My friend, J.T., speaks of a monument that  we erect in God's presence rock by spiritual rock. We know that God captures every tear in a bottle labeled with our names (Psalm 56:8). This idea of  memorial comes from the following scriptures: 

Joshua 4:6-7 "That this may be a sign among you, when your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' Then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial for ever."

J.T.  talks about the beauty of unexpected friendship. The unexpected friendship of Ruth and Naomi is striking, because these two seemingly different and incompatible people will become part of God’s plan of redemption. Moabites were not even allowed in the assembly until that generation. It was God exact timing to bring Ruth there. God often uses us to bring people into His kingdom and ultimately, to their destinies. It is Ruth who brings Boaz to redeem Naomi’s land- her inheritance.  Naomi is not even thinking how to help herself, forget about Ruth. She is simply existing and when she gathers  the wherewithal to ask where Ruth has been after a hard-day's labor, she lights on the idea of  hmmm a kinsman redeemer. If it hadn't been for God's intervention (right time and right place), this story would have ended differently.

 In an earlier devotion, we spoke of her role in the lineage of David and thus Christ.  God used Ruth not only to redeem Naomi’s life in old age, but the larger purpose of bringing the Messiah. No Ruth, no Obed, no David, no Messiah. When God is weaving our tapestry, we can only see a portion of the quilt- and that not so well. But the real revelation comes when I see, I am only one square in the larger quilt called humanity, touching and embracing others and causing change- a precious gift given to me by the Father.

So Don't Give Up,
M.J.

P.S. I am elated to say, I have two more travelers on the road back to Bethlehem- God’s House of Bread. God’s Provision always rests in His will. The safest place to be is in the center of His will –even the dusty road back to Bethlehem.