"Only the Sun Has Wings"

How did she do it? We know it took incredible courage to leave her homeland and family.  We realize she was quite brave to embark on a new journey to plant roots with a people she didn't even know. But through the long difficult seasons of hard labor, selflessness, and sacrifice, how did Ruth not become embittered? The seasons of service and wondering if the God of the Israelites noticed or even cared- Boaz was of only secondary importance. Even he recognized that Ruth was coming under the wings of Adonai.  He declares, "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (Ruth 2:12). Boaz will foreshadow the words of the psalmist, David, his own grandson: "How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge under the shadow of Your wings!" (Psalm 36:7). It makes one wonder if David was thinking of this story when he wrote those words.

Although unexpected, Ruth becomes the pursuer and humbles herself even further: “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer^[ of our family.” The Amplified Bible expounds, “Spread your wing [of protection] over your maidservant, for you are a next of kin.”  (Ruth 3:9). Ruth requests that Boaz be the physical representative of Gods' covenant grace to her. The same God who protects Ruth, a vulnerable single woman entering the night to prostrate herself before a man, full of food and drink- will protect all we are brave enough to leave in His hands. It takes God's courage and healing to wake up each many without her husband, God's strength for the bitter tale of woe she has lived with her embittered mother-in-laws, and God's endurance for the tedious and back-breaking work of gleaning in the field.

Still, God restores her dignity, beauty, and physical strength. The Lord promises you, "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall" (Malachi 4:2).God promises us angelic protection as we serve Him (Psalm 91:11), but this protection is even greater because it comes directly from God's throne. God himself  "Covers you with his wings; He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection" (Psalm 91:4). God rides from heaven to protect you (Psalm 18).

Only Y'Shua can rise with healing in His wings. God promised that your wounds will heal quickly. Isaiahh 58:8 assures you that "Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Your godliness will lead us forward and the glory of the Lord will protect us from behind. The dark will shine around us as bright as the sun." The Lord will guide you continually- giving you water when you are dry and restore your strength. We wonder what our obedience and service will yield. There is our promise in blood-covered ink. His promises are true; His plans really are to bless and give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 2911)- even when that is so hard to believe, given our circumstances. But, we walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7).

Ruth's soul said "yes" despite everything- despite every deprivation and disappointment. Despite the uncertainty. God requires more of thee and me. We have been predestined to do the works created for us before the creation of the earth (Ephesians 2:10) . He is calling us to higher things. Let your heart and soul say yes.  I understand how you can look around you and see lack and unfulfilled promises and selfish people. It can be bewildering to trust that God can make something good out of the circumstances in which you find yourself. But, my friend, this place is the first step of faith. Like the one Ruth took when she left her family, gods, and culture. I invite you to meditate on the psalm that follows, for it summarizes eloquently what God has promised to do for you and me if we revere His name and trust Him to come and save us. He will be a Promise-Keeper. He will give you beauty for ashes and a future filled with His Presence and Delight.

1Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,

for in you my soul takes refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

until the disaster has passed.

2I cry out to God Most High,

to God, who fulfills [his purpose] for me.

3He sends from heaven and saves me,

rebuking those who hotly pursue me;       Selah

God sends his love and his faithfulness.

4I am in the midst of lions;

I lie among ravenous beasts—

men whose teeth are spears and arrows,

whose tongues are sharp swords. (Psalm 57:1-4)

 

Fellow Faith-Walker,

M.J.

P.S. I have a confession. I started this devotional March 19th, but I needed to learn some more lessons before it was truly ready.