Sunday 27 Apr 2014

April 27: Ruth 3:10-13

Key Verse: Ruth 3:12
Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I.

Devotion:
I do love reading my bible and finding snippets that you have not realise before; I love the way that God leads you through the bible and opens doors in your mind about what life was like, what life can be like and all the joy that we can look forward to in a life with Him. I have read the story of Ruth and Boaz, have taught on it, have preached on it, but when you spot something different you want to be able to get down and read it all again. That is why I so enjoy reading the bible – no other book has ever done that for me…

Boaz may have had a good time at the party and may even have had a few too many drinks, but when he came to realising that Ruth was at his feet he was not just startled but I think quite happy with the thought. He had done a “background check” on her already because we are told that he had asked questions and found out who was the relation that was closest to her. When you take a liking to someone you want to be able to draw closer to them by finding out all about them… Not stalking! I’m talking about getting to know them by talking to them and not about them!

Boaz was very happy to allow Ruth to stay close to him through the night so that she would not have to go anywhere in the dark. Was this common courtesy? I think not because he was a man who had a good standing in the community and a position that demanded respect from all. It is sometimes hard to look at the ways of the world around you and wonder why they should be allowed to get up to the things they do when Christians should not; but then you look at the long term rewards that they end up with and you know why you have continued to be God’s child!

God wants us to separate our ways from the world’s ways. He does not want us to build huge walls that prevent others from coming to us. He does not want us to isolate our world from their so that they don’t pollute us; how are we going to show and tell them about the Gospel unless we are able to mix with them? We do have to take risks in our lives but we should always do so with God by our sides and trust in His ways and in His will. Running off and doing what the world does is not wise and will only end you up in the same mess as the world. Trusting in God, waiting on Him and allowing Him to work in your life can be hard but it is very rewarding!

Points to Ponder:
Do you think you are patient?

What do you do with the world?