Part 3 of 8 of the theme 'Lessons from the Book of Ruth‘ by Gijs van den Brink
God works out His plan and comes to His purpose. He can transform a life of misery, death and emptiness into a life of love and abundance. We learn this from the story of Naomi and Ruth. Naomi has come to think that God has turned against her, that He has become her enemy (Ruth 1:13, 21). On the contrary, God has plans that she does not realize at the time. Naomi thinks that it is impossible that her daughters-in-law in Israel will have a husband and so they will always be unhappy. But what is impossible with people is possible with God. And in doing so, He doesn't even always need miracles and visions.
Ruth goes out of her poverty to read ears (2:1-7; cf. Lev. 19:9; 23:22). It is a humiliating and dangerous work that only poor people should do. The reapers were often rough and coarse men of bad character. But God sees to it that she "happens" to end up in Boaz's field (2:3). After all, Boaz is related to Naomi. Boaz gains love for Ruth, but takes no further initiative. When Naomi does, he explains why he did not take initiative earlier (3:10-13). He is not the closest relative. And besides, he is much older than Ruth (3:10). But when the other family member is approached by Boaz, he rejects the offer (chap. 4).
Ruth receives grace from God. She receives a son, Obed, in addition to Boaz as her husband. What was impossible in Naomi's eyes is possible with God. But that is not beyond us humans. Faith in God's guidance should not make one passive. On the contrary, it is a fruit of Ruth's devotion, love and faithfulness. If faith in God's leading makes us passive, we have not understood what faith is. Then we confuse faith in a living God with faith in fate. A dead and compelling fate over which you have no control. That is paganism and has nothing to do with faith and trust in God.
The book of Ruth is full of the hidden guidance of God in life. Not hidden from believers, but hidden from unbelievers. They see only "coincidence. Hidden guidance is actually not the right word. God's guidance is not hidden, but happens implicitly in and through ordinary things and events. Other books of the Bible often emphasize God's supernatural works. The book of Ruth witnesses God's guidance through events in the ordinary daily lives of ordinary people like Boaz and Ruth.
Next time: Part 4 of the series 'Lessons from the Book of Ruth' is entitled 'The importance of a decision of faith'
See also: Part 2 of 8 from the theme 'Lessons from the Book of Ruth' Judgment and mercy‘
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 3 of 8 from the theme "Lessons from the Book of Ruth” Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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