The Book of Ruth
Day 2
Whatever You Do, Don't Quit!
Read: Ruth 2:8-13
Yesterday, we reflected on the providential work of God behind the scenes as He redeemed Naomi and Ruth’s family life when it looked like all was lost. God mercifully, and with perfect timing, gave Ruth fields to glean and grain for harvesting (financial provision) and Boaz as “kinsman-redeemer.”
It’s important to see that Ruth had her part in this miracle. What if she had given up and didn’t go out to search for an opportunity to glean? What if she had displayed bitterness, self-pity, or ingratitude in her attitude before Boaz? Perhaps she would not have found favor in his eyes. As we read yesterday in the Westminster Confession of Faith, God uses everyday things and our own actions as part of His providence.
God does the saving, but He calls on us to do the seeking. “Seek the Lord while He may be found.” (Isaiah 55:6) “Call on the name of the Lord and be saved.” (Acts 2:21)
To be sure, in the end it is not our seeking that earns us God’s salvation; but it is our seeking that God uses as an instrument to receive it. “We are saved by grace through faith . . . it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
When Boaz greeted Ruth, he warmly welcomed her to glean his fields. Ruth humbly bowed and said, “Why have I found favor? I am just a foreigner.” (Ruth 2:10) Boaz told her he had heard about all she did for her mother-in-law. Seeing her faithful character he said, “The Lord reward you!” (Ruth 2:12)
Ruth did not take his favor for granted or as an excuse to slack up in her responsibilities. She certainly did not see it as something she deserved. Rather, she went out and “gleaned in the field until evening.” (Ruth 2:17) She continued doing this every day, week by week, working very hard. (Ruth 2:23) She also faithfully continued to live with and take care of her mother-in-law. What a woman of character — one who so faithfully and steadfastly continued to seek the Lord and the welfare of her family without self-pity or quitting!
It was through this humility, faithfulness, and steadfast seeking that Ruth found favor with Boaz, and her seeking was rewarded. Godly character and faithfulness in the little things each day is one of the channels through which God pours His providential miracles. So, whatever you do, don’t quit. God will reward your seeking.
What are you supposed to be doing for the sake of your family? Are you motivated by God’s amazing favor in your life through Christ to go out and keep doing it day by day?
Father, give me grace today to see clearly what I am supposed to do today for the sake of my family and grace to faithfully and continually do it. Please give me grace to not quit. Strengthen me, as You did Ruth, by Your mighty Spirit to keep seeking and to keep serving, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Motivating Scriptures about promised rewards: Matthew 6:4; Hebrews 11:6; Galatians 6:7-10