The Grace and Providence of God

Ruth walked in humility.

Ruth’s humility, diligence and commitment seems to soften Naomi and cause her to affectionately draw near to Ruth.

When Ruth found herself in a dire situation, she took action.

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.James 2:17-18

The law allowed the poor to take the leftovers of the field during harvest.

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.Leviticus 19:9-10

When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.Deuteronomy 24:19-22

She recognized that she had nothing to offer and was simply looking for a gracious landowner.

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.Ruth 2:2

Despite the legal allowance to glean the fields, Ruth sought permission.

Ruth was diligent in her work.

And what soever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;Colossians 3:23

God’s providence led Naomi to the field of Boaz.

Naomi and Ruth happened to return to Bethlehem during the harvest season.

From the perspective of Ruth and Boaz, the meeting was accidental, but not from God’s perspective.

The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.Proverbs 16:33

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Ephesians 1:11

Boaz was a godly man that was respected by those he labored with.

Boaz was wealthy, influential and clearly superior to the others of Bethlehem.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Psalm 37:23

There are no coincidences with God. Everything happens for a purpose.

We should be gracious as we have received grace.

We should be loving and gracious with those we labor with.

While my workplace may not allow explicit religious talk, my character and grace should speak of Jesus on my behalf.

Jesus is a picture of Boaz who was gracious and kind to those without hope.

God’s providence is always at work, guiding and providing for His people.

Seek to be a conduit of God’s grace to others this week.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.Galatians 6:10