Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. This week, as we take a break from our Luke series, we are reflecting on the book of Ruth. Please read Ruth chapter 2, and in this devotional we will focus on our attitude to God’s provision.
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‘So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favour in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”’ (Ruth 2:8-10)
In 1992, a farmer named Peter Whatling in Hoxne, England, lost a hammer in his field and asked his friend Eric Lawes, an amateur metal detectorist, to help find it. While searching, Lawes discovered something far greater—an astonishing hoard of Roman treasure buried beneath the soil. The find included thousands of gold and silver coins, jewellery, and other valuable artefacts dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. Known as the Hoxne Hoard, it became one of the most significant Roman discoveries in Britain. What began as a search for a simple tool turned into an unexpected historical treasure trove. Today, in this devotional, let’s reflect on how God is working behind the scenes and often provides for us in unexpected - often very unglamorous - ways.
i. God is at work behind the scenes
Ruth chapter 2 highlights God's provision for Ruth and Naomi, who, after suffering great loss, find themselves in need. Ruth, committed to providing for Naomi, goes out to glean (Pick up the leftovers of the harvesters) in the fields, unknowingly ending up in Boaz's field - who happens to also be a distant relative of Naomi, being ‘of the clan of Elimelech’ - Naomi’s deceased husband. Here, we are seeing that God is at work behind the scenes for their good.
Today, briefly, let’s reflect on how God provides for them, in their deepest poverty, through very human means:
ii. God provides through good character
Firstly, God’s normal means of provision is through one’s good character and good choices. Ruth’s character, which is described:
‘And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.’ (Ruth 3:11)
iii. God provides through hard work
Secondly, good character leads to working hard and doing a good job. As soon as Ruth and Naomi return to Israel, we read of her initiative:
‘And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favour.”’ (Ruth 2:2)
Regarding her hard work we read:
‘“Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.” She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.’ (Ruth 2:7)
iv. God provide through generous people
Thirdly, added to Ruth’s good character and hard work, we see that she is supported through the generosity and kindness of others, particular Boaz. Our reading speaks of the kindness and generosity of Boaz to Ruth.
Reflection
How am I in need at the moment - financially, relationally, in my health etc. - and am I praying and trusting God to see my need and to provide? How is my character - am I taking initiative and am I hard working? How can I be like Boaz, and be generous to others?
Community Group Notes
This is our week of prayer so we will meet to pray instead of in our Community Groups. Please read Church News, talk to your CG leader or contact the office for Zoom details.
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