|
Journeying during night always scares everyone. Because
it can bring various harms and troubles in our lives.
But a determination to attain something valuable will
give an inner confidence and courage to face the
darkness and consequences thereof.
A Christian life is a journey through the darkness of
this world. Many frightening incidents are hidden in
this darkness but only when we dare to face the darkness
and consequences thereof, we can attain the hidden
treasures, which are eternity and its rewards.
The mystery hidden in Ruth’s life is an example to be
cited. When Ruth took a decision to leave Moab, she did
not foresee any hope in her future and her days were in
darkness. If she had opted to be in Moab, at least her
relatives in that nation would have come forward to help
her. But she chose to follow Naomi leaving the
compassion of Moab. (Here we can compare Moab to this
sinful world and Naomi as the Holy Spirit who guide us)
What is the factor that gave this young lady the needed
courage to take such a tough decision? Ruth had a deeper
understanding and faith in Naomi. She knew that Naomi
was able to take care of her, even better than her dear
ones in Moab. Therefore, she decided to live, walk and
work according to the instructions of Naomi
Even after Ruth proved to be faithful in her day to day
life, a tougher task was assigned to her by Naomi,
knowing that Ruth would be able to withstand it. Naomi
had a vision about Ruth and she wanted Ruth to work
towards accomplishing that vision in her life. When Ruth
walked and worked according to Naomi’s instructions it
helped her to earn her daily bread, but when Ruth
undertook the tougher task of spending a night at the
feet of Boaz, not only her livelihood was taken care of
by Boaz but it also lead her to a respectable and
authoritative position. Thereafter she never had to
wander nor labour hard because Boaz himself became her
redeemer and provider.
The Bible says “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no
mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who
love him” (1 Corinthian 2:9) and Psalms 32:8 says, “I
will instruct you and teach you in the way you should
go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” These verses
materialized in Ruth’s life when she started obeying
Naomi and walked according to her instructions. Naomi
watched over the ways of Ruth.
While Ruth was journeying through the way shown by
Naomi, one day Naomi instructed her to rest at the feet
of Boaz. Though it was a time of darkness in Ruth’s
life, she obeyed Naomi and decided to reach the feet of
Boaz. When she dared to face the darkness without
fearing the consequences thereof, she could find the
valuable treasure that was hidden in the darkness, which
was redemption - and ultimately she became the Bride of
Boaz. (Remember - cordial relation and communication
between Naomi and Ruth were vital factors for blessings)
Dear friends, if we dare to spend the darkest day of our
life at the feet of our Saviour, a joyful morning is
waiting for us – our days will be taken care of by Him
and later we will be raised to a respectable position as
his Bride.
Do we have a deep understanding and faith in Holy
Spirit? Are we ready to obey the Holy Spirit? Are we
ready to spend our difficult times at the feet of our
Saviour? Once you prove your faith and faithful deeds,
you will have the privilege of enjoying eternal joy and
happiness. There were certain reasons for Boaz to
receive Ruth as his bride
(1) she had a great testimony as a “woman of Noble
character”. (2) She was ready to abide with Naomi
obeying all her instruction and guidance (3) most
importantly, without fearing the darkness and
consequences thereof; she was determined to reach Boaz’s
feet.
From the moment Boaz took a note of Ruth, he did not
allow her to wander anymore instead he extended his
helping hand to meet her needs till he receives her as
his bride. No doubt, he gave her few days more to be
with Naomi - but before sending her back, he asked her
to bring the shawl that she was wearing and put it out
before him. When she did so – he looked at the shawl,
saw the size, quality and condition and started pouring
six measure of barley into it. I believe this shawl
represent the noble character and righteous deeds of
Ruth. God’s blessings will be poured upon us according
to the noble character and righteous deeds that we have.
And I believe the reason why he gave six measures is
that he knew that it was enough for six days and the
seventh day is a day of Sabbath and Boaz knew that
before the six measures runs out of stock, he is going
to take her as his bride.
Dear friends once we put our complete trust on our
Redeemer he will provide us everything that we need in
this world – till we are taken up with him as his bride.
Do we have a shawl of this kind to spread before our
saviour? If not, let us knit one so that Gods’ blessings
can be poured into it.
In order to receive the treasures hidden in darkness –
Ruth endured everything – difficulties, sorrows,
reproaches, and labour, with joy. Once she came under
the garment of grace, without fearing the darkness and
the consequences therefore, her life changed and she
could see a morning blessed with joy and peace – which
are the valuable treasures in ones life.
Dear friends dare to spend the darkest times of our life
at the feet of our Saviour, so that the hidden blessings
can be poured into our life.
|
