God protects and provides for his people

Sailboats experience rough, dangerous water. Often the wind is strong and the seas are difficult. A keel provides ballast and stability. The keel extends deep into the water and keeps the boat uprights. We need a keel in our lives! A deep understanding of God’s Word provides stability and strength in our lives.

Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Where do we find perseverance, encouragement and hope today? We find it in the Word of God.

The Book of Ruth teaches that God provides and God protects His people. God cared for Ruth and Naomi in the time of Judges- Israel’s dark ages. God protects and provides for His people in three ways…

First, God works through providence. Ruth 2:3 says, “So Ruth departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz….” The Hebrew literally says, “….she chanced chanced upon the portion of the field belonging to Boaz…” Ruth and Naomi had nothing. They both recently turned to the God of Israel. They returned to the land of Israel utterly destitute. It became God’s mission to provide and care for them.

The Jewish people did not believe in chance. The author is using a rhetorical device. He is screaming, “This is the hand of God. God is providentially working.” God weaves together the events of our lives for His glory and our highest good. R.C. Sproul said, “There is not a random molecule in the universe.”

God worked to lead Ruth to the field of Boaz. God is also orchestrating in every Christian’s life. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” If you are a follower of Jesus God is directing your steps.

Joseph in the Old Testament understood the importance of providence. He said to his brothers, “You meant it for evil but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Second, God works through His people. Ruth met an amazing person- Boaz. Boaz greeted his workers by saying, “May the Lord be with you! (2:4). “May Yahweh, the God of Israel, bless you!” Boaz was a shining light in the difficult days of the Judges.

Boaz cared for Ruth. He said, “Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids” (2:8). Boaz provided safety for Ruth. Boaz served Ruth. He fed her at the noon meal (2:14). A wealthy, Israelite landowner served a poor, Moabite woman! Boaz commanded his workers not to harm Ruth (2:15). He even told them to purposefully leave grain behind for her (2:14).

Boaz was so generous that in one day Ruth gleaned 30 to 50 pounds of barley (2:17). This was enough to feed she and Naomi for two months! God provides through godly people. Righteous people take care of each other. We demonstrate our love for God by caring for others.

God has given us physical families. God has also given us spiritual families- the church. We need a network of godly people in our lives.

Third, God works through wise plans. Chapter 3 is the famous scene at the threshing floor. Ruth boldly said to Boaz, “So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative” (3:9). Ruth said, “Marry me!” This is based on the principle of levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. A close relative was to marry a relative’s widow in order to provide for her. Naomi and Ruth made a wise plan based upon Old Testament Scripture. God provides and protects us through wise plans. We need wise plans in our lives.

Boaz married Ruth. Their great grandson was King David. David built a mighty empire. Ruth is in the line of Christ. The blood of Ruth the Moabitess flowed in the veins of the Lord Jesus. Our God is a protector and a provider for His people. As Christians we can face the future with perseverance, encouragement and hope. The Bible reminds us that God cares for His people. Let’s go deep into the Scriptures and we will experience God’s perseverance, encouragement and hope!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.