Ruth 2:1-16 Rewards Of Living By Faith

My commentary said:  "If we want God to work in our lives and circumstances and accomplish His gracious purposes, then there are certain conditions that we must meet.  These conditions are illustrated in Ruth's experiences in this chapter:  We must live by faith in the Lord, we must live by the grace of God, and we must live in hope."

"When we commit our lives to the Lord, what happens to us happens by way of appointment and not by accident.  Ruth was still a poor widow and an alien, but God was about to create a new relationship that would completely alter her circumstances ... Like Ruth, the lost sinner is outside the covenant family of God, bankrupt, with no claim on God's mercy.  But God took the initiative and provided a way for us to enter His family through faith in Jesus Christ," it continued.

There were many evidences of God's grace in this chapter:  "Boaz took the initiative, he spoke to Ruth, he promised to protect her and provide for her needs, he encouraged Ruth, and he saw to it that she was satisfied."

"Ruth neither looked back at her tragic past nor did she look at herself and consider her sorry plight.  She fell at the feet of the master and submitted herself to him.  She looked away from her poverty and focused on his riches.  She forgot her fears and rested on his promises ... He wasn't ashamed to be identified with her."  And God does the same with us.

Father, thanks for reminding me of what You've done for me and how You have brought me near to You.  As I work with my students, help me to do the same with them.  Let them see You through me. 

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford