For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
This proverb reminds us that fear of the Lord leads us to act in ways which keep us safe. Those who fear the Lord avoid doing things which lead to death.
The psalmist points out that God’s plan does not always look glorious while it is unfolding. It certainly did not look glorious to Joseph when he was sold into slavery, nor later when he was thrown into prison for something he did not do. Nevertheless, God had a clear plan that worked out to Joseph’s benefit. It is worth thinking about how things might have turned out if Joseph had not remained faithful through the difficult times. I don’t know what would have happened, but I am convinced that God’s plan for the descendants of Israel still would have worked out. Joseph, however, would not have ended up in such an exalted position.
I cannot help but feel for the father in this story. His son was dying and there was nothing he could do, except ask Jesus for a miracle. I am not sure I can truly identify with how he felt, how completely powerless. It was his job to take care of and protect his child. He begged Jesus to come with him and heal his son. Jesus told him to go home, his son would live. The way Jesus said this was almost dismissive, almost, “Go away. Leave me alone.” Nevertheless, the father believed and returned home. The man had faith, and acted on that faith, even though Jesus did not give him any “warm, fuzzies”.
There is a lesson for us from the other side. Jesus was having a bad day. He was tired and frustrated. He was feeling put upon. Nevertheless, He recognized this father’s pain and gave him what he truly desired, even if He did not soothe his feelings in the process. Sometimes, it is enough to meet people’s needs, even if we are a little prickly while doing so.
This part of the Book of Ruth is a true love story. As a man it is quite clear to me that Boaz asked his foreman about Ruth because he thought she was attractive. Yet there are hints that he would have behaved similarly if he had not found her attractive, just with a less personal touch. On the other side, there are hints at the beginning of today’s passage that Naomi and Ruth could have continued to live on the assistance provided by Naomi’s friends and relatives. Yet Ruth was not willing to laze around and live on other people’s largess. She chose to work as, and where, she could.
As I said, this is a true love story. But it is not a story of starry-eyed lovers. Boaz took the time to establish that Ruth was more than just a pretty face. Ruth took the time to discover that Boaz was more than just a meal ticket. This is a love story we would do well to encourage young people to emulate.