GOD of #BTS

I don’t really have a favourite book in the Bible, how could I? Every book has proven to be primarily suited to every season of my life and yet the wholesomeness and relatability of the book of Ruth has made its way into my heart over the years. So there it goes, I really love the book of Ruth. Even with its brevity (4 chapters), it captures everything ranging from faith, gratitude, surrender, submission, mentorship, kindness and love ; not to mention the chaos that life brings, which we can all relate to: grief, uncertainty, disappointment and death.

We are able to joyfully read through the book of Ruth because we know how it ends and yet as they lived in that moment, they had no clue how it would all pan out. I’m inclined to ask: What has God done in your life that you didn’t realize was for a greater purpose then, until way later? In retrospect, what do you know now that was scary then? At the end of this study or as some would call, devotional, I hope and pray that you will be encouraged ; whether you are going through harsh circumstances or if you are currently basking in the fright of “what next?”. I am certain Ruth had thoughts whirling around her mind and didn’t know what would ensue from all the actions she was to take, keeping in mind all the possibilities at hand. Option one being to go with Naomi and option two choosing to stay in Moab (we get to these specifics later on). All these have inklings of uncertainty. So how did she get through? 

Even though we may not be actively conscious of God’s divine guidance as we go through life, may we awaken to the realization that it is there. These moments of “unknown” are where we experience God’s divine touch the most. 

Where was God? Was He on a break? Certainly not. He doesn’t take time out like we do so often.

Psalms 42:3 must have been their confession, Naomi being the lead utterer “My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”  . Doesn’t it make you wish that your problems were only known to you and God so you could save face? Why should people then say , where is my God? (Psalms 115:2)

God does His best work behind the scenes. Unnerving as it sounds, especially when you have the planners streak deeply rooted in your DNA.  Our lives are not without this feature of the unknown. With everything that goes on, there is only but a few revelations we are let in on in every particular moment whilst some are concealed and that is God’s way of building our trust in Him. He is always at work;  cue the lyric from the song- Way maker, even when I don’t see it you’re working , you never stop, you never stop working. We cannot see all His efforts in orchestrating divine appointments and placements. I like what someone referred to God as , The Master Chess Player.  We are all pieces and no matter the ridiculous or repeated the movement is in the chess table, no one can checkmate our God, He will perfect everything that concerns you (Psalms 138:8)

God can visibly move in dramatic and ridiculous ways and scripture makes this known so that our confidence grows. But remember even in those silent times when we look for Him and can’t seem to trace His hand, there is always a “bigger story” ; a bigger picture woven right in the middle of our ordinary lives. Take Rahab for instance, she made it to the genealogy of Christ but a fact even more specific to this study , she married one of the two spies- Salmon, who she had hidden and  she gave birth to Boaz….our Boaz, Ruth’s Boaz. (see God’s scheming? magnificent)

Take refuge in the arms of your Father and lie in the warmth of His arms. Eventually the effort of  #BTS will be revealed to the audience through your life as He shows you off that He may be glorified.

You are light and you are so loved. Stay anchored and keep His light shining through.

BRIEF BOOK OVERVIEW-Intro

This book models the love that Christ has for us; the way He notices and redeems us just like Boaz does for Ruth and how that pushes and inspires us to extend the same towards others. Before we get into all the juicy stories and parts of this tale of love, it is only fair we honor the characters; each brings their own share of lessons that we can learn from. Much as there are only three who actively feature, with whom we will delve deeper with during the study (Ruth, Naomi, Boaz), it is  only right we honor those who can be counted as “extras” (featuring only for a moment or appearing by virtue of a mention) : Elimelech whose name means My God is King; Mahlon meaning sickly ; Chilion meaning weak/ failing , Orpah and an Unnamed Kinsman. 

Background Information: The book is named after the primary character, Moabite woman, Ruth and wasn’t written to specific audience , some allude it formed part of the Five Megillot as part of the scroll read out together with Songs of Solomon, Ecclesiastes etcetera . These events happened around the time of Judges (1375-1050 B.C) and was likely written during David’s reign (1010-970 B.C) and is placed in between Judges and Samuel and it happened in the Village of Bethlehem near Jerusalem.