Ruth 3:10-18

Recurrent Thought

To follow Yahweh is to trust that where he leads, is the best for me. Therefore, my responsibility is to be faithful in following God

Christ-devoted followers are known for following the guidance and leadership of Yahweh. However, many times God’s guidance is not visible and not boldly miraculous for all to see. The Narratives in the Book of Ruth demonstrate the Providence of God and His Guidance. It speaks of how God leads across history culminating into his prophetic plans. God's Providence is His ability to care, govern, protect sustain, and preserve the universe through the Natural Laws that he created. Providence of God is his foresight or his ability of making provision beforehand. Providence is his ability to intervene in the affairs of humanity and provide care, support and protect, not the sin of human beings notwithstanding. In regular normal circumstances Gods guidance may be seen as a combination of God’s Revelation, and Gods Providence. By Revelation (inspiration) we mean God speaking to us mainly through His Word. And through supernatural ways such as Vision, Dream, Prophetic word, etc, whose content must align to God’s Word. God’s Providence is where “It so happens” that circumstances conspire to merge in a specific way. However, You and I should always know that nothing just happens in our lives. Everything is orchestrated and in sink to what God wants (Rom 8:28). Here are three aspects of Gods Providence:

1. Providence demonstrates that God created and is still in charge of the earth. Psalm 24 shows The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
2. Everything that happens to all human beings happen with God’s full knowledge and permission (Rom. 8:28). God knew the tragedy of the Elimelech Family; 
3. Providence does not disrupt the Free Moral Agency of human beings. Human beings act independently and are assessed by their decision.

Out of this text in Ruth Chapter 3 Story that it speaks to the fact that through our regular and ordinary lives we are responsible of the three orientations while following God’s guidance:

1. Demonstrate Godly Character at All Times

   • Although You may not know the end of story You are required to stay Godly and Faithful
   • Both Ruth and Boaz never knew the end of what God was working out, but they stayed honorable. Their Character was dependent on the Promises, Character and Revelation of God and not what they went through
   • Notice the Graces that were demonstrated in the life of Boaz
     • Boaz Was a Diligent Person: Boaz is described as “a man of great wealth” (Ruth 2:1), and we see him carefully and thoughtfully overseeing his property.
     • Boaz was a Friendly Person -Boaz greeted his workers with warmth and even welcomed a stranger named Ruth (2:4,8).
     • A Godly Person: Boaz asked Jehovah to bless Ruth in return for her care for Naomi (2:12).
     • Boaz was an encourager: He pointed out Ruth’s strong qualities and spoke of them to cheer her on (2:12; 3:11).
     • A Generous and Mercy Man: He was merciful when he saw how Ruth worked, Boaz asked about her situation and acted on her behalf (2:7). He was also generous. Boaz gave Ruth extra food even though Ruth was willing to work for it (2:15).
     • He was Very Discreet in Relationship: Remember how Boaz send Ruth home before daylight to protect her reputation (3:14).
     • Faithful-Following through on his promise to Ruth, Boaz “went to court” to clear the way to marry her (4:1-12).
   • Notice the Graces demonstrated by Ruth:
     • Loyal and Obedient to a Naomi and her God: Ruth was polite, respectful and appreciative (Ruth 2:10,, 11, 13). 
     • Hardworking: She was hardworking and accountable (Ruth 2:14,18)
     • Humble and working the task of foreigners, strangers and the poor
     • Courageous and Determined: She went to fields to glean alone
   • The biggest puzzle is to stay faithful in the absence of a known benefit
   • Even if you are not promised a promotion remain faithful, remain godly. We do it for God
   • One challenge is when You are required to be faithful while in Pain (Roms 8:28)
2. Ensure that You don’t Take Advantage Of Others
   • Ruth was given instruction to follow. It did not include to seduce Boaz.
   • Boaz the wealthy Land owner, despite having a weak person in his place did not take advantage of Ruth. He did not abuse, use, or victimize her. 
   • Don’t take advantage of people because of your advantage in life. Don’t allow your education dehumanize others. Don’t let your affluence discriminate and victimize people in any way.
   • Due to different experiences, people come with different challenges, don’t take advantage of those that are in need.
3. Always Follow Through Your Plans & Promises
   • In ordinary life, results are better seen when we properly plan and work towards them 
   • Ambitious in work helps us to achieve great (1 Thess. 4: 11)
   • Therefore, the people that win, that achieve are those that not only plan but also execute their plans
   • Ruth is following through the Plans worked with her Mother-in-law. 
   • Boaz worked with the Promises he made. He followed through
   • A lot of us we fail to achieve because we don’t follow through with our plans. 
   • Every plan must have a process for execution. 

Principle of Following Faithfully

However God Leads You, Follow Him Faithfully. He may speak supernaturally with the voice of revelation, Follow him. He may providentially speak through various things that seem to just happen follow Him through the signature of his Wisdom.

Conclusion

Faithfull following demands acting at the immediate direction and guidance you get, and sometimes it is like sun’s rays through thick clouds.