Women of Bethlehem: Recognizing God’s Hand
Day 3, from week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly
Today’s Reading: Ruth 4; SOAP verses 14-15
Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. 15 May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
Ruth 4:14-15
Observations:
While I’ve always loved Ruth’s story and have seen God’s hand of providence in it – I somehow saw it all the more sweetly reading through it this time. I noticed with fresh eyes how God used it all – the famine, the move from Bethlehem to Moab, the marriage of Elimelech’s sons to Moabite women, the deaths of Elimelech and his sons, and the decision of Ruth -(not by cultural norms but by her heart – Ruth 1:16-18) to leave Moab and go to Bethlehem with Naomi. God used all of it to accomplish what was good for those who loved Him and were called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28.
As I reread the story of Ruth chapter 4, of Boaz approaching and dealing with the rightful heir to Elimelech’s property, I saw something I hadn’t seen before – or at least understood it in a fresh way. Boaz looked at the whole picture and was wise enough to share that picture – well, at least the part he chose to share – with the rightful “kinsman-redeemer,” and because of this – Boaz “acquired the inheritance” and was able to make Ruth his wife, who the LORD enabled to conceive and give birth to a son. They named him Obed, who became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David – the ancestors of our Lord and Savior!
We will not truly or adequately give praise for that which we do not adequately recognize as being from God.
Me, from the inside-out – 2022
The Village Women
So Ruth was given a son, and the women of the village of Bethlehem praised the LORD for not leaving Naomi without a guardian, saying – “a son has been born to Naomi.” They also acknowledged Ruth as a blessing to Naomi, recognizing her as better than seven sons. From the depths of bitterness and despair, God brought joy, contentment, and praise!
How, Then, Should We Live?
I believe from the women of the village we can learn at least three things …
- We should direct our praise to the LORD – not just for what He does in our life but for what He does in the lives of others.
- We should pray over the blessings He bestows and believe in advance how He will use the gift.
- We should speak encouragement to those He blesses.
Perhaps even more beneficial, though, is what we can learn from Boaz.
- Look at the big picture and act with wisdom from God.
- We will miss the beauty of God’s tapestry if our focus is on us and not God.
- Abundant praise will flow from the lips of the one who watches Him.
Prayer Response:
Oh, Father, help me not to get caught up watching for You to work in or through me – such a singular vision can be blinding to what You are doing locally, globally, and in the lives of those I know and love. Such a singular vision stunts our praise and more. I also confess it is easy to say a quick “praise God” and keep going – but thank You for this picture of lingering and even praying over the “blessing” and also for the reminder to give You praise not only for what You do in our own lives but for what You do for others – and to be specific not flippant or vague.
Your Turn:
What’s your takeaway from this portion of Ruth’s story?
Reflection Questions:
The village women recognized God’s hand in Ruth’s and Naomi’s lives.
- How can our lives spur others on to praise God?
- What caused these women to praise God?
Want More?
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Me From the Inside Out 