Obedience and Divine Providence: Lessons from Ruth's Journey
"¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." - Ruth 3:6
Ruth 3:6 states, "And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." This simple declaration encapsulates a moment of profound obedience and faith, signaling a crucial turning point in the story of Ruth, one that reveals the power of trusting God’s plan through the counsel of those who guide us.
To understand the depth of this moment, we must delve into Ruth's circumstances. A Moabite widow, Ruth lost not only her husband but also her original roots and connections, leaving her to navigate an uncertain future. Despite her tragic situation, Ruth demonstrated extraordinary commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, who had also suffered immense loss. Their bond is one of the finest portrayals of love and loyalty found in the Bible.
The context of Ruth 3 is pivotal. Naomi, bereft of security and prospects, strategizes a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, to seek his protection through levirate marriage. This was not merely a matter of social propriety; it was an act of faith in God’s provision and care amidst dire circumstances. As Ruth prepared to approach Boaz on the threshing floor—a culturally charged and hazardous environment—she displayed an unwavering commitment not only to Naomi’s plan but also to trusting in the possibility of redemption.
Ruth’s obedience, as highlighted in the verse, holds significant implications. Firstly, it illustrates the value of guidance from those wiser and more experienced, particularly spiritual mentors like Naomi. In our lives, we often find ourselves in positions requiring guidance: decisions about career, relationships, and life paths. The counsel of a trusted mentor can serve as a lantern in dark times, illuminating the steps we ought to take. Ruth did not merely set out on her adventure; she submitted herself to Naomi's instructions. In doing so, she demonstrated a humility that is often lacking in contemporary culture, reminding us that true strength lies in submission under wise counsel.
Secondly, Ruth's actions teach us about faith in action. She did not know how her decision would ultimately unfold. Acknowledge the fact that going to the threshing floor, an unexpected move for a widow, could leave her vulnerable. Yet, faith compelled her towards uncertainty, driven by a desire to fulfill not just her needs but also those of Naomi. In the same way, when pursuing God’s direction in our lives, there will inevitably be moments that require stepping into the unknown—moments that demand we forsake our comfort zones. God often calls us to act in faith, even without guaranteed outcomes, as He weaves His plan sovereignly through our obedience.
Moreover, the biblical narrative shows us that obedience is inherently linked with God’s providence. Ruth’s adherence to Naomi’s instructions sets into motion a series of events that lead to redemption—not only for her and Naomi but also for the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. When we align our actions with God’s will, we position ourselves within His overarching plan where our seemingly small decisions carry eternal significance.
Thus, in reflecting on Ruth 3:6, let us embrace obedience in our individual contexts. Let us be willing to listen to and act upon the guidance God provides through others, moving forward in faith even when the path is unclear. May we cultivate a spirit of humility, echoing Ruth’s willingness to submit to guidance. As we navigate our own crossroads, let us trust that our obedience, however minuscule it may seem, is integral in God’s magnificent narrative of redemption.
This week, consider how you can emulate Ruth’s spirit. Are there areas in your life where you need to seek guidance? Are there instructions you’ve been hesitant to follow? Trust that every act of obedience can lead to divine appointments and further God’s relentless work in your life and in the lives of others.
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Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
"¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." - Ruth 3:6
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
Ruth 4:6 - "¶ And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
Ruth 1:6 - "¶ Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread."
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."