Faith is rooted in God's Word
As we’ve been looking at Ruth this week, we learned about the journey she embarked on with Naomi. Just two women having just lost their husbands, trusting that God will provide. When they arrive at their destination in Bethlehem, it’s just in time for the spring harvest.
Ruth 1:23 “So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.”
Instead of being bitter at God for not giving them a provider at that time, Ruth takes on the responsibility gladly as she goes out to pick up the leftover grain in the field knowing that God had a purpose in even a mundane task.
Ruth 2:2 “One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, ‘Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it. Naomi replied, ‘All right, my daughter, go ahead.’”
Now how did Ruth decide to go out and do this? We see in the book of Deuteronomy that God made a law to protect widows, such as Ruth and Naomi, long before either of them were born. In her faithfulness, Ruth acts according to God’s law in which she is
blessed with what she needs and even more (stay tuned for the rest of the story this week).
Deuteronomy 24:19 “When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do.”
Questions:
What promise was given in Deuteronomy that applied to Ruth?
How did Ruth’s willingness to work reflect her faith?
Ruth took God’s promises to heart and it showed. Do you know any of God’s promises?
Where do we find God’s promises?
God’s promises are found and understood when we search the Scriptures, seeking wisdom and understanding from the Lord. We must know God’s promises and put our faith in Him to receive the end result.
Some of God’s beautiful promises that those who believe and trust in him can find comfort: Romans 8:28, Exodus 20:12, John 14:2-3, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 28:18-20, etc.
How does believing these promises change the way we live?
For those who do not believe or trust in God, His promises are still offered to you.
Are you willing to surrender your life to Him? It starts with Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10).