The Devotional

Psalm 32:10

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.

Ever watch an old west movie? Covered wagons all in a circle, the smoke of gun fire belching out at the Indians as they circle. Arrows flying in every direction. A picture of the sorrows of the wicked and it makes no difference if your the one inside or outside the circle. But those who allow the grace of the LORD to surround them, will also trust Him with other needs. Matthew 6:25-34

Ruth

Ruth 2:14-18 If you live in Rhode Island you will notice that most of the good Italian Restaurants will serve a dish of olive oil and bread before the meal. Sort of wetting the appetite. Boaz does not provide a box lunch, or yesterday's leftover food for his hungry crew. Wines and oils have always dressed the table of kings and those of influence. Boaz has a real concern for his workers. He is fulfilling the two commandments that Jesus commands each of us to do as well. Matthew 22:36-40

When our heart is right with God we will be so filled with the joy of the LORD that the cup of material blessing will overflow into the lives of those who do not expect it. Boaz knows the needs of Ruth and Naomi. He is prepared to establish their well being. Ruth, even in her submission to his mercy is weighing the odds, keeping some of the food and making provision for Naomi. Unknowing to her, Boaz is instructing the others to give her aid. Truth is made real when those of us like Ruth, see that the people of God do what God has called them to do.

I hope we see the out pouring of grace and the out working of faith. The grace of God is always one step ahead of our work of faith. In fact; if God were not providing a path of grace, as Boaz provides for Ruth, there would be no work of faith for us to do, as Christ Jesus would not have gone to the cross. I hope we can see this clearly. You cannot serve God by works, if you are not following His grace. The Truth of gleaning in the Book of Ruth is the Truth of Jesus when a group of Greeks came looking for Jesus. John 12:20-26.