“And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.”” – Ruth 2:19a
Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
The covenant LORD shows His covenant kindness through the worthy man, Boaz. Through Boaz, the covenant God is not only teaching Ruth but is also reaching through the bitterness of Naomi’s heart. She can’t believe how much Ruth has managed to glean in one day. Remember, it was about two weeks worth of food. And so, she blurts it out “Where did you glean today?” She doesn’t even wait for an answer, but goes right on to say, “Blessed be the man who took notice of you.”
But what about us? If God is, through someone else, reaching into your frazzled and undone life with His kindness and love, can you receive it? Are you willing to have God use another fellow covenant member to break through and help you? Moreover, when a godly brother (or sister) reaches into your life, can you see that it is the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken you? Are you able to say of those who help you, “Blessed be the man” or “Blessed be the woman.” More importantly, can you say “Blessed be my God who sent that brother or sister into my life?”
All of that presses onto us another question. When your heavenly Father shows you His covenant love by means of the worthy man Jesus Christ, are you able to receive it? Or, in your bitterness are you sinfully quenching (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the work of the Holy Spirit? Are you able to say of your Saviour, “Blessed be the Man”?
Suggestions for prayer
As necessary, ask God to help you receive His love through others. If you have a loved one or a fellow church member who is sinfully resisting the work of the Spirit, pray for him or her.
Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
