God behind the scenes - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Ruth 2:3,

"So she [Ruth] went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek."

Following Naomi's return to Bethlehem, with Ruth in tow, who had insisted she return with Naomi from Moab - her own country - Ruth went out to see what she could do to provide them food. She entered a field that was being harvested and gleaned there. It turned out the field belonged to Boaz, a relative of Naomi.

As this beautiful story goes, Boaz eventually marries Ruth and the two build a family together. That family will be a part of the genealogical line through which Jesus Christ would come into the world. As all know who have read the book of Ruth, it is a wonderful story of godly people coming together and participating in the human chain that would be used to bring the Son of God into the world.

With its many references to God, God is never mentioned as manipulating the events that are chronicled in the account of Ruth. However, the presence of God bringing about the turn of events that take place in this book is unmistakable. Just as in other passages that we have in the pages of Scripture, the presence of God working behind the scenes is clearly evident but not mentioned, such as in the book of Esther where God is not mentioned at all.

I think of this kind of thing today. Which events in the news today reflect what God is busy doing to build his kingdom - yet remaining in the background? Which activities on the world stage among the various nations? What might God be accomplishing and how do those things fit into his agenda?

One thing I am certain of is that this age is entirely given to God's program of redemption - he is building his kingdom. This life is like the OB ward in a hospital where babies are born (through second birth) and brought into the family. Behind much of what we see happening today, as in Ruth's day, God is clearly here bringing things together to accomplish his agenda.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com