Food for the Journey - an extract from Ruth

New for July is the 365-day devotional Food for the Journey. This volume contains the best teaching from the most-well known speakers from over the years at the Keswick Convention. These readings will teach, inspire and encourage from across the whole canon of scripture.

Throughout July and August we will be sharing inspiring quotes, Scripture passages and extracts to celebrate this new release.

Today's extract is from Ruth

Day 292
Read Ruth 2:11–16
Key verses: Ruth 2:13–16

13 ‘May I continue to find favour in your eyes, my lord,’ she said. ‘You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant – though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.’
14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.’

When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, ‘Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. 16 Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.’

Who or what are you taking refuge in?

We don’t like to admit it, but all of us take refuge in something; we seek security and protection in our job, family, reputation, even money.

The distinguishing feature of Ruth’s life is that her refuge is in Yahweh.

Boaz has noticed Ruth’s kindness to Naomi, so he prays for her, in verse 12: ‘May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’

In a sense, Boaz answers his own prayer by welcoming Ruth at the meal, offering her roasted grain and making sure she has enough to take home. Boaz points us forward to Jesus, the great provider, the one who intervenes in the lives of those who are poor, needy and alone.

Ruth’s circumstances are uncomfortable, and yet Boaz speaks kindly to her (verse 13). She faces the possibility of antagonism, but he brings her under the jurisdiction of his protection, and so under the Lord’s protection. And she is amazed by this – such comfort, such kindness. Especially as she doesn’t even have the standing of one of his servant girls. She is not thinking of entitlement. She regards the intervention of Boaz as an act of unmerited favour. She has no standing, but is brought into the protection and provision of a man of standing, who is prepared to give her all she needs and more.

Jesus is our man of standing, able to give us all we need and more.

Whatever your concerns or struggles, take refuge in Jesus today. He is your protector and provider; nestle in the shadow of his wings. He is the only one able to give you all you need – and so much more! Join the psalmist in praise:
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
(Psalm 36:7)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’
(Psalm 91:1–2)

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