Were It Not for Grace
Today’s Verse:
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? ~Ruth 2:10
One of the most touching stories in Scripture is the record concerning Ruth the Moabite. The primary characters in this story are Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Of course, in the background of this story we see the providence of God at work. Symbolically, Boaz is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. This morning, we want to be encouraged by the working of God’s grace through Boaz in the life of Ruth.
We see Ruth who is an alien.
Ruth is a Moabite by race. Moabites because of their cruel treatment of Israel in the wilderness were excluded from entering the congregation of Israel for up to ten generations. It was humanly impossible for a Moabite to enter the Jewish congregation. Ruth is a picture of every sinner and how we are aliens and strangers to the family of God. The Bible clearly reminds us, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Our sin nature prevents every sinner from coming into God’s family on our own merit.
We see Ruth and her acceptance.
However, Boaz in his grace allowed her to glean in the field with his reapers. In spite of our sinful nature, God’s grace makes possible acceptance with God for salvation. The grace of God excludes no one. God’s grace is not limited to any specific group of people. God’s grace welcomes every sinner into the presence of God. The Bible clearly tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.” Her question to Boaz was “why have I found grace in thine eyes, that shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” Why would God accept a stranger into his family? Grace!
We see Ruth and her assurance.
Ruth had the full guarantee of the property owner, who also happened to be a kinsman of Ruth. She had his pledge. He pledged to take care of her and ultimately took her into his family. She had his provision. He allowed her to eat with his servants. She did not lack for provisions. In fact, he allowed her to glean more than other servants. She had his protection. He made sure that she would not be taken advantage of by the servant men. Ruth had complete assurance of knowing that she could never lose this wonderful privilege of grace that was exhibited to her through Boaz.
We see Ruth and her application.
Ruth worked very hard in the fields and was wonderfully rewarded. I am reminded that we are to have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably. The grace exhibited by Boaz motivated her to do more and give her best effort. What would have been considered hard by others was a strengthening factor in helping her to be recognized as an exceptional worker. Do you rely on God’s grace to serve Him?
God’s grace is instrumental in saving us. God’s grace is our teacher to help us live in godliness. God’s grace strengthens us in our weakness. God’s grace sustains us during trials and hardships. God’s grace is the factor that keeps us encouraged and to keep going when things become tough for us. Are you thankful that you are a recipient of grace? Have you considered where you would be if not for the grace of God?
Have a grace-filled God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Amos 6-9