417
T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S WEDNESDAY, April 21. Ruth 2:1-12. Ruth Gleaning. The resolution of Ruth to relieve the necessities of the household is worthy of all praise. ^ This is the surest and shortest way out of penury. There was a gracious provision of the Mosaic law for the poor. Lev. 19:9-10; Lev. 23: 22; Deut. 24:19. The farmers were not to remove everything from their fields but were to leave something for the stranger and the destitute. The gleaner however must obtain permission from the proprietor to prevent abuses and Providentially Ruth and Boaz were brought together. So far as he was con cerned it seemed to have been a case of love at first sight, as shown by his hospitality and “ handfuls of purpose.” What an ideal condition between cap ital and labor the fourth verse reveals, in the salutation and response of Boaz and his laborers! The same relationship' today would solve all industrial prob lems. Boaz noticed a stranger among the gleaners in the field. On ascertaining her identity, he showed his interest by offering unusual courtesies and a hos pitality that went beyond the demand of conventionality. He contrived a way by which her gleaning should be in creased without her knowing that it was not the product of her own industry. At evening she took home to Naomi nearly a bushel of barley. This is a beautiful picture of grace and favor shown to one who had no claim or merit to urge. A Moabite was forbidden to enter the sanctuary of the Lord unto the tenth generation. Deut. 23:3. This poor and friendless Moabitess not only became a member pf the house of Israel but the mother of its proudest line of kings. Matt. 1:5. THURSDAY, April 22. Ruth 2:13-22. Ruth Favored.
“ Grace fathomless as the sea, •Grace flowing from Calvary, Grace for time and eternity, Grace enough for me.” FRIDAY, April 28. Ruth 4:1-11. A Kinsman Redeemer.
The choice of Ruth was the result of faith as was that of Moses. Heb. 11:24. What seemed to be accidents in her life were Divine providences. Her purpose was to earn her daily bread. God’s purpose was to bring her in con tact with Boaz. He is the type of Christ as kinsman and bridegroom re deemer. The short-sighted policy of the nearest kinsman opened the way for Boaz to accomplish his gracious pur pose, Ruth 4:6, 9, 10. He was the next of kin having the right of redemption, the purchase involving the marriage re lation. In becoming the bride of Boaz, Ruth was lifted from poverty to wealth, from oblivion to everlasting honor, and brought the Gentile world into contact with the process of redemption. Christ has redeemed the forfeited inheritance and with it purchased his redeemed bride. SATURDAY, April 24. Ruth 4:14-22. A Name in Israel. Man is the master not the creature of circumstance. When Ruth said to Naomi, “Whither thou goest, I will go,” she made a choice which ran athwart the national, social and relig ious current of her life and radically changed her career and destiny. She did not drift into the house of Israel. We are not coerced for the will is free. Nevertheless many choose the line of least resistance and the choice becomes a source of moral weakness instead of strength. The act of will required in making the choice of Christ as Saviour and Lord is itself a link in the process of salvation. Ruth and Orpah both chose between Jehovah and Chemosh. “ Choose ye this day whom he will serve.”
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker