THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The pastor went to see a woman whose husband had died. Before he prayed with her, he wanted to show his concern for the family. He asked, "Was your husband covered by insurance?"
She answered, "No, sir. Just his night shirt."
**********************************************************************************
Ruth 2:17
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
KJV
**********************************************************************************
We can learn many lessons from Ruth "the gleaner."
Ruth realized her position, she was poor and needy. Are we not poor and needy before our Lord? Do we not stand in need of His grace? Let us realize our position before Him, and seek to glean each day from the riches of His love. Pride will stiffen the neck and back, making it improbable to bend humbly and be in the receiving position. A humble heart realizes the need of kneeling to gather God's personal relationship and fellowship.
Ruth was industrious. She did not sit in the house bemoaning her ills. She went into the fields to work! Shall we not be industrious toward our Lord? Let us go to Him in prayer and seek His blessings. Let us go to His Word, and glean the truths we need for decision-making. Let us apply His Word to our lives, and share with others the blessings of His love. It takes every single ear of corn to make up the bushel. And it takes every lesson from God to make us "wise unto salvation."
Ruth gathered diligently. She looked in every corner of the field to find that which the harvestors had missed or dropped. Shall we not gather from each day the joys, hope and lessons our Lord provides? Let us look diligently to find that which our Lord provides in each day. A humble heart seeks to share the "Good News" of Christ with someone each day. The diligent and watchful eye will look for opportunities of service.
Ruth retained what she received. She took the gleaning home and "beat" it, preparing it for use as food. Shall we not meditate upon the truths we learn from God? Let us not only learn but retain. Let us use what we receive from God as food for our daily lives. A barn full of grain will not be beneficial unless it is prepared for use. The humble heart will prepare the food of God and be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.." (1 Peter 3:15)
We are poor and needy before our Lord. Come into His field of worship and learning each day. Be industrious and gather diligently. Do not forget, but retain and share with others the grace of God.
Love ya,
Bruce