Romans 8:28 reminds us of an encouraging truth: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.
This is the point of principle we need to always keep in mind each day of our lives. Even in the midst of the suffering and hardship many are experiencing around the world due to the effects of the Covid-19 virus pandemic God works for the good of those who love Him. Even in the midst of the struggles for racial equality God works for the good of those who love Him.
You can add any number of other challenges in the world today, but the message of that verse will still be the same. All of us have times when we are waiting expectantly for news. In the summer holidays many young people are usually hoping to hear good news regarding school examinations that can have an impact on their future careers, though this year it is particularly stressful for teachers and students alike due to the disruption of the education provision at every age level.
For other adults it can be news regarding possible jobs they have applied for, or whether their jobs have been saved after the disruptions of recent months; for others it is finally getting that hospital appointment that had been put on hold, or a range of other things. For those who have broken the law of the land in a serious way it is the verdict of the jury that they have to wait for.
At times the tension can seem unbearable as we seek to find patience to wait for the good news and encouraging outcome for which we hope and pray in these situations. Here was one of the ‘longest’ days of Ruth’s life. She had to wait at home while Boaz went to the city gates to convene a meeting with the expected kinsman-redeemer, the nearest blood-relative to the late Elimelech, in the presence of ten elders of the town of Bethlehem.
A crowd would have gathered standing around while this small group of men sat on the floor and discussed the future of this young woman. Both the two main men in the story were older men; the one whose name we do not even know had been most reluctant to get involved in the situation.
There is no evidence that he had even been in touch with Naomi or Ruth since their return to Bethlehem, but we cannot place too much weight on the lack of evidence as this is a very short book with a clear focus on the actions of two people Boaz and Ruth. It is clear, with hindsight, that this other man never considered being the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth as chapter four makes plain.
However, at the time, she had every right to be worried as she was not intending going back to Moab and would have felt obliged to accept the verdict reached by this local council of elders. For Ruth who had come round to the idea of marrying Boaz it would have seemed most unfair that she was in effect to be married after some kind of public auction, albeit mitigated by the fact that only men from the clan of Elimelech were eligible to come forward! Naomi had counselled her with these words in Ruth 2:18: Wait my daughter, until you find out what happens.
Waiting patiently is something that many of us, including myself, find difficult, we want the issues before us sorted out and quickly. Be encouraged with these amazing words from Isaiah 30:18: Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! Amen
Our song for reflection today is: ‘God is working His purpose out’
Brian Talbot