God's Shepherding Hands: Provision, Protection, and Transformation
Summary
In our journey through the book of Ruth, we are exploring the often hidden yet profoundly active hands of God. Today, we delve into Ruth chapter 2, where we witness God's shepherding hands at work. This chapter is not about grand declarations but about the subtle, active descriptions of God's work, emphasizing that a shepherd is a doer, not a lecturer. We see God's hands steering, sustaining, and sheltering His people, revealing His sovereignty and love.
The story unfolds with Ruth, a Moabite widow, who clings to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and returns to Bethlehem. Despite her outsider status, Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her faith in God defy logic. Her actions are a testament to the concept of "hesed," a steadfast, loving-kindness that is central to understanding God's character. Ruth's initiative and humility in seeking to glean in the fields demonstrate her deepening commitment to this hesed, even as Naomi remains in a state of bitterness and resignation.
As Ruth ventures into the fields, we see God's steering hands at work. She "happens" to glean in the field of Boaz, a man of standing and character, who is also a relative of Naomi's late husband. This is no coincidence but a divine orchestration, highlighting that God is intricately involved in the details of our lives. Boaz, embodying God's hesed, notices Ruth and extends kindness and protection to her, reflecting God's sustaining hands through His people. His actions are not just about provision but about abundance, as Ruth returns home with more than enough to sustain her and Naomi.
The chapter also reveals the sheltering hands of God, as Boaz acknowledges Ruth's refuge under Yahweh's wings. This refuge is not just a place of safety but a source of strength and transformation. Naomi, initially bitter and resigned, begins to awaken to God's provision and kindness, recognizing that she is not forsaken. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's sheltering hands, which not only protect but also restore and renew.
In this narrative, we are reminded that God's hands are not just about steering us through life's challenges but about carrying us all the way home. Our journey is not just about finding temporary refuge but about being carried by the shepherd's hands to our eternal home. As we place ourselves in God's hands, we are invited to experience His abundant provision and to extend that same hesed to others, bewildering them with the love that has bewildered us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Hidden Hands of God: God's work in our lives is often subtle and hidden, much like His work in the book of Ruth. We must learn to recognize His hands steering us through life's circumstances, even when they seem ordinary or mundane. [05:22]
- The Power of Hesed: Ruth's story highlights the concept of hesed, a steadfast, loving-kindness that defies logic. This kind of love is not self-seeking but sacrificial, reflecting God's character and inviting us to embody it in our relationships. [14:50]
- Divine Orchestration: Ruth's encounter with Boaz is a testament to God's intricate involvement in the details of our lives. What may seem like coincidence is often the result of God's sovereign steering, guiding us to places of provision and blessing. [21:22]
- Abundant Provision: God's provision is not just about meeting our needs but about abundance. Ruth's experience in Boaz's field reminds us that God's blessings often exceed our expectations, inviting us to trust in His generous heart. [46:02]
- Sheltering Hands: God's sheltering hands offer us refuge and strength, transforming our bitterness into gratitude. As we take refuge under His wings, we are not only protected but also renewed and restored, experiencing His love in profound ways. [50:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:40] - Introduction to Ruth's Story
- [05:22] - God's Shepherding Hands
- [07:24] - Ruth's Initiative and Humility
- [10:49] - Boaz's Kindness and Provision
- [14:50] - The Concept of Hesed
- [17:24] - Naomi's Bitterness and Transformation
- [18:41] - Boaz's Reputation and Character
- [20:21] - Divine Orchestration in Ruth's Life
- [21:22] - The Role of Boaz in God's Plan
- [26:04] - The Significance of Boaz's Actions
- [29:49] - God's Abundant Provision
- [31:25] - Following the Shepherd
- [32:58] - Boaz's Heart and Actions
- [35:44] - The Real Measure of Character
- [40:54] - Ruth's Response to Boaz's Kindness
- [46:02] - The Abundance of God's Provision
- [50:57] - Sheltering Hands of the Shepherd
- [54:45] - Refuge and Strength in God
- [56:27] - The Eternal Destination
- [58:00] - God's Hands as Transportation
- [01:03:23] - Knowing the Shepherd
- [01:07:13] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth Chapter 2
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 2:1-23
- Psalm 23
- Proverbs 16:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions does Ruth take that demonstrate her commitment to Naomi and her faith in God? How does this reflect the concept of "hesed"? [07:24]
2. How does Boaz's response to Ruth highlight God's provision and kindness? What specific actions does Boaz take to ensure Ruth's safety and well-being? [10:49]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe God's involvement in the details of Ruth's life as divine orchestration rather than coincidence? [21:22]
4. How does Naomi's attitude begin to change by the end of Ruth chapter 2, and what prompts this transformation? [01:00:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "hesed" challenge our understanding of love and kindness in our relationships? In what ways does Ruth's story illustrate this kind of love? [14:50]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's sovereignty and His role as a shepherd in our lives? How does this perspective affect our view of life's challenges? [05:22]
3. How does Boaz's character and actions serve as a reflection of God's character? What does this teach us about how we should interact with others? [32:58]
4. In what ways does the sermon describe the transformation of Naomi's heart, and how does this relate to the concept of taking refuge under God's wings? [50:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's subtle guidance in your life. How did you recognize His steering hands, and how did it impact your faith journey? [21:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of "hesed" as a steadfast, loving-kindness. Identify a relationship in your life where you can practice this kind of love. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate "hesed"? [14:50]
3. Boaz's actions towards Ruth were not just about provision but about abundance. How can you extend generosity and kindness to someone in need this week, going beyond what is expected? [46:02]
4. Naomi's transformation begins when she recognizes God's provision. Are there areas in your life where you feel bitter or resigned? How can you open your heart to see God's sheltering hands at work? [01:00:01]
5. The sermon describes God's hands as both a refuge and a means of transportation to our eternal home. How can you place your trust in God's hands during uncertain times, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? [57:12]
6. Consider the ways in which you might be an instrument of God's provision and kindness in your community. What practical steps can you take to be more aware of the needs around you and respond with "hesed"? [32:58]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's hands are not just about steering us through life's challenges but about carrying us all the way home. How does this perspective change the way you view your current circumstances and your ultimate destination? [58:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Subtle Guidance
In the book of Ruth, God's presence is often hidden yet profoundly active. Ruth chapter 2 illustrates how God's hands steer the lives of His people, even in the most ordinary circumstances. Ruth, a Moabite widow, finds herself gleaning in the field of Boaz, a man of standing and character. This encounter is not a mere coincidence but a divine orchestration, showcasing God's intricate involvement in the details of our lives. As we navigate our own journeys, we are invited to recognize God's subtle guidance, trusting that He is steering us towards His purposes, even when His work seems hidden or mundane. [05:22]
Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV): "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt things were coincidental. How might God have been subtly guiding you through that experience?
Day 2: Embracing the Power of Hesed
Ruth's story is a powerful testament to the concept of "hesed," a steadfast, loving-kindness that defies logic. Despite being an outsider, Ruth's commitment to Naomi and her faith in God reflect a sacrificial love that mirrors God's character. This kind of love is not self-seeking but is rooted in humility and initiative, as seen in Ruth's actions. As we reflect on this, we are invited to embody hesed in our relationships, extending a love that is steadfast and sacrificial, bewildering others with the same love that has bewildered us. [14:50]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Identify a relationship where you can practice hesed. What specific actions can you take today to show steadfast, loving-kindness to that person?
Day 3: Trusting in Divine Orchestration
Ruth's encounter with Boaz is a testament to God's sovereign steering, guiding her to a place of provision and blessing. What may seem like coincidence is often the result of divine orchestration. Boaz, embodying God's hesed, extends kindness and protection to Ruth, reflecting God's sustaining hands through His people. This narrative invites us to trust in God's intricate involvement in our lives, believing that He is orchestrating our steps towards His purposes and blessings, even when we cannot see the full picture. [21:22]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when things didn't go as planned. How can you trust in God's divine orchestration in your current circumstances?
Day 4: Experiencing God's Abundant Provision
God's provision in our lives is not just about meeting our needs but about abundance. Ruth's experience in Boaz's field is a reminder that God's blessings often exceed our expectations. Boaz's actions are not just about provision but about abundance, as Ruth returns home with more than enough to sustain her and Naomi. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's generous heart, believing that He desires to bless us abundantly, inviting us to experience His provision in ways that surpass our understanding. [46:02]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God for His abundant provision? How can you open your heart to receive His blessings today?
Day 5: Finding Refuge Under God's Sheltering Hands
God's sheltering hands offer us refuge and strength, transforming our bitterness into gratitude. As Ruth finds refuge under Yahweh's wings, Naomi begins to awaken to God's provision and kindness, recognizing that she is not forsaken. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's sheltering hands, which not only protect but also restore and renew. As we take refuge under His wings, we are invited to experience His love in profound ways, finding strength and transformation in His presence. [50:57]
Psalm 91:4 (ESV): "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler."
Reflection: What area of your life feels vulnerable or exposed? How can you seek refuge under God's sheltering hands and find strength in His presence today?
Quotes
"And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, it's so interesting, they always call her Ruth the Moabite. Her outsider -ness, okay, her alien -ness is always emphasized with that title. Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, let me go to the country of Moab. And she said, I'm going to go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." [00:08:36] (19 seconds)
"Ruth fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, why, have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me since I am a foreigner? But Boaz answered her, all that you have done for your mother -in -law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before." [00:10:16] (22 seconds)
"Somebody said recently about the Lord caring to me, about the Lord caring about the details. The Lord does not care about the details. He rules the details. He rules the details. He rules every single one. A German theologian said this, Tell me how lofty God is for you, and I'll tell you how little he means to you." [00:19:57] (22 seconds)
"Ruth leaves in the morning with nothing. I mean, she didn't even take her lunch. They don't have lunch. Okay. She leaves in the morning with nothing. And she comes in that night with this great big to -go box of leftovers and a bag of threshed barley that is 30 to 50 pounds. Like think like a huge bag of dog food while she's balancing her, her leftover box at the same time." [00:46:31] (24 seconds)
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