Family Worship November 29, 2009 Bel Aire Baptist Church
Series: God’s Gift Of… [#2]
PROVISION
Ruth 2:1-23
Introduction:
It is hard to learn how to be satisfied with what God has given you when you start looking around and see what others have; but God tells us not to worry about God’s provision for us.
Matthew 6:25-34
Our text tells us about God’s provision.
God provides…
1. The right place.
Ruth 2:1-3
There were many fields that Ruth could choose from to glean. Verse 3 says that she just happened to glean from the field that belonged to Boaz. Although Ruth had no real reason for choosing that field, God knew exactly where she should be.
We may not understand why we are where we are, but God has you right where you are supposed to be. It is not our job to question where God has placed us. We are called to follow Him unconditionally.
God provides the right place and…
2. The right people.
Ruth 2:4-16
Not just anyone could redeem Ruth; it had to be a close relative. Boaz fit the qualification. Not only did Boaz qualify as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, but he was concerned for Ruth’s safety and well-being. He treated her like family, not a foreigner. He allowed her to glean all she wanted. He instructed her to not go anywhere else.
God does the same for us. He protects us and provides for us. He ask that we stay close to Him and not wander off. There is no need for us to go anywhere else but to God. We were foreigners, but through Jesus we are made family.
God provides the right people, the right place, and…
3. The right portion.
Ruth 2:17-23
Ruth not only ate all she could, but she was able to take “leftovers” to Naomi. Not only did Ruth go home with a full stomach but she also went home with much more barley than one person could ever glean in one day. God doesn’t just provide for us, He provides abundantly. You may think that you don’t have all you need, but remember God will provide for all of your needs. Notice I said needs not wants.
Conclusion:
Psalm 23 (NIV)
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
