God takes Notice
20th MARCH 2023
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Then she fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found grace in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” [Ruth 2:10 AFV]
Why have I found grace in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner [sinner]? How many times have people been overwhelmed by the love and care of God that they have spoken either these same words or something really close to this? Perhaps, you may have been in that position before, and you know exactly how you felt, and thus you can imagine how Ruth felt.
The love of God draws a response of worship from our hearts. When we fall on our faces and bow ourselves to the ground, in response to His loving-kindness, we are offering Him worship. What this shows us is that anyone who truly pursues the will and purpose of God must submit themselves to Him in the face of His love and grace. The question Ruth asked was not left answered.
Just in case you are wondering about the grace Ruth was talking about, here it is; “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”
The love of God separates us from the other fields where we are not treated as family. It puts us in a community of people we can identify with, follow and learn from. It ensures our security and provides rest for us when we are tired.
The answer to Ruth’s question is found in verse 11 of the same chapter [please read it]. The answer she got can be put in two parts. Firstly, consider Naomi as the person who preached the gospel of Christ to Ruth — and Ruth treated this person with respect and honour. Secondly, Ruth makes the decision to separate herself from her former life to embrace a new way of life [the kingdom life] and live amongst a new people [followers of Christ]. The problem with Orpah was that she could not separate herself when she heard the cost, she chose to remain. Ruth, however, decided she was going to carry her cross, she had nothing to lose.
God’s love and purpose for our lives require us to separate ourselves onto Him alone. To offer Him our worship, submit ourselves to His majesty, and receive His grace.
Heavenly Father, as I fall on my face and bow myself down before, please receive my worship. Thank You for showing me Your grace and loving-kindness. Keep me in Your purpose, and help my conviction to stay in Your field, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prophetic Declaration: Psalm 91
Bible In One Year: 1 Samuel [13–16]
