Trust: Accomplish His Plan

Trust

As I continue on my desire to have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I thought I'd study "Trust" throughout the Bible. What is trust? In whom do I place my trust? Who is trustworthy? Am I trustworthy? What are the results of trusting God? How do you continue to trust God with things don't go as I planned? 

I'm looking forward to learning about Trust, hope you will enjoy reading what I learn as I study God's Word. 

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And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Genesis 15:6

The command to go to the land which the Lord would show him, accompanied with the promise to make of him a great nation, had awakened in him a certain expectation; which, however, waited for some performance to ripen it into faith. But waiting in a state of suspense is not faith, but doubt; and faith after performance is not faith, but sight. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

What was there now, then, to call forth Abram‘s faith more than at the first promise? There was the reiteration of the promise. There was the withholding of the performance, leaving room for the exercise of pure faith. There was time to train the mind to this unaccustomed idea and determination. And, lastly, there was the sublime assurance conveyed in the sentence, “I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward,” transcending all the limits of time and place, comprehending alike the present and the eternal, the earthly and the heavenly. This, coupled with all the recorded and unrecorded dealings of the Lord, leads him to conceive the nobler feeling of faith in the Promiser, antecedent to any part of the execution, any unfolding of the plan, or any removal of the obvious difficulty.

Thus, faith springs solely from the seed of promise. And from that moment there stands up and grows within the breast of man the right frame of mind toward the God of mercy - the germ of a mutual good understanding between God and man which will spread its roots and branches through the whole soul, to the exclusion of every noxious plant, and blossom forth unto the blessed fruit of all holy feelings and doings.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Abram trusted in the Lord even when it seemed impossible, because God had fulfilled other promises. Although Abram couldn't understand or even begin to see how God would accomplish His promise, Abram trusted. 

Abram trusted in God. And God saw that Abram was willing to trust God to make the seemingly impossible happen. When we place our trust in God and WAIT on Him to accomplish HIS plan in HIS time, we have a peace and joy that overflows when God acts. However, when we try to do things on our own, then we cause trouble for ourselves and others! Consequence of trust in God lead to promises fulfilled and joy! Consequence of trust in oneself or others, often leads to misery and heartache. 

If I want to learn to trust God and wait on Him to accomplish His plan for me and through me, then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep reverence and respect for God, will I be willing to wait on Him and TRUST that He will, in His time and in accordance with His will, accomplish His plan. 

Impact for Eternity!

Impact for Eternity!

Ruth 4:13-22

"The passage is given by Matthew word for word in the genealogy of Christ, that we may see that this history looks not so much to David as to Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed by all as the Saviour and Redeemer of the human race, and that we may learn with what wonderful compassion the Lord raises up the lowly and despised to the greatest glory and majesty" (Brentius).

Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament

As I read the conclusion to the Book of Ruth, I had to stop and think of the importance of Ruth and all that took place to get her where she needed to be to fully accomplish God's plan. 

I also think of Ruth's willingness to do the "right thing" and do it well, not even knowing the full significants her actions. Reminds me of others throughout Scripture that God used because they where willing to do the "right thing". 

As I look back over my life, I think of all God has done, and the people He used to supply my needs, bless me, and encourage me. People who were willing to do the right thing—the God honoring way—put themselves in the position to not only bless others, but to be used by God to fulfill His purpose and plan. 

Another aspect of doing the right thing, is that often we don't see the ripple effects it has on others or in years to come. There were many generations and years between the birth of Obed and the birth of Jesus Christ. God was able to use Ruth to accomplish His will over many generations. That's the exciting aspect of doing the right thing—the God honoring way. One can have an impact for eternity! 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), it makes me wiling and able to do the right thing—the God honoring way, and then in turn, bless others and have an impact for eternity! 

We Are Witnesses

Ruth 4:9-12

We are witnesses.

Boaz made sure that there were witnesses to his interaction and agreement with the nearest kinsman. The witnesses, saw and agreed that the agreement took place and they confirmed that Boaz was now rightfully entitled to the land and Ruth.

We are witnesses.

Do witnesses have a responsibility? I think they do. As witnesses, they were to make sure that the nearest kinsman did not try to get the land from Boaz at a later time. As witnesses, they were to see that Boaz fulfilled his agreement and bought the land, and took Ruth as his wife. 

We are witnesses.

We are witnesses to things each and every day. We witness good acts and bad. We witness kindness and cruelty.  We witnesses godly actions and attitudes and ungodly. 

As witnesses we have a responsibility. 

When we witnesses various actions and attitudes how to we respond? Sadly, too often in our society today, we stand there taking pictures to post on Twitter or Facebook, but we don't intervene when necessary. When we see acts of kindness and generosity, we ignore it—most often because it puts us in a bad light, or we wonder why we weren't the recipients of that action. 

As Christian witnesses we have even a greater responsibility. 

This past Sunday there was a baptism at my Church. As a witness to that, I have a responsibility to pray for those individuals as they grow in their relationship with God. I also have a responsibly to pray for other believers, and encourage them. I also have a responsibility to share God's love with those with whom I come in contact. 

We are witnesses. 

Today, as I go about my day, I know that I'll witness many things. Will I act in accordance with my God given responsibly? If my heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll be ready to take the action as a witness! 

The Right Way—The God-Honoring Way

Ruth 4:5-8

The nearest kinsman had agreed to buy the land. Then Boaz, told him that if he buys the land, he must also buy Ruth and take her for his wife. 

The nearest kinsman wanted no part of that deal! He told Boaz that he could have the land and Ruth. Boaz was now free to buy the land, and take Ruth as  his wife in accordance to the law. And they sealed the deal—with a sandal, as was the custom. 

The right of redemption is fairly resigned to Boaz. If this nameless kinsman lost a good bargain, a good estate, and a good wife too, he may thank himself for not considering it better, and Boaz will thank him for making his way clear to that which he valued and desired above any thing. 

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Doing things the right way, is the God-honoring way. So, often people want to take shortcuts to get things they want or to get things done. However, those shortcuts often lead to problems. Boaz knew that he was not the nearest kinsman to Naomi, and that another had the right and obligation to choose to buy the land and marry Ruth. 

Doing things the right way, is the God-honoring way. And when things are done the right way, the God-honoring way, then God can bless what is done. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG), then I'll know the God-honoring way, and be willing to take the necessary steps to make sure it is done the right way. 

Witnesses

Ruth 4:1-4

Witnesses. 

Boaz did as he said he would. He found the nearest of kin to Naomi. Boaz found the kin and made sure he had witnesses whom others respected. Once he had the kinsman and the witness, he then told the kinsman about the piece of Elimelech's land that was sold, that needed to be bought back for Naomi, in accordance with the law.

In front of the witnesses, Boaz asked the question. 

So, will you buy it back for Naomi? If not, I'll buy back, being the next of kin. 

Once again these verses display that Boaz knew what needed to be done, and did it appropriately. 

The other kinsman, agreed quickly to buying the land.

Reading through Ruth, I am reminded that people are watching. Sometimes at our request, other times, without our knowledge. What are they seeing? What are they witnessing? What do my actions and attitudes reflect? 

Witnesses. What would they give an account about me? If my heart is permeated by a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then they'd see Christ.

"What an incredible witness it is to a lost and fearful society when the Christian acts like a child of God, living under the loving sovereignty of the Heavenly Father."  Henry Blackaby

Character

Ruth 3:4-18

Ruth did as she was instructed by Naomi. 

I love the description in verse 8 about when Boaz woke up. We've all had those nights when something (we aren't quite sure what) wakes us up out of a sound sleep. Boaz wakes up and turns... something woke him up—and then he realizes there is someone lying at his feet. That would get anyone heart pumping fast! 

When Ruth told Boaz who she was, responded graciously. He was kind, compassionate, and continued to look out for Ruth, because she as "a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability)." Another translation, calls Ruth, "worthy; noble". 

We see Ruth's character from the beginning of this book all the way through. When it came time to make the tough choices, Ruth made the "right ones" no matter how difficult it would prove to be. Ruth was a lady of integrity, moral character, and humility. She worked hard to support her and Naomi. And she listened to and honored Naomi, in her actions and obedience. 

Boaz sent Ruth back home, to wait his further instructions. But he did not send her away empty handed. He provided food for her and Naomi. 

Ruth returned home and told Namoi all that had happened. Now they just had to wait. 

As I read these verses this morning. My attention was drawn to verse 11 and what Boaz said about Ruth. "You are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability)." 

How would others describe me? What do my actions, attitude, and words speak of me? 

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all. Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

Proverbs 31:28-30 (AMP)

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), that should be reflected in my life—with the strength of character and steadfast in goodness.