It’s terrible when a guy doesn’t call. You have spent time together, felt that spark, that element that there may be something more, a possibility… and then… nothing!
And this was exactly where Ruth was at the start of chapter 3. Boaz has singled Ruth out and initiated the relationship and now she is left wondering. He hasn’t called, he hasn’t emailed. Not even a message on Twitter!
And so, a plan is hatched. A daring plan which definitely pushes the boundaries of how a Godly woman should act… No, I am not saying that all Naomi suggested was wrong . Taking a bath every so often is a great idea! I am just aware that waiting till a man has had his fill of food and drink and then sneaking into his room in the middle of the night may not be the best way to go, then or now!
It was a huge risk to take and that, I think, is the essence of this chapter. I love it. And it doesn’t just stop there. Ruth was a Moabitess. The nation of Moab was known by the Israelites as somewhere that was rife with sexual sin. Indeed Moab was descended from an incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters. The fact that these threshing parties were often frequented by prostitutes multiplied the risk involved. Would Boaz take Ruth for one of these? Would her good reputation be destroyed?
Just about every one of the great stories in the Bible involve huge amounts of risk. The thing is, that when God is involved, things are never exactly as we see them. Things do seem to go wrong sometimes – Jim McMahon said
“Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.”
But "a man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." (Andre Gide).
So, do it. Step out and take a risk for God today. Who knows what can be achieved…
Check this out on Youtube
Disclaimer: It’s a little country...but stick with it – it’s worth it!
More tomorrow,
Sam
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Thanks for taking such a big risk Sam. Never known anyone brave enough at the Forge to admit actually liking country music...
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Sam. Lovin' it. Perfect way to start the Sunday with a bit of Country & Western! Seriously through, made me think what we can all achieve if we take some risk and sail a little way out of the safe harbour we often reside in.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog Sam, I need to have strong words with Mr Banks as the only reason I agreed to blog was because he said I'd be blogging with people who would make my blogging skills look amazing, "you'll look like Beckham (he's a footballer) having a kick around with kids in the park". Ok that was a lie but your blog was great, as was Fennings and I've already decided that tomorrow is risk taking day for God. I'll keep you posted. Thanks mate. (and no mention of CrockodileDock, apologies again).
ReplyDeleteMade me think about risk taking and the different types of risks I've taken in my life. The ones I've done on my own without God have ended badly, but the risks I've taken with God's guidence have all been a blessing. I suppose sometimes what we see as a risk and a big step is only because we don't always know where we are going or what the outcome will be. It's never a risk for God - just part of his plan for our future! That sort of risk is always worth taking and carrying through until the end.
ReplyDeleteClaire x