Stay where God puts you by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                    

Text: Ruth 2:17-22

Topic: Stay where God puts you

 

This study will be done with the following sub headings:

1. Elimelech and family left their place

2.Ruth stayed put

3. Boaz’s and Naomi’s uniform exclamation/instruction

4. Rewards for Ruth’s obedience

5. Ministerial admonitions from the topic.

Elimelech and family left their place Ruth 1:1-2 

Elimelech, his wife Naomi and two sons Mahlon and Kilion left their divine placement, place of birth and residence because of what the bible terms a severe famine vs.1, although famine is not good at all but he could have consulted before making such a MAJOR move which birthed MAJOR losses viz: his life and those of his two sons vs.3-5.

It is however very catastrophic to attempt to claim to be doing God’s own ministry with our SENSES ALONE , we will doing ourselves and the supposed flock more harm than good, lets learn from Elimelech, Joshua and the people of Israel Josh.9:14. 

Ruth stayed put

Things changed, situations got better, tide improved, God came through for them and the only survivor of the costly mistake in the name of relocation/greener pastures knew instantly that she was wrongly located and needed to relocate just like the prodigal son.vs.6ff, Luke 15:17-19, may we not die in the oblivion of sin and self in Jesus mighty name. Amen

She (Naomi) kissed the two wives of her deceased sons, bade them farewell and prayed for them she however did all that in tear vs.9 and her tears may not be unconnected to her loss and her anticipated loneliness, anyone, anything not led by God and His spirit is not a son/daughter and will be lost eventually and permanently Rom.8:14, John 14:6, John 3:16. 

Ruth must have seen good and Godly traits in her deceased Husband, hence instead of saying thank you Jesus for making me free from that burden with a label of husband she said your people will still be my people. She must also have heard of the non-comparative and all powerful nature of the God of the Jews, little wonder her outburst your God will be my god what a discerning and determined Ruth, she is a worthy example 1 vs,16-17.

Boaz’s and Naomi’s uniform exclamation/instruction

The bible says in 2 Cor.13:1 says that the fact of a case must be established by two or three witnesses. Boaz warned Ruth don’t go to any other fields, stay right behind the young women working in my field Ruth 2:8.

Naomi reiterated same, stay with His young women right through the whole harvest Ruth 2:22 with the way God directed Ruth’s feet to Boaz’s farm while she was confused, hungry and had no other place to go Ruth 2:3 and the uniform advice/instruction of both Boaz and Naomi it may not be out of place to STAY WHERE GOD PUT YOU, to get what He has for you and reach where He planned for us we must stay where He put us.

Rewards for Ruth’s obedience 

1.      She was provided for: food and water 2:9,14,16, Ps.23:1

2.      She was protected 2:9,22,Ps.23:4-5

3.      She found marital miracle and fulfillment 4:13,Ps.23:6

4.      She became progenitor of David, Jesus etc. 4:21-22,Matt.1:5-16,Is.1:19,Ps.23:6 

Ministerial admonitions from the topic

·         Know God and be directed by Him always Rm.8:14

·         Rely on His power alone for ministry don’t become another king Saul enthroned by God consulting witch at Endor 1 Sam.28:3ff

·         Get God’s directive for location, form, mode of ministry and stay there god is not a rubber stamp he may not support what he didn’t start or instruct.

·         Stay within your gifting, one of the major source of confusion and conflict is be like him/her syndrome an escapade both Israel and King Saul didn’t live to tell good about.

 

May God be with us all shalom.