The providence of God is a theme clearly observable in the book of Ruth. Providence is God¹s care for his people. Let us consider the providence of God in the book of Ruth with regard to food, family and fatigue.

God¹s providence is seen in his provision of food. Naomi¹s family had left Judah for Moab because of famine. Later Naomi returns to Judah because she heard that the Lord had visited his people in giving them food. The Lord looks after his own and gives them food. His provision goes beyond just food but covers all of life¹s necessities. This morning in the adult Bible class we considered Psalm 23 and saw how that psalm teaches the Lord¹s comprehensive care for his people. His care encompasses the breadth of life¹s experiences.

Consider some of the instances in the Bible where God provided for his people. Recall how Isaac dug again the wells of his father Abraham and found water (Gen.26:15-22). Consider how the Israelites survived 40 years in the wilderness. They were fed by a mysterious wafer-like substance which fell from heaven (Exodus 16). They called it manna. This was God¹s providential supply of food for his people while they were in need. Recall how the prophet Elijah was looked after in the wilderness when ravens brought meat and bread to him (1 Kings 17:4-6). Recall how the prophet Elisha was cared for by a woman and her family (2 Kings 4:8-10). They provided him with an upper room, with bed, table, chair and lampstand, all that a prophet needed. Consider how Jesus himself was never in need. His followers looked after him. God¹s providence is such that he provides for his people just as he did when he provided for Naomi and her family. God can be trusted to supply our daily needs. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread. He will not fail us when we take him at his word and ask for his provision of food.

God¹s providence is seen in his provision of family. Naomi left Judah with a family but returned ³empty². But did the Lord God abandon her? In no way. The Lord¹s providence was such that he gave a family to Naomi. The years of loss were restored with years of plenty.

The story is well known. Naomi¹s daughter in law Ruth marries Boaz and from this union came a son, Obed. Naomi takes Obed in her arms. She is a happy grandmother. She has a family again.

God¹s providence is such that he gives us family. We do not think only of our immediate blood relatives but also of the extended family of the church. There are some people who do not know who there parents are. There are others who have broken families. But God in his providence gives family to his people. When people come to know Jesus they become part of the Christian family. There is no need to be isolated and lonely in life. Jesus has come to be your friend. If you receive him you become part of his family. When I visit Singapore I stay above a doctor¹s clinic. This dear man allowed me stay on his property over 20 years ago and I have stayed there whenever I visit Singapore. This is an example of family. Providentially God supplied my need of accommodation. He gives me family even when I am abroad. I am always grateful to the Lord for family.

God¹s providence is seen in his provision of grace when his people are fatigued. Naomi was fatigued in her soul. She had endured famine, lost her husband, and then buried her two sons. No wonder she spoke of herself as ³Mara² meaning bitterness. Yet despite being brokenhearted Naomi survives. God¹s grace was sufficient for her.

Naomi¹s testimony of God¹s grace is the testimony of all God¹s people. The Lord provides grace to cope in time of need. When Elijah felt he was alone God came to him in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:1-18). When Paul prayed for relief from his thorn in the flesh the Lord came and told him his grace would be sufficient for Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Jesus was experiencing spiritual fatigue in the Garden of Gethsemane but he was revived by the grace of God. He was also severely tested at Calvary and when nailed to the cross he cried out: ³My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?² Yet he was enabled by the Father¹s grace to continue right to the end to give is life for the saving of the lost. How we should praise God for his providential provision of grace. You may feel fatigued by trying circumstances but you will not collapse because God providentially will give you grace to cope.

The lesson we learn is that God never forsakes his people but providentially cares for them. His care is seen in the provision of food, family and grace to the fatigued. Let us trust him always. Let us as the writer of Hebrews teaches us come boldly to the throne of grace for there we shall obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Finally take to heart the testimony of the psalmist who said he was once young but now was old. Yet he had never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging for bread (Psalm 37:25). The God of providence will care you.

(Summary of Sermon by David Yan on 27 November 2005)