Providential Protection

Devotion: Ruth 2:21-23

This week we conclude Ruth's report back to Naomi. As we have seen, the two women were blessed by God through Boaz with plenty of food because he was a kinsman redeemer to Naomi. The providential care of God extended beyond sustenance to Ruth's protection as well.

"And Ruth the Moabite said, 'Besides, he said to me, "You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest." ' And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, 'It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.' So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law." -Ruth 2:21-23 ESV

Ruth was a foreign woman operating in what could be a hostile environment. God created men and women to care for one another, but because of sin some men have used their superior strength to dominate and harm women. Ruth and Naomi are well-aware of this harsh reality, but Naomi is beginning to see just how great is the providential protection of her God. Not only would Ruth bring in enough food for them to last them, but she would also be protected from the abuses and assaults she could suffer in a different place.
God's providential protection of Ruth served His purpose as Ruth will factor into the line of David and, eventually, the birth of Jesus. Yet, I think we can all look to God for protection in our daily lives. While I believe in total depravity (every human being/human action is tainted by sin), I do not believe in utter depravity (everything is bad as it can be). It is God who keeps us from the second and for this we ought to give thanks and glory to His name.

News for You:

• The Omak Chamber of Commerce’s annual Twilight Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 9^th.  We will be decorating the Blue Angel to fit this year’s theme of “Country Christmas.”  If you are interested in participating in this event, please contact the church office.
• The Okanogan Community Homeless Shelter is looking for volunteers to be overnight hosts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at New Life Church in Okanogan.  December dates are the 12^th, 13^th, 19^th, 20^th, 26^th, and 27^th.  Please see Pastor Bill if you have questions or are interested in filling one of the spots available.  
• Parents of nursery-aged children: Please stay after the service today to enjoy homemade muffins downstairs with your children.
• Manfisher is asking for heavy winter coats and gloves for their inventory.  If you, or someone you know, have any of these items set aside to donate, please bring them to the church office for pick-up.
• The Salvation Army bell-ringing sign-up for Saturday, December 2^nd is available at the Welcome Center.  The location will be inside the Safeway entrance.
• The women’s brunch & cookie exchange is Saturday, December 9^th at 9am. Ladies, please join us for food and fellowship with one another.  A sign-up sheet is available at the Welcome Center.
• There will be a Christmas breakfast potluck during fellowship hour on Sunday, December 10^th.  You can sign up at the Welcome Center or contact Sandee Freese for more information.