Part 22

---The series on Ruth began in Part 10---
“I will give you treasures of darkness and hidden riches of the Secret Place, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who calls you by your name, am the God of Israel.”  Isaiah 45:3

“So she set out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters.  As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech….she went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”  Ruth 2:3, 7b

“As it turned out…”  Coincidence?  “the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection.”  (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)  Do you believe in coincidence?  I don’t.  I believe God ordains our footsteps, and what seems like an impossible “occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident” is always connected back to the ordination of our Father.

There are many occurrences of “coincidence” in our lives.  We typically “laugh them off”…coincidence is fun.  Coincidence is a defining moment.  Coincidence can cause us to avoid danger.    Just like God!  He is fun, He defines moments in our lives and He helps us to avoid danger.  Instead of “coincidence”, I like to call it “Divine Appointments” and “Divine Intervention”. 

As we “tap in” to God, as we ask Him for discernment in our lives, as we recognize His hand instead of mere “coincidence”, He rewards us by showing us more of Him!  “I will give you treasures of darkness.  I will give you hidden riches.  Just come into the Secret Place.  Tell me that you want more of Me.  Call My name.  Acknowledge that I am the Holy One of Israel.  Listen as I call you by your name and beckon you to My bosom to comfort you, to shield and protect you, to love you, to show you more of Me – My glory!”  Just to have enough faith to amount to the size of a mustard seed…the smallest seed known to mankind.  That is all He is asking.  Just to seek Him…to make an attempt.  That is all He is asking.  Try Him in this – the next time “mere coincidence” occurs in your life, acknowledge that it is by the hand of our Father, and I promise He will reward you by showing you more!

“Seek Me, and you will find Me.  Ask Me, and it will be given.  Knock and I will open the door.  You are more than welcome!”

“…she went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now…”
Steady:  direct or sure in movement; unfaltering; stable; constant; dependable.
Steadfast:  firmly fixed in place; immovable; firm in belief, determination, or adherence; loyal; faithful.  (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

Although God loves to give us surprises and gifts, just as we do for our children, (Matthew 7:7-11) He also expects us to take responsible care in our work.  In the Outer Court, there is much work going on.  It is not a quiet place – it is busy!  We make our sacrifices, laying down our flesh and all of our burdens on the altar.  We draw from the well of the laver.  We eat from the bread of life.  We stoke the fire to keep it burning.  We help others.  We cannot just walk in, sit down and do nothing else.  We work steadily, and we develop steadfastness.  “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed…”  Ecclesiastes 11:6a

 “…except for a short rest in the shelter…”  Our steadfastness takes us right into the Holy of Holies, the Secret Place of the Most High God, the King’s Chamber, the shelter of God Almighty.  Here we will find our rest.  Here we will find our comfort.  Here we will find the love of our life…our Kinsman-Redeemer is waiting to intercede for us and to fulfill a promise to us He made as He hung on that cruel cross:  “Abba, Daddy, Father, forgive them.  They do not know what they are doing.  I will take their place, I will take all of their sin upon Me, Your spotless Lamb, and I will restore them to favor with You.”

Elohim, God our Creator, made us in His image.  He did not have to, but He wanted to.  He had the splendor of Heaven, He had His angels, and He had His Son; yet, He chose to create us for His enjoyment.  He chose to create us for His fellowship.  He chose to create us…we did not “just happen”.  We are not here “by chance”.  We are not a “coincidence”…. “Remember your Creator…”  Ecclesiastes 12:1a

We have a “Divine Appointment” with Him in His Chamber.  Don’t be late! And “Do not be in a hurry to leave the King’s presence.”  Ecclesiastes 8:3

“My Lover spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, My darling, My beautiful one, and come with Me.”  Song of Songs 2:10