Title The Sound of God's Shoes
Contents
Hymn: Chapter 514, “Who Follows the Lord”
Meditation: What are some of the ways God speaks to His people, and how do we know this?
Confession of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Text: “Because he heard that the Lord had counseled his people in the region of Moab and gave them food… ” (Ruth 1:6-14)
Word: In the book of Ruth, we meet two leaders, Elimelech and Naomi. When Elimelech was the leader, the community suffered. The history of great reversal begins when the leader of the community is replaced by Naomi. The family rises again, and descendants that are praised are produced. It is really important to know who the leader is. What is the difference between the leadership of Elimelech and Naomi?
There are two important words in verse 6, one is ‘because I have heard’ and the other is ‘to come back’. Now Naomi is devastated by the loss of her husband and two sons. But then she heard a rumor in her ears that “the Lord had counseled his people and gave them food.” She reacted sensitively to the rumor and decided to return to Bethlehem (v. 6).
Here, ‘because I have heard’ and ‘to come back’ are closely related. One is motivation and the other is reaction. In her ears, she hears another voice saying, 'Come back,' along with the rumor that there is a good harvest in Judah. The word ‘return’ is ‘shub’ in Hebrew.
In fact, God didn't say anything. He was just working with the sound of his shoes. “Shub, shub,” he said. She couldn't sit still at the spiritual sound of 'Shub (Come Back)' heard along with the rumors. Although it is not her own words, she got up from her seat and left for Bethlehem, encouraged by the sound of God's shoes saying, ‘Shub, shub’. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the barley harvest was in full swing.
God often leaves traces of His work by making footsteps around us. We must not miss the sound of those footsteps. What rumors are you hearing around you now? Today, I hope that you will discover God's will through the sound of God's shoes saying, "Shub, shub," and the rumors that God makes you hear. If you listen to the footsteps of the Lord and follow him, you will come to the house of bread, Bethlehem. Even at the time of harvest, that is, at the most appropriate time.
Prayer: God, help me to be spiritually sensitive and obedient Christian to your word. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer