Dear BAGBR Churches,  

Ruth 3: 18  “…for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.” 

When Ruth returned to Naomi with the report about Boaz, she knew that Ruth was going to be “redeemed.”  Naomi had given Ruth specific instructions about how to approach Boaz in a way that expressed her willingness to become his wife, and also to demonstrate respect in a way that would protect Boaz from any question of impropriety or inappropriateness.  Ruth was not a young widow seeking to find a husband but a devoted servant of the Lord seeking to provide for her “mother” by working with great industry and integrity.  Boaz recognized these qualities which revealed a godly woman, and he also realized that she should be and must be protected and provided for as soon as possible.  Boaz was a man of great reputation and character, and his response to Ruth signaled to Naomi that he realized the urgency of the situation.

Some things in life can be delayed or postponed, but others must be acted upon immediately, before the sun goes down.  Broken relationships must be acted upon as soon as the break occurs.  Anger does not need to linger but needs to be resolved before the sun goes down.  Time in God’s word and prayer must be “settled” every day.  Obedience is necessary to settle both the immediate and long-term issues of our everyday lives.  Boaz rightly discerned, rightly acted, and rightly decided, with resolve and immediacy.  What must be settled today? 

Has God spoken to your heart about something that must be acted upon now, and you have delayed?  Every day we must discern the difference in things that can be done later and what must be done today.  Effective servants of God know the difference and live their lives accordingly.  Do you?

In  Christ,
Tommy Middleton

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