“Time And Chance”  - 1/12/25

 

Ruth’s great-great grandson, Solomon, wrote, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecc. 9:11). This is what we read in the book of Ruth. When we read about Ruth leaving Naomi to gather grain (Ruth 2:1-3), she was not told by Naomi to “go find Boaz’s field.” Ruth had no idea whose field she might find.

 

When Ruth went to glean the fields (v. 2), God says, “She went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.” (v. 3). While the KJV uses the term, “her hap,” other versions say, “she happened,” “by chance,” “she chanced,” “it so happened,” or “it turned out.” In other words, this was one of those moments when “time and chance” converged (Ecc. 9:11), and she was at the right place at the right time. After this, we see how God’s providence worked to bring a Savior to earth (Ruth 4:18-22; Matt. 1:3-6).

 

Thanks to the work ethic of Ruth, she is now in a place where she can feed Naomi and be fed herself (v. 3). Ruth was not there to chase men (Ruth 3:10). She was not looking for someone to take care of her while she did nothing. She went to glean the grain, and Boaz and the others noted her hard work as we read in the second and third chapters of Ruth.

 

Ruth’s great-great grandson also said, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Prov. 22:29). In other words, when we do our work and are diligent in working an honorable job, we will be noticed by others. This is what happened to Ruth in the field that day (Ruth 2:5).

 

In like manner, when we are living for the Lord and dedicated to His work, people will notice this (I Pet. 3:1-2; Acts 4:13). When we do what the Lord says because He said to do it (Rev. 22:14), our influence will be felt by others (Matt. 5:16). We do not have to wear a sign around our necks that says, “I am a Christian.” People take notice and recognize Who we are following when they hear our words and see our actions. Who knows what opportunities and blessings we might have because we are determined to do the will of God (Col. 3:1-4)? At the same time, please understand that we are not promised a life walking the “primrose pathway” (II Tim. 3:12). Folks have suffered throughout history while serving God (Heb. 11:32-40). The point here is that when we determine to please God, it will be noticed (Heb. 4:13; Job 34:21; Jer. 23:24), and we will be rewarded in the end, even if men do not reward us now (Rom. 2:7-11).

 

Regardless of where life takes us or where we “happen” to end up, let us make sure we serve God in all things (Col. 3:17). In so doing, we will be blessed and a blessing to others, as Ruth was. 

 

- Jarrod M. Jacobs