“Trusting In Jehovah’s Wings” - 1/14/25
When Ruth spoke to Boaz in the field, Boaz blessed her, saying, “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” (Ruth 2:12). Boaz had not known Ruth for very long. Still, based on what he had seen and on her reputation (v. 6-7, 11), Boaz knew it was Jehovah whom she trusted.
No doubt, this trust began when she learned about Jehovah in Moab. Since that time, Ruth was determined to follow God (Ruth 1:16-17). She was in Bethlehem caring for Naomi and doing her best to follow God’s will when she met Boaz. Yes, Ruth was trusting in the wings of Jehovah!
What does “the wings of Jehovah” mean? It is a word picture showing the safety and protection offered by God. Remember when Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 23:37)? This is the same picture Boaz painted with his words to Ruth. Just as a mother hen will protect her chicks, God is ready to protect those who are His. God wanted Jerusalem to trust in Him. Though they refused, Ruth was doing it!
What I find interesting is that Ruth’s great-grandson, David, would speak often on this attribute of God. In the Psalms, David cried, “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” (Ps. 17:8). He wrote, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings” (Ps. 36:7). When he fled from Saul, David’s words were “in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Ps. 57:1). He praised God for this truth several other times.
Where is our trust? Many trust in the Almighty dollar, thinking that having more means more security. Paul told Timothy to “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (I Tim. 6:17). Jesus said that if our treasure is on earth, “moth and rust” will “corrupt” and “thieves” will steal it (Matt. 6:19-21). Therefore, placing our trust in money or possessions will result in sorrow (I Tim. 6:9-10). In contrast, Ruth’s trust in God led her to security and peace.
Where is our trust? Many trust in a person or even in themselves. We are reminded not to trust in men, for men will disappoint us (Ps. 146:3; Isa. 31:1; Ezek. 33:13). “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Prov. 3:5). This is what we need to do! Trusting in God, unlike trusting in men, will never lead to disappointment.
In whom are we trusting? Are we hiding under Jehovah's wings in times of trouble, sadness, uncertainty, and fear? If not, why not? Let us run there and learn, as Ruth did, that this is the only place we can find true security and peace when times on earth are difficult to handle. Ruth’s example inspires and encourages us to trust in God for everything.
- Jarrod M. Jacobs