Meanwhile

Good Morning,

Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So, he went over and sat down. Ruth 4:1

There is a little word in the verse above that we dare not ignore. It is a word that reminds us of God’s character and sovereignty. It is a word that played a role in Ruth’s story and plays a role in our stories as well. It is the word “meanwhile”. To understand its significance requires us to back up to the last verse of Ruth 3. It reads: Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens” (V18).

The book of Ruth has much to teach us about character, integrity, and loyalty. We see these traits demonstrated in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Time again, they made decisions to do what was right rather than what was easy. They made faithful choices even though the outcomes of those choices were not clear. Can you picture the scene depicted in verse 18? Ruth and Naomi have carried out a plan that if it works would provide for them. Yet at this point of the story, they are left with waiting, unsure of the outcome.

But verse 18 is only a portion of the entire scene. Because while they were waiting, God was at work through Boaz at the town gate. The plan to bring Ruth and Naomi some security and provision was unfolding even though they didn’t know it. Not only that, but it was a plan more transcendent than they ever had the chance to see. For God was using the obedience and character of these people as instruments to eventually introduce Jesus to the world. Through their line came David and eventually the Savior of the world.

Meanwhile was not left to chance or luck or brilliant planning. Meanwhile was being orchestrated by the sovereign hand of God in ways both unfathomable and far-reaching.

Like Naomi and Ruth, our journey through life generally allows us to see only the portion of the scene we are in. But that is not the entire scene let alone the entire story. God is accomplishing his divine plan for us; a plan that didn’t start in our current situation, but before we were even born.

If you feel like you are stuck in meanwhile this morning, trust your day to the loving, unchanging character of God. Then get up and do that again tomorrow. Meanwhile is never wasted by God. 

Live on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein