Finding Safety in God's Care, the Story of RuthSample

Taking refuge with God

“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (Ruth 2:12)

Today I want to give a little more attention to the benediction that Boaz pronounces on Ruth. In addition to his own practical help, he wishes her the blessing of “the LORD, the God of Israel.” He does not say: this is our God, He wants nothing to do with you. No, he praises Ruth for taking refuge under God's wings.

This expression occurs more often in the Bible. For example in Psalm 91, a song about God's protection in danger. Verse 4 promises those who take refuge in the Lord, “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge”. So God is compared to a bird who protects its young by spreading its wings over them. What a moving image!

The Lord Jesus uses the same example for Himself, but the people He wants to protect reject Him (Luke 13:34). Just as they killed the prophets in the past, they are now killing the Son of God who has come to save them.

God offers protection to you as well, especially from eternal death. Will you seek His shelter, like a little bird sheltering under His wings?