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And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.”

It took 4 years, but Absalom was able to sow dissension against David the king. Every person who heard that King David didn’t care about their concerns should have checked for themselves, but most didn’t, and David’s reputation became that he wasn’t there for his people, but he was. Don’t take anyone’s word about someone else, you find out for yourself. What a better response to “I heard David won’t see people…” “that’s funny, he saw me…”

9 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. 10 The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”

Having a strategy is not discounting the Lord’s sovereignty. We’re all gifted differently and have had different levels of success in different situations. To divide up the task the Lord has given you is a wise thing. No one can do it all, and we each play our role in the overall plan of God. Find your niche and work at it… but don’t forget your brothers and sisters, they may need your help from time to time.  

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

Jonathan had lived most of his life in his father’s shadow, that’s how it goes for sons of powerful kings. Jonathan felt the draw to follow the Lord’s leading, and he had those with him who were faithful. Wherever Jonathan would go, his armor bearer would follow. It wasn’t just a duty, his heart was with Jonathan’s heart, and Jonathan’s heart was the Lord’s. Whether you find yourself a Jonathan following the Lord’s will, or you are following someone you know has God’s mission as their core, it makes no difference. Both of you will be on the winning side.

Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”

Naomi had a plan for Ruth to snag a man. This was not a cynical backhanded conniving strategy… but it was honest. Far too often we think the good things we desire will just drop from the sky if we simply “wish upon a star.” Maybe it’s too many Disney princess movies. Marriage is a good thing, marrying someone “worthy” (like Boaz) is a great thing. Go out and make it happen. Not in spite of God’s will, but in accordance with it. Don’t spend your life away from godly men and women and then complain that you can’t find a godly man or woman to marry. Don’t complain about not having a good job, but never do anything to make yourself worthy of that career your desire. Don’t mope around about how you never get anything done, and then spend all your free time on the internet or watching TV. Know what God calls good, then go out and get it.  

Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.

Boaz, at this point, was Ruthless (that’s a joke). He was a “worthy man.” It’s important for men to be men and to be well through of by others. What does it matter how you would act when a crisis arises if no one already trusts you to bring it to your attention. Had Boaz not been known as a “worthy man” he probably would have never met Ruth… and it is through Ruth and Boaz that Jesus eventually came. Be an honorable man and let that be known. A good reputation is a wonderful goal when your name is associated with Christ. It matters what people think.