Why?

by R. Darke, Victoria, B. C., Canada | Category: General | Nov 1992

If Ruth the Moabitess had been born in the 20th century, we can imagine her favourite hymn may well have been "Amazing Grace". Why? Because grace occurs three times in one short chapter of her remarkable life story, which is grace from beginning to end. "Let me now go ... after him in whose sight I shall find grace" (1), said Ruth. "Why have I found grace in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me?", asks Ruth (2). And "Let me find grace in thy sight, my lord" (3).

John Newton, author of the hymn "Amazing Grace", said at the close of his incredible life: "I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour". Yes, Christ loves sinners still: He died that they might be forgiven all their sins. We do not deserve it, but that is one meaning of grace: kindness we do not deserve.

Raised in an environment of idol worship and superstition, Ruth learned of the only true God from Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law. She turned to God from idols, and confirmed her testimony with this amazing declaration: "Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (4). The new convert went with Naomi to Bethlehem-Judah, taking refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. According to divine purpose she married Boaz, who was of the royal line of Judah. They had a son named Obed who became the father of Jesse, the father of David, from whose line Messiah came (5). A love story of grace upon grace! the mother of Boaz was Rahab the harlot, another Gentile whose life story is also a tale of grace. Why did Rahab find grace in God's sight?

Paul, the self-proclaimed chief of sinners, described the marvellous grace of God in his life with these words: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (6). Never could he forget the grace of God in his life, and in view of the intense hatred, cruelty, and sin, which formerly typified his life, he must have wondered why God ever bothered with him at all.

We might also ask with Paul, "Why me?" Take a moment to marvel at the grace of God in your life, that He so ordered circumstances whereby you heard the good news of saving grace. Thank God for the person who showed a loving interest in your soul, and told you of the Saviour's love and forgiveness. With Ruth you can marvel and rejoice in God's amazing grace, and that You now belong to the royal family of heaven. One day you will see the King in His beauty, and you will share eternity with Him and all others who have come to know His amazing grace.

(1) Ruth 2:2.

(2) Ruth 2:10.

(3) Ruth 2:13.

(4) Ruth 1:16.

(5) Matt. 1:5.6.

(6) Eph. 3:8.

R. Darke, Victoria, B. C., Canada | Nov 1992
General