Day 72 Time

 

3/13/2026

"A most beneficial exercise in secret prayer 

before the Father is to write things down so that

I see exactly what I think and want to say. Only those

who have tried these ways know the ineffable 

benefit of such strenuous times in secret." 

Oswald Chambers

 

Blustery winds have continued to blow all day long today, making the temperatures much lower than those earlier in the week. Storm clouds are forming in the Midwest and Southwest for the possibility of real arctic weather. What a turnaround in weather for all of us. 

Sadly, I haven't been very productive today, but rather contemplative, if that's permissible from time to time, I believe. My reading this morning was seemed splintered or somewhat opposing to each other. I finished up reading last chapters of the book of Judges that ended with the almost total annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, and ended reading the book of Ruth. After the death of Joshua, Israel fell back into the old sin patterns, and everyone did as they thought was best. When things got really bad, God used the heathen nations to punish them, until in their distress the people cried out to the Lord. All through history, no matter how badly God's people rebelled and sinned, whenever they cried out, He answered. During this time period, God appointed judges who ruled over the nation by conquering their enemies, and restoring peace. 

Against the backdrop of the period of the judges, during a time of famine a man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem, moved his family to Moab. Along with him were Naomi, his wife; and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The sons married two girls from Moab - Ruth and Orpah. When Naomi's husband and later her two sons died, Naomi decided it was time to return to Israel. Although the two daughters-in-law wanted to go with Naomi, she told them both to return to their homes, so they could find husbands. Orpah finally departed, but Ruth did not want to leave Naomi. These are her words to Naomi:

"Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me." (Ruth 1:61-17) 

The book of Ruth is a powerful love story about Ruth's marriage to Naomi's relative, Boaz who portrays the kinsman redeemer. Ruth has a son, Obed, who becomes the father of Jesse, who was the father of David who later became King of Israel. Ruth the Moabitess became a member of the royal lineage of Jesus Christ, Our Messiah. It's a beautiful story and demonstrates that God's ways are much higher than ours. I think about Tamar and Rehab who were also included in the lineage of Christ. When I read these accounts, it renews my hope. God's ways are so much higher than mine, and His thoughts than my thoughts. He is from the beginning to the end, and He upholds us with His righteous right hand.

This afternoon I was reminded that time is our most precious gift, and we need to use it wisely and intentionally. The hour of the church is growing to a close, and we cannot waste any more time, distracted by things that look good and acceptable, but that are taking the time away from God's focus for this hour. The days are darkening, and at any time the Lord could return. Our lamps must be lit, and we must be ready. Each day must be intentional, and each voice must speak out for righteousness and truth. There is no time to waste. Make certain your election is sure.