Under His Wings

Tuesday 4-5-16   Las Grutas

Scripture reading:  Ruth 1 – 2   Psalm 53, 61      2 Cor 5

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Ruth 2:12 “The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." NKJV

O.  These were the words of Boaz when he heard the sad story of this Moabite widow lady, Ruth, and saw how hard she worked to support herself and her mother in law, Naomi.  So he blessed her with these words and even arranged for her to receive a more generous portion of grain that the other girls.

A.  May I be found living under the shelter of God’s wings.  It is a metaphor of the fowl that tucks her vulnerable little ones under her wings when danger is near.

Ps 91:4-6 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. NKJV

It reminds me the story of the fire that swept across the prairie.  After it passed the farmer kicked something burned-black on the ground and out came little chicks.  Their mother was dead, but they survived... under her wings.

Jesus wept over the city and cried out, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Matt 23:37

Ruth refused to return to the idol worship of her childhood.  She saw something different about her mother in law and made up her mind.  She declared to Naomi,

“...wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16) NKJV "She sought protection in the right place.

 

P.  So, Lord, where can I go for refuge?  When trouble comes my way, I run to You and seek warmth, love and shelter “under Your wings”.  As I criss-cross this globe, I find my safety in You, for if You should allow me to lose my life... I will still be “under Your wings”.  For I will awaken in the safety of Your tender arms, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Ralph

Under His Wings

By William Cushing 1896

1	Under His wings I am safely abiding;   Though the night deepens and tempests are wild, Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;   He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
	Under His wings, under His wings,   Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide,     Safely abide forever.
2	Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!   How the heart yearningly turns to His rest! Often when earth has no balm for my healing,   There I find comfort, and there I am blest.
3	Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!   There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er; Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;   Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.