Under The Wings OF Preservation

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.” (Ruth 2:12-13)

The thought carried in the Hebrew for the infinitive “to trust” is of one fleeing under the wings of the LORD God for a safe haven. It is an absolute trustworthiness of His divine preservation. As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings the chicks are able to hear the comfort of her heartbeat, feel the warmth of her body, and know of her determination that no harm come to them. They unreservedly submit their whole existence under her vigilant watch care. The mother hen will give her life if necessary for her children.

In stark contrast with Ruth we see Jesus crying out over the Israelites’ reluctance to come to Him: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matt. 23:37-38) Because they would not flee for refuge under that divine preservation in Christ Jesus, they suffered the wrathful condemnation of God’s judgment poured out upon their sin. Unbelief, which is the refusal to trust God, plunged them into eternal damnation. Had they believed the testimony of God that salvation was in Jesus, they would have been divinely preserved. Sadly, this is true with many folks today.

Because Ruth fled for refuge under the wings of God, trusting in Him and Him alone, she found favor, comfort, and a friendly voice bringing rest and peace that replaced the chaotic events which had consumed her life. Most of humanity is repulsed at the thought of fleeing to Jesus for salvation and preservation, but then, they travel the broad way that leadeth to destruction. Ruth enjoyed a heavenly relationship under the wings of God’s grace that few ever experience, because most folk will not believe God and flee to the foot of the Cross. Oh that the Holy Spirit would cause many to flee beneath the blood of the Lamb, under the wings of His preservation.