Handfuls of Purpose

It's that time of year again!!! As a nation we set aside a day to thank the Lord for the blessings HE has bestowed upon us. It is also a reminder of our humble beginning. In 1621 the Pilgrims came to America in search of freedom to worship the Lord. We know that it  was tribulation, sacrifice, and dire straights for them. Many died from disease and  sickness from little food.  At one point, they were on food rations of only 5 kernels of corn a day. When I first learned of this while helping the kids with their school work, the Lord spoke to my heart about these 5 kernels of corn. 5 is the number in the Bible that represents God's grace. They represented Christ Himself, His grace, and our growth in Him. 5 kernels are only a handful. This made me think of a pilgrim in the Bible, that we can compare the Pilgrims to, that also knew something of "handfuls of purpose", or of God's grace for provision: Ruth. 

1. Christ is our Grain: Even though it was only a handful, the Lord didn't leave the Pilgrims without anything. The Lord promised His Seed would NEVER beg for bread (Psalm 37:25) In the Bible, grain and corn are both a type of Jesus Christ Himself. Ruth learned of the Bread of Life ( John 6:35),  when she left Moab with Naomi. She declared herself a pilgrim (Ruth 1:16-18) and went on the journey to Bethlehem, which means "The House of Bread." When they returned there, they found themselves with no bread or food to eat. At one time, the children of Israel were in the same boat, were they not? In the wilderness the Lord provided them with Manna from heaven. Manna is a grain type food, or wafer, and was a type of Christ in His humility here on Earth (John 6:48-51). Just as the Lord provided for the children of Israel, He did for Ruth and Naomi, as when they returned, it was the beginning of barley harvest! (Ruth 1:22). This was NOT by chance but the providence of God. Grain was now ready for them and their provision!!!
2. Christ is our Grace: The Pilgrims didn't sit around and not put feet to their prayers. They prayed without ceasing and kept looking for provision, by hunting and other means daily. We must pray, but the Lord expects us to do our part. He provides the means, but expects us to be "a labourer worthy of his hire." (I Tim 5:17-18). The Lord provided the manna daily for the Israelites, BUT if the people didn't go gather it, it was their own fault if they lacked. God DOES NOT BLESS LAZINESS! (Prov.19:15&24). As a young believer, Ruth learned this early. She determined to go to work in the barley fields to glean ears of corn in the field of "in whose sight I shall find GRACE." (Ruth 2:2). God proved HIS GRACE to her by leading her to the part of land that belonged to Boaz,  that ended up being a near kinsmen. If we put forth the effort and step out on faith, God will ALWAYS provide. "But without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that HE IS, and that HE IS A REWARDER of them that diligently seek HIM." Heb. 11:6. Ruth and Naomi may have gone without if she had not stepped out on faith. Today, we very well could be going without and in bondage, as in other countries of the world, had not our Pilgrim forefathers stepped out in faith, and trusted in the grace of God to give them provision in the new land of promise. "And God is able to make ALL GRACE abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." II Corth 9:8.

3.Lastly, God is our Growth: The Pilgrims grew in their faith in trusting the Lord, living on a daily portion, or daily bread as promised in Matthew 6:11-13. Just as He provided Fresh Manna for Israel daily,(Ps.78:24&25), He was also providing for Ruth and Naomi daily because they were following Him. Boaz took note of Ruth and instructed her to stay in his field, promised protection,and water freely for refreshing (Ruth 2:5-9). She was so overcome with gratitude that she asked WHY she had found GRACE in his eyes (2:10). His response was because of the  testimony of her faith and work for the Lord."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." (2:12). Boaz also brought Ruth to HIS TABLE at meal time, where she ate of bread, and 2:14 says "he reached her PARCHED CORN.." In Scripture, parched corn is a type of Christ crucified, buried, and risen again. John 12:24 says, "....Except a CORN OF WHEAT fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Parched corn is also what the Israelites ate of when they entered Canaan and the manna ceased. It represented their growth from "milk" to "meat,' from being babes in Christ to growing to maturity (Josh.5:11&12 &Heb. 5:13&14.) Just as the Israelites were growing in faith, the Pilgrims were growing in this trial and Ruth did as well. All were sustained by the Hand of God. Just as the Pilgrims had a handful of corn daily, Boaz instructed "handfuls of purpose" (2:16) to be given specifically for her. 

The Lord ended up abundantly blessing Ruth for her faith. Her end was more blessed than her beginning.The Lord did the same for the Pilgrims. "Handfuls of purpose" became cups that overflowed!!! This Thanksgiving, let's remember the sacrifice of the saints that have gone before us, giving us godly examples to follow. Thank the Lord for our handfuls of purpose and daily bread that He supplies us with. Thank Him for being our "5 kernels of corn", or OUR GRACE!! "Oh the men would praise the Lord for HIS GOODNESS, and for HIS wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of THANKSGIVING, and declare HIS WORKS WITH REJOICING." Ps. 107:21. I pray you all have a Blessed Thanksgiving this year!!!! ~Marcie

                                                                       Barley Grain

                                             

                                                                Parched Corn