As the second chapter of Ruth’s story unfolds, we are introduced to Boaz, a wealthy, influential man, who also happened to be a relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech. This is no minor detail, as Boaz will eventually play a significant role in Ruth’s and Naomi’s story. As the two women begin settling into their new life in Bethlehem, Ruth offers to go to the harvest fields to pick up any potential stalks of grain left behind by the harvesters. Naomi agrees to this plan, and Ruth promptly sets out, taking her second courageous step.
It Just So Happened
I find it interesting, yet not surprising, that out of all the fields Ruth might have chosen to work in, it just so happened she chose the one that belonged to Boaz. However, this was not coincidence, but providence. You see, this was God’s plan from the beginning. And once again it just so happened, while Ruth was hard at work, Boaz arrived at the fields. After greeting his workers, he inquired about Ruth, only to find out what has always been true of her. She is a hard worker.
Ruth Finds Favor with Boaz
Boaz was obviously impressed, and at once approached Ruth, offering for her to remain working in his fields. Ruth was grateful but also surprised by his kind offer to her, a foreigner. But Boaz was not dissuaded by Ruth’s status; instead, he was impressed by her integrity. Apparently, in addition to the report he had received from his workers, he also received news of all that Ruth had done for her mother-in-law. Because of this, he prayed a blessing over her, completely unaware that he would one day be the conduit of God’s blessing not only to Ruth, but also to Naomi, and future generations as well.
Later that day, Boaz continued his kindness by inviting Ruth to share a meal with him and his workers. After the meal, Ruth, consistent with her hard work ethic, continued gleaning in the fields. By the end of the day, she not only had a basket full of barley, but also leftovers from her meal she had saved to bring home to Naomi.
Hope Begins to Rise
When Ruth returned home that evening, she provided Naomi with a full report of her day including where she worked, and most significantly who she worked for, Boaz! In response to this news, Naomi exclaimed, “May the Lord bless him!” (Ruth 2:20 NLT) Clearly, Naomi’s joyous response was an outward expression of an inward shift in her heart. I believe in that moment, the hope that had been dormant for so long had suddenly begun to rise.
One of Our Family Redeemers
Naomi explained to Ruth that Boaz’s kindness was based on his loyalty to her family, as he was a close relative of her deceased husband, and far more critically, he was also one of their family redeemers. For context, a family redeemer in biblical times was the nearest relative given the responsibility of acting on behalf of another relative who might be in trouble, danger, or have need. And for Ruth and Naomi, Boaz was that man!
In response to Naomi’s disclosure, Ruth shared that Boaz had extended an offer for her to continue working with his harvesters throughout the harvest season. To which hopeful Naomi responded, Good! Do as he said….[Work] through the whole harvest. [You’ll be safe in his fields]. (Ruth 2:22 NLT)
And so faithful and diligent Ruth continued working until the end of the barley harvest, and all the while she lived with her mother-in law.
This concludes Ruth’s second step. But for today we must ask…
What Can We Learn from this?
Well for starters we learn that God blesses initiative. Ruth was not afraid of hard work. In fact, she embraced it. She took the initiative to work in the harvest field as she was willing to do whatever needed to provide for not only herself, but also for her mother-in-law. And God was obviously pleased with Ruth’s unselfish devotion, as He sovereignly led her to Boaz’ field.
We learn that Ruth’s initiative was aligned with God’s will. You see, although it was Ruth who was taking the steps, it was God who was directing her steps, as her story was His story. And God watches over and completes every story He begins.
We learn there is no such thing as chance happenings when we belong to God. Instead, everything that occurs in our lives is a part of His master plan for us.
And finally, we remember the same God who sovereignly and lovingly directed Ruth’s courageous steps is also directing ours.
Stay tuned for next week’s post as Ruth takes her third most courageous step, availing herself to Boaz, her family redeemer.
Pray
Holy Father, how gracious and kind you are in orchestrating every detail of my life. Thank you for directing each step of my life journey in the same way you did Ruth’s, for my good and your greater purpose. In those times when I cannot see how you are working, help me to trust in your plan, your path,, and your purpose. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Extend grace to others!
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Community Question of the Week
Can you think of a time when God supernaturally led you, as He did Ruth, to the right place at just right time for your good and His purpose?
Encourage others with your response HERE!
