Ruth meets Boaz

Ruth Chapter 2

In Bethlehem lived a man named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi's husband Elimelech.

One day Ruth told Naomi she was going in to the fields to gather leftover grain. She was working in a field that belonged to Boaz and he noticed her and asked who she was. "She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes rest." was the reply given to Boaz. So he went over and told her to stay in his field and follow his men while they harvested. He assured her his men would not bother her and she could draw water from the well. She fell at his feet and thanked him warmly and said, "Why are you being so kind to me. I am a foreigner."

Boaz replied that he knew about her love and kindness to her mother-in-law since the death of her husband. And he heard how she left her father and mother in her own land to live among strangers. He blessed her with a blessing from the God of Israel, under whose wings she took refuge and hoped God would reward her fully.

Ruth told Boaz she hoped to continue to please him and told him he comforted her by speaking to her so kindly. And at lunch time Boaz called her to sit near him and have food and wine. Then when she left, he ordered his young men to let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her and to pull some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her.

So Ruth gathered barley all day and beat out grain to equal half a bushel. She carried it back to town to Naomi and also gave her some of the leftover food from Boaz's lunch. Naomi was surprised and blessed the one who helped Ruth. So Ruth told Naomi about Boaz and his kindness. He is one of our closest relatives, Naomi said, and one of our family redeemers. Ruth then told her that Boaz invited her back until the harvest was completed. So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz's fields and gathered grain until the end of the barley harvest. Then she worked with them through the wheat harvest. But all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: the grain that was dropped in the fields was meant for the poor people - this was called "gleaning" (see Leviticus 19:9,23:22). The purpose of this law was to keep the owners from hoarding. Ruth took initiative in going to the fields to work. She was not afraid to admit her need or of working hard to supply it; and God saw her need and her character.
Boaz went out of his way to demonstrate his kindness and generosity and provided for the needy. Though Naomi felt bitter about her circumstances, she still trusted God and acknowledged his goodness and Boaz's kindness. And though Ruth may not have recognized God's guidance, she did not just "happen" to end up in the field of Boaz. It was not just coincidence that he see her and warm to her.

How does this chapter relate to us today? God provides for us as much as he did Naomi and Ruth. How we handle menial work and what kind of attitude we have in adversity, is seen by God as a test of our character. What kind of character do you have? Are you like Ruth-loving, kind faithful and brave? These qualities shape your reputation. How do you provide for those less fortunate than you? You can help by volunteering, by giving money, time, hard work. Ruth may not have seen God guiding her and we don't always see his work until much later. But he loves us all and works hard to provide "coincidences" for his believers.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. And Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke. Update on Stella: She is 10 weeks old and has her own room at the hospital. The doctors continue to experiment with respirators, but her parents can see progress in her lung activity. They need your prayers so badly. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.