Day 5 – Ruth 2:1-13
Opening Prayer: Father, help me to see the things that “just so happen” as providential. You are always working in the lives of your children!
Read: Ruth 2:1-13
In your 4R journal:
- Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
- Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.
Chapter two opens like the second act of a play. They are back in Bethlehem. Ruth and Naomi found a place to live but it’s unclear where they’re staying. Also, the Bible tells us that they arrive at the beginning of the Barley Harvest (See Leviticus 23:9-13).
Then, faithful Ruth asks Naomi, “Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after one in whose sight I may find favor” (Ruth 2:2).
And Naomi said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
Did you notice that Ruth expected to find favor? In fact, the reason she was compelled to go to the field was to provide for her mother-in-law, which she intended to do. Perhaps Ruth knew more about God than we think?
My Verse: Ruth 2:3, “So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
My Response: Father, as I work may You guide my steps. May everything, I do glorify You and bless others.
Another version of verse three puts it this way, “And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech” (Ruth 2:3 NLT). It is both surprising and wonderful to witness God weaving free will with providence to form a miracle.
Reflection:
- Do you have a “just so happened,” God orchestrated moment in your life?
Finally, Boaz, our knight in shining armor, is introduced! The footnote for 1 Kings 7:21 tells us that Boaz means “In it is strength.” As you will see, the name is fitting for our leading man who, admittedly, is not as complicated as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. However, this Jane Austin-like character is real and the story is true!
Furthermore, we know from Ruth, chapter four, that Salmon is Boaz’s father, but Matthew 1:5 reveals the identity of his mother as Rahab, the harlot. Yes! Boaz, the hero of the story, was half Jewish and half Canaanite! Nonetheless, he was wholly devoted to God. Of course, like most leading men, Boaz was also generous, rich, kind, and single. Yet, he was older than Ruth who was both young and beautiful but also faithful, loving, and hardworking.
Straightaway, Boaz inquired about this beautiful, young stranger and was told, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter” (Ruth 2:6-7 NIV).
Notice Ruth was labeled a foreigner––a “Moabite from Moab.” Fortunately, this didn’t deter Boaz from showing Ruth grace since his own mother was a foreigner ––a Canaanite from Canaan.
What he says next can only be explained by God’s grace and favor. “So Boaz said to Ruth, ‘My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled’” (Ruth 2:8-9 NIV).
We realize, from Boaz’s words, the danger was real for Ruth. His boundaries, like God’s, were meant for her good and he protected and provided for Ruth, even before they were married. Fortunately, she was wise enough to listen to Boaz.
Reflection:
- What is one God-given, for-your-own-good, boundary that is hard for you to obey?
Finally, Ruth was overwhelmed by kindness (Ruth 2:13). She knew she didn’t deserve Boaz’s attention, let alone his grace. Ruth’s response to Boaz is an example of what it looks like to have reverence while fully embracing the blessings of God.
“May the Lord reward your work and may your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” (Ruth 2:12 NASB)
The next step:
When the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, chose a response to share:
- Do you have a “just so happened,” God orchestrated moment in your life?
- What is one God-given, for-your-own-good, boundary that is hard for you to obey?
Or
- Share your 4R Response
