Ruth 2:1-23
Wednesday, 13 September 2023
Then she said, “I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant ...” - Ruth 2:13
The unfolding story of Ruth in our reading is one that leads her to the kinsman redeemer of their family-Boaz. It wasn’t mere chance that brought Ruth to the field of Boaz but the outworking of God’s plan so well-orchestrated in the story. It reminds us of the promise in Psalm 37:23[AMP]: “The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].”
The field Ruth went to glean belonged to Boaz who fulfilled the requirements of a kinsman redeemer who could redeem Naomi and Ruth from their poverty and keep their family name alive among their brethren (we read of it in chapter 4 of Ruth). Ruth and Boaz are at the centre of our reading today and we will learn of their outstanding characteristics from our text.
Ruth’s Virtue and Humility: Before Ruth was introduced to Boaz he had already heard of her virtues. She had left her land, family and heritage and taken refuge under the wings of the living God (Ruth 2:11&12). She had cared for her mother-in-law with unselfish love. We find her work hard (without any prompting from Naomi), during the harvest season to fend for their poor selves. Ruth was humble to acknowledge her nothingness before the wealthy Boaz and express her gratitude (v.13).
Ruth’s unselfish love and purity of affections are an example to us who live in a selfish and sinful world. When such character traits are dying out, it’s time for us to hold fast to such biblical virtues.
Boaz’s Generosity and Kindness: Boaz’s attitude to his workers and even to this foreigner who had come to glean in his field is one of kindness. He did not look down on Ruth because she was a foreigner; in fact, when he heard of her good nature and kind acts, he was protective and generous. There was no discrimination shown but only a friendly welcome to partake even in their meals.
As children of God we are called not to discriminate others or be judgmental but receive our brethren with much grace. We will do well to remember that we are all made in the Creator’s image, whichever part of the world or community we belong to. Proverbs 19:17 [NLV] says, “He who shows kindness to a poor man gives to the Lord and He will pay him in return for his good act.”
Boaz is a pointer to our Kinsman Redeemer- Christ Jesus. His generous act of giving Himself to redeem all mankind can equal no other. He gave up His status in heaven and became like one of us, so He could share in our humanity; yet he lived without sin and paid the perfect price of His own blood to redeem (reclaim) you and me who were bound in sin. We would have been forever doomed to eternal death, had He not willingly offered Himself (like Boaz) to purchase us who were “bankrupt” in sin. We who by faith receive His noble act of redemption to be made right with God, are raised to the status of sons and daughters of God!
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…” (John 1:12) Praise God for the great privilege! To those who are yet to receive it, the invitation is still open! Come to Christ the Redeemer!
THINK ON: “…knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood……. of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18, 19)
Listen: 'Redeemed'