At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”
When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”
So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah.
- Ruth 2:14-17
In the previous two sections (here and here), we observed the initial dialogue between Boaz and Ruth that was filled with grace, kindness, and humility. Here, we see those themes continue through a meal.
This scene begins at the start of verse 14 with an invitation: “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” Boaz’s meal invitation to Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, is remarkable. In ancient Israel, social and cultural norms often marginalized women like Ruth. Yet, Boaz’s gesture breaks these barriers, reflecting the heart of God who invites all to His table without discrimination.
This act of kindness is a glimpse of divine hospitality, echoing the inclusive love of Christ, who welcomed sinners and outsiders. The act of sharing bread also foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread with His disciples, symbolizing the fellowship believers share with Him. For Ruth, this was more than a meal; it was a sign of acceptance and belonging. Boaz’s invitation is a picture of God’s grace, which reaches out to those who feel unworthy or outcast. It reminds us that we are all invited to partake in the goodness of God, no matter our past or status.
Then we see that Ruth ate all she wanted, even with some left over. This abundance is significant. In a time of scarcity, Boaz’s generosity ensures that Ruth not only has enough but more than enough. This reflects God’s nature as a provider who not only meets our needs but often blesses us abundantly.
The image of Ruth with leftovers parallels the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:1-14, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, leaving multiple baskets of leftovers. Both instances highlight God’s ability to provide more than we can ask or imagine. God’s blessings are never just enough; they are often overflowing. This challenges us to trust in His provision and to reflect His generosity to others.
As Ruth returns to glean in verses 15-16, Boaz instructs his men to let her continue to work, and even help her by pulling out some extra stalks. This goes beyond the requirements of the law, which allowed gleaning only at the edges of the field. Boaz’s instructions ensure Ruth's dignity is preserved and her efforts rewarded. His protection over Ruth, ensuring she is not harassed or shamed, mirrors God’s protective care over His people. Boaz acts as a kinsman redeemer, a role that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who protects, redeems, and provides for us.
The passage concludes in verse 17 to let the reader know that Ruth worked hard all day, both gleaning and threshing, and her work amounted to an ephah of barley. An ephah is about 30 pounds—an impressive amount for one day’s work. Her willingness to work hard, even when the task was daunting, demonstrates her commitment to provide for Naomi and her trust in God’s provision. Ruth’s actions remind us that faith and works go hand in hand. Her faith led her to Boaz’s field, but her hard work brought in the abundant provision. In the same way, our faith should inspire us to act diligently in whatever God has called us to do.
The kindness Boaz shows Ruth foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Boaz is a type of Christ—the kinsman-redeemer who steps in to rescue, protect, and provide. His actions point to Jesus, who invites all to His table, satisfies our deepest needs, and redeems us from spiritual poverty. Ruth, a Moabite, was an outsider brought into the family of God’s people through Boaz’s grace. Similarly, we, once alienated from God, are brought near through the sacrifice of Jesus (Ephesians 2:12-13).
Just as Boaz extended grace without expecting anything in return, we are called to show kindness without seeking repayment. True grace gives freely, knowing that God rewards every act of love.
Ruth’s faith led her to Boaz’s field—the very place where her needs would be met. In times of uncertainty, we must trust that God knows our needs and will provide at the right time. God often goes above and beyond our expectations, just as Boaz provided more than enough food for Ruth to eat at mealtime and plenty of barley for her to collect.
As this narrative continues to unfold, we see more and more pieces of God’s love and provision for us as His children displayed through the actions of Boaz and Ruth. Sometimes it does take work on our part to be obedient to what God calls us to do, just as Ruth had to work hard that day and was not simply handed her ephah of barley. But God is with us through it all, paving the way for us through His divine guidance.
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How did Jesus handle a question from His cousin, His forerunner, that indicated a shaken faith? When John the Baptist wondered if Jesus was indeed the Messiah or if there was another he should look for, Jesus had a dilemma. He could answer directly and say “Yes,” and the crowd would know He was declaring Himself to be the Messiah. Or He could “humble” Himself and say, “No, I’m not the one” to draw attention away. But Jesus did something else: He said, “Look at the evidence.”
Jesus then gave a tribute to John calling him a prophet who lived the calling of Elijah, and yet he was, for the most part, rejected. When both John and Jesus came, the people thought both were crazy. John was considered a demoniac and crazy because he did not eat or drink as everyone else did. Jesus was considered a drunkard and a glutton because he ate and drank with the people. It didn’t matter what they said, they could not please anyone, nor did they try.
Jesus had the opportunity to prove Himself once for all to the people that He was who He said He was and was given a direct question. And if we have seen anything out of Jesus, He so rarely gave direct answers. He was not going to get caught in a trap to say what He was not going to say. Jesus never answered the question. He never said if He was “the one” or not. He instead explained that the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak, the lame walk, the sick are healed, the dead are raised, and the Gospel is being preached. What more could one ask for? All the evidence was right there in front of them. So Jesus didn’t have to say it plainly and clearly. He gave them the evidence and let them decide what they thought about it. These were Jews; they knew their Old Testament, they knew their prophets. This was the moment everyone was waiting for. Jesus simply was saying, “What was prophesied all along?” And then just in case anyone was not sure, Jesus identified John like the prophet Elijah, the one who made the way for Jesus.
Jesus was not into straight answers. He always tended to leave things vague enough so anyone who wanted the truth would come get it and those who didn’t had no reason to chase Him. Jesus so rarely directly answered the Pharisees and here, He didn’t directly answer His own cousin who knew full well who He was. But John realized his time was coming short, and He wanted to be sure he didn’t live his life for nothing. He is asking one last time to confirm if he believed rightly or in vain, because we never hear from John again in the Scriptures. And Jesus doesn’t answer him directly. Why? I believe Jesus knew precisely how John would respond, and He wasn’t going to let the audience know directly either. Jesus, by giving this answer, believed that John would have died with peace knowing he had passed the torch to the one who would complete the mission.
We all have doubts as we go about our lives, but the question is what do we do with them? One of the most frustrating things we tend to get from God is a lack of straight answers. Even though we are honest and genuinely want the answers, we simply do not see Jesus give a straight answer unless He needed to hammer the point down right then and there. And that only happened when Lazarus died and at the Last Supper discourse. Jesus is not into spoon feeding. He is not into just giving everyone the answers. He wants people to think and process and wrestle with things.
I am the kind of person that very easily learns and memorizes things. While there are advantages to such a learning style, there are disadvantages, too. One thing I learned from all my schooling is that the only thing I learned was the facts I was told. I cannot say I truly began understanding things until 10 to 15 years later. I knew physics equations, I knew concepts, but I could only tell you what they were. I could not tell how they truly worked and operated. It took teaching to do that. I look back and I kind of wish I could learn things all over again and take things more seriously than I did in my youth.
With teaching today, the students are so used to being spoon fed, it is near impossible to get them to think. I realize, looking back to my college days, that I didn’t know how to study or learn then either. I want my students to be able to think, process, and reason. It is one of the reasons I love teaching AP Physics, because it forces that level of thinking. But even AP Physics, the hardest of all the AP courses, does not force one to think the way Jesus will make us think and wrestle. In physics, we are dealing with a finite set of laws and concepts, but with Jesus, we are dealing with eternal, spiritual matters from a finite, physical perspective. It’s not easy. These are things that cannot be merely spoon fed. It has to be taught by thinking and training how to think. It won’t come instantly. Jesus did this and practiced this. He taught the indirect way to give pictures that gave clear images of the message, but He forced people to wrestle and think and practice with the truths to truly grasp. Those who wanted the truth would wrestle with it, and those who didn’t would wrestle against it.
God is not afraid of an honest seeker. John the Baptist was an honest seeker. But God does not just give away answers to honest seekers; rather, He gives them evidences and questions that an honest seeker will wrestle with. In that wrestling, the answers will be so much clearer than had they been spoon fed. The answers will be so deeply rooted that they will remain and will be something that you can truly get a good grip on.
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At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?”
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband —how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”
- Ruth 2:10-13
In this section of the narrative, we witness an exchange between Ruth and Boaz that not only moves the story forward but also serves as a reflection of God’s unwavering love and provision for His people. We saw their first dialogue in the previous section, where Boaz initially expressed unexpected kindness to Ruth, and that continues here.
In verse 10, Ruth’s immediate response to Boaz’s kindness is striking. She bows with her face to the ground, a posture of deep humility and gratitude. Her question, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” reveals her awareness of her social position as a Moabite in Bethlehem, a place where her status as a foreigner could easily subject her to rejection or abuse.
This moment is significant because it showcases Ruth’s humility. Despite her rights under the Mosaic law to glean in the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10), Ruth does not demand kindness; instead, she receives it with a grateful and humble heart. Her question is not one of entitlement but of genuine wonder at the grace shown to her.
Boaz’s response to Ruth’s question in verse 11 is profound. Rather than addressing her status as a Moabite or a widow, he focuses on her character and the sacrifices she made for Naomi. His words, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law,” reflect a heart that values faithfulness, loyalty, and courage over nationality or past circumstances.
Boaz’s recognition of Ruth’s actions reveals an essential truth: God often works through those who, despite their marginalized status, display extraordinary faith and commitment. Boaz, a man of standing in Bethlehem, sees Ruth not as a foreigner but as a woman of noble character. This perspective mirrors how God sees us—not defined by our past or where we come from but by our faith and the condition of our hearts.
Boaz’s blessing over Ruth in verse 12 is powerful: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” The imagery of taking refuge under God’s wings evokes a sense of safety, warmth, and divine protection, echoing passages like Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” Boaz acknowledges that Ruth’s journey to Bethlehem was more than an act of loyalty—it was a step of faith, trusting in the God of Israel for provision and protection.
This blessing is also prophetic. Ruth, who came to Bethlehem empty, would soon be filled beyond measure—not just with grain but with a new family, a legacy, and a place in the lineage of King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. It highlights a profound truth: God sees the sacrifices made in faith and rewards them abundantly, often in ways far beyond our expectations.
Ruth’s reply to Boaz in verse 13 is both gracious and humble: “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.” Despite Boaz’s words of honor and blessing, Ruth maintains a posture of humility. She acknowledges her unworthiness not as self-deprecation but as an honest assessment of her status compared to Boaz’s other servants. Her gratitude for Boaz’s kindness reveals a heart at rest, one that has found peace in the face of uncertainty.
This interaction paints a beautiful picture of grace. Boaz’s kindness and Ruth’s humble reception of it reflect how God’s grace works in our lives—freely given and gratefully received. Ruth’s willingness to accept Boaz’s kindness also emphasizes the importance of embracing the grace extended to us by God and others, rather than pushing it away out of a sense of unworthiness.
Ruth’s humility made her receptive to Boaz’s kindness, much like how a humble heart opens us to God’s grace. In return, Boaz’s actions reflect God’s care for Ruth, showing how God often provides for us through others. He recognized Ruth’s loyalty, showing how he valued her character.
Just as Boaz extended kindness to Ruth without regard for her status, we are called to show unconditional love to others. In turn, when that love is shown to us, we should humbly accept it and not become entitled, expecting others to love in that way.
The interaction between Ruth and Boaz is a living illustration of God’s redemptive love. Ruth’s journey from being a foreigner gleaning in the fields to becoming part of the lineage of Christ shows the transformative power of grace and faith. Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, foreshadows Christ, who redeems us despite our unworthiness.
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There is an account in the Gospels where Jesus is pressed with urgency to heal someone on the verge of death only to be interrupted by a desperate woman who knew Jesus could heal when all else could fail. I am talking about the account of the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the healing of the woman who had been dealing with bleeding hemorrhages for 12 years.
Jesus never needed to actually go see Jairus’ daughter because all He had to do was speak the word and it would be done. However, Jairus didn’t think about that. He just knew his daughter was sick, dying, and Jesus could heal her. So Jesus went, but there was urgency and the crowd realized Jesus was in the area. Everyone else was looking for their miracle as well, and Jesus and His disciples had to push through a desperate and pressing crowd, each trying to get their hands on Jesus. We don’t know how big this crowd was, but even a hundred will seem like a lot very quickly when they are pushing to get their moment with Jesus.
In the middle of this, a woman who had been dealing with bleeding believed she just needed to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, and she would be healed. She knew she would not get any direct time with Jesus with this crowd, especially while He was on an urgent mission. She only needed to touch His garment, and she fought through the crowd and somehow got close enough to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment – just the edge of it, or perhaps the tassels attached. And the moment she gripped it, Jesus stopped. He felt power come out of Him. Someone touched Him with genuine faith. Jesus spoke with her, pointing out she had been healed, and gave her peace.
Then Jesus resumed His urgent mission only to find out the girl didn’t make it. Jairus’ daughter died, and the professional mourners were already present. (They had professional mourners who would come to professionally cry when people would pass away. That’s not true mourning over a loss.) Jesus knew none of the people there would believe Him, and when He said she was merely sleeping, they all laughed. So He cleared them all out, and He took the parents and Peter, James, and John to see the girl before raising her back to life. And all five who were present knew full well the severe consequences of what would happen if news of Jesus raising someone back from the dead got out. So they didn’t speak about it until after Jesus Himself rose from the dead.
Why did Jesus do what He did here? Jesus knew of the urgency of the situation and was moving through the crowd, not heeding them but not rejecting them either. Just getting to an urgent situation. Then He was interrupted. Someone touched Him that drew power out of Him. Again, Jesus knew the situation with Jairus’ daughter was urgent, but the interruption did not bother Him. The woman with the bleeding was not an annoyance to Him. It did not stop Him from His mission; the girl was likely already dead by the time Jairus got to Jesus.
Jesus had compassion on the woman who demonstrated true faith and let her take some of His time. He still had the mission in mind, but He did not operate on a human clock or calendar. Jesus had God’s will in mind as His priority, not the “mission.” And God saw a daughter coming to the throne pleading for mercy. He set aside all things to deal with His daughter. Jesus did what His Father did.
But then at Jairus’ house, Jesus had to clear everyone out and tell them that the girl was asleep, not dead. Was Jesus lying to keep this miracle on the down-low for a while? No. Jesus also had eternity in His mind and said a similar thing about Lazarus as well. To fall asleep was a commonly used euphemism for death, while thinking of the resurrection to come. Paul used that phrase as well when describing some of the 500 witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. But Jesus didn’t want to create a bigger ruckus than He already had by raising the dead. He’d never get a moment’s peace if that happened. This is why Jesus forbade His core three disciples and Jairus from saying anything that the girl was actually dead. This girl would be one of three people Jesus raised from the dead. The other two were the son of the widow from Nain and of course Lazarus.
Can we be interrupted from doing a mission God called us to that also fits in God’s will? I am reminded of Otto Koning, whom I heard from by Eric Ludy in one of his sermons, “Fixing Broken Pots” (the online link is no longer available for this sermon). Koning was a missionary to Ira Jaya/Papua New Guinea, and he had a tall task to learn the language, put it into writing, and then translate the Gospel of John for these tribes. But he has a problem: he had tools, and people would come to him time and time again to fix broken pots, bent shovels, and other things. It really frustrated him, until God finally got through to him that his mission was to serve the people and the translation process would come in due time. When the mission board came, he was scared to death he would be sent home, but it turned out he was ahead of any projection by about ten years. Ludy uses this as a framework for preaching on how we should handle interruptions, describing his life as a pastor while dealing with newly adopted toddlers.
Interruptions are definite inconveniences. Yet the Christian is supposed to be built to not just handle such inconveniences, but they should make us glad in helping people with their inconvenient requests. Yes, that’s a stab in the heart to me too. I’m a hyper-focused type of guy, where once I get on my task and lock in, do not interrupt me. Though as a side note, there was one time no one dared to interrupt Jesus: when He was praying. No one touched that holy ground. That said, Jesus was interrupted by a woman who would not let go of her Savior until she got what she needed, and He loved that she did. May we learn from Jesus in handling interruptions and then going to the task at hand, no matter how it turned during those interruptions.
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Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!"
"The LORD bless you!" they answered.
Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, "Who does that young woman belong to?”
The overseer replied, "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."
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 2:4-9
This passage captures the first recorded interaction between Boaz and Ruth, setting the stage for the unfolding story of grace and redemption. This interaction reveals both Boaz’s character and Ruth’s humility and diligence.
Boaz’s arrival in verse 4 is marked by his greeting to the harvesters: "The Lord be with you!” This greeting is significant because it demonstrates his faith and leadership. Unlike many landowners who might have been harsh or indifferent toward their workers, Boaz sets the tone of his management with a blessing, reflecting a culture of kindness and respect. His workers’ response, "The Lord bless you!” indicates that he had cultivated an atmosphere of mutual honor and faith.
Boaz represents a godly man who acknowledges God’s presence in every aspect of life, including his business dealings. His leadership stands in stark contrast to the chaotic period of the Judges, when "everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). His righteous character makes him a fitting instrument for God’s plan of redemption.
Boaz quickly notices Ruth and inquires about her identity in verse 5. His question, "Who does that young woman belong to?” may sound possessive in modern terms, but in the cultural context of ancient Israel, it was a legitimate inquiry about her status—whether she was married, a servant, or under someone’s care.
The overseer’s response in verses 6-7 identifies Ruth as "the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi.” This description highlights Ruth’s foreign identity, which could have led to discrimination. However, the overseer also commends Ruth’s work ethic, mentioning that she had been working diligently since morning with only a short rest. This portrayal underscores Ruth’s character—she is not passive but actively seeking to provide for herself and Naomi.
Boaz then addresses Ruth directly in verses 8-9, and his first words to her are filled with kindness and generosity.
"My daughter, listen to me.” Boaz’s address of Ruth as “my daughter” is significant, as it suggests a protective and caring attitude rather than one of mere obligation. This term reflects both social and spiritual inclusion of Ruth despite her status as a foreigner.
“Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here.” This command shows that Boaz is not only offering Ruth a place to glean but ensuring she stays within the safety of his fields. Gleaning in another field could expose her to danger, as women were vulnerable to harassment in that time.
“Stay here with the women who work for me.” This provides Ruth with a sense of community and belonging. Rather than being isolated as a foreigner, she is encouraged to be part of a group, ensuring her safety and dignity and helping her to build relationships in this new land she now calls home.
“I have told the men not to lay a hand on you.” This directive emphasizes Boaz’s awareness of potential dangers and his proactive effort to protect Ruth. His leadership ensures that she is not subjected to mistreatment.
“And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” In the cultural context, gleaners—especially foreign women—would typically have no right to drink from the same water jars as the workers. By offering Ruth access to this water, Boaz is extending extraordinary grace, treating her as more than just a destitute gleaner.
Boaz’s actions reflect the character of Jesus, who invites the outcast, provides for the needy, and ensures the safety of His people. Just as Boaz extends undeserved favor to Ruth, Christ extends grace to all who seek refuge in Him. Boaz models what it means to be a godly leader—one who protects, provides, and blesses those under his care. His actions remind us of our responsibility to extend kindness to the vulnerable in society.
For her part, Ruth exemplifies the attitude of a believer who, despite her hardships, continues to work hard and seek provision. She does not demand assistance but humbly receives the grace extended to her.
As I wrote about last week, Ruth’s arrival at Boaz’s field was not mere coincidence but divine orchestration. In the same way, God often works through ordinary events to bring about His greater plans. This initial dialogue between Boaz and Ruth starts to set the stage for the redemption we will see as the narrative unfolds.
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Jesus demonstrated some impressive control over things no human had ever done before. Elijah had commanded rain to not fall until he spoke another word, and Moses had called for hail to fall, but in two instances, Jesus demonstrated a control over nature that was above that. There were two specific times that Jesus calmed a storm over the Sea of Galilee. In one instance, Jesus fell asleep on the boat despite the storm. In the second, Jesus came to the disciples in the storm by walking on water. Jesus had much more to say on these matters than merely calming a storm and shocking the disciples to wonder, “Who is this man?” Let’s explore what we can see about Jesus’ intentions in these two instances.
In the first case, Jesus was tired and fell asleep in the boat. This wasn’t a normal ship but more like a rowboat. It was small enough that fishermen could throw out their nets and pull up the nets by hand, rather than by a crane. Those were the typical type of boats that could carry a dozen men or so across the sea. The Sea of Galilee was small enough that a professional swimmer could swim across, and boats were often available for rent to get from one side to another. This storm wasn’t a kind of storm that would sink a full vessel, but these rental boats would certainly be a concern. The storm was severe enough that experienced fishermen did believe they would die unless something happened. And Jesus was sleeping.
How could the man who had turned water to wine, healed lepers, made the lame walk, and confronted the overbearing religious leaders of the day be sleeping when His life was on the line, too? Take notice that the disciples didn’t ask Jesus if He wanted to live. They asked Him if He cared if they lived. Yeah, we would not have been much different. Jesus was tired and He took a nap – in a boat when rain and water were splashing all over the boat, likely soaking Him. How could He sleep through that anyway? Jesus would have been disturbed from sleep like any normal person in His physical body. Finally, He woke up, rebuked the storm, and looked at His disciples with a “Why did you disturb me for that?” kind of a look. Did they not know that as long as Jesus was with them, they were practically invincible to the things of nature or the world? That was Jesus’ mindset. Because He was with them, a silly storm wasn’t going to take Him down. He was on a mission from God, and a storm wasn’t going to get in the way of it.
This reminds me of an account of Hudson Taylor on his way to China, where he would spend the bulk of his life starting China Inland Missions. On the way, the ship got disabled as it was relying on the currents and the winds, and the current path was directing the ship towards an island of cannibals. They were building their fires to get ready for a feast. Taylor spoke up and said, “Have you considered praying?” He knew he was called to China, and that mission was not going to be cut short by a shipwreck on an island of cannibals. He prayed, and the winds turned to send the ship back on proper course.
This is also like Paul’s shipwreck of Acts 27. He knew he was being sent to Rome, and despite the crew refusing to hear his wisdom to not sail and winter early on, they chose to go. A 2+ week storm crash landed them to Malta where they would winter anyway. But Paul was not scared of the storm. He wasn’t even concerned about a viper that bit him. Paul had the same mentality as Jesus. Jesus was on a mission from God and a storm wasn’t going to stop Him. He wanted His disciples to learn the same thing. They didn’t learn it for a while, but as showcased by Paul and many since, many believers have learned it. As long as you are on God’s mission, you will not be touched, no matter what comes your way.
Jesus took control of another weather situation in which He walked on water. When Peter realized it was Jesus, he asked to come join Him on the lake. I can picture Jesus thinking maybe Peter finally got the message from the previous storm, but then Peter started looking at the waves and began to sink. Jesus had to save him and then calmed the storm. But think about how it wasn’t just Jesus walking on water; Peter did, too. And Jesus didn’t congratulate Peter for stepping out; He rebuked him for doubting. Yet, Jesus saw in Peter what no one else would have seen: the leader and anchor that he would become as the voice of the Apostles. Jesus saw that confidence growing in Peter, but He also knew that much of it was driven by the flesh. He gave Peter that chance and, despite knowing Peter would fail, He still showed that those who trusted in Him would be doing wonders beyond human comprehension. It would be Peter who performed the first miracle by the Apostles after Pentecost by healing a cripple, and it would be Peter who specifically requested to be crucified upside down, a more painful death, so that he would not be done in like his Savior.
Jesus controls all our situations and any storm we face. If we are on God’s mission, no storm is going to take us down. If we set our eyes on Jesus, while we may not literally walk on water, we will do wonders that the natural minds of our day could not conceive. Jesus wants us to have such confidence in Him that we could lie beside Him and take a nap in the middle of a storm, knowing God will protect us. (Note, I am NOT saying to be presumptuous by any means, but for when we know we are in the center of God’s will.) He wants us to trust Him to the point of getting out of our safety net and walking on water with Him. And all it takes is for us to not look at our circumstances and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Let Him deal with the storm, and He will silence it. The winds and waves obey Jesus; why would our circumstances be any different?
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Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor. ”
Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
- Ruth 2:1-3
The end of Ruth chapter 1 introduced the fact that the barley harvest was beginning, which is significant for where the narrative picks up here at the beginning of chapter 2.
The fact that Naomi and Ruth were both widows would have left them with no income and no means to provide for themselves. Ruth again showed her loyalty to Naomi by taking the initiative to provide for them. This is where we see Boaz introduced to the narrative.
In verse 1, Boaz is described as a “man of standing.” The Hebrew phrase used there conveys much more than that. It denotes someone of wealth, influence, and noble character. Boaz’s stature in the community is significant because it underscores his ability to act as a provider and protector in Ruth’s story as the narrative unfolds.
Boaz’s introduction in verse 1 is pivotal. As a relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech, Boaz had the potential to fulfill the role of a kinsman-redeemer. The concept of the kinsman-redeemer is rooted in Leviticus 25:25-28 and Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where family members had the duty to redeem property or marry a widow to preserve the family line.
Boaz’s role as a relative is significant for several reasons. As a wealthy landowner, Boaz had the means to provide for Ruth and Naomi. His generosity extended beyond the requirements of the law, as he later instructed his workers to leave extra grain for Ruth (Ruth 2:15-16). Boaz’s position as a relative made him eligible to redeem Elimelech’s land and marry Ruth, ensuring the continuation of Naomi’s family line. This act of redemption foreshadows the ultimate redemption provided by Jesus Christ, a descendant of Boaz and Ruth. In addition, Boaz exemplified kindness, integrity, and faithfulness to God’s law. His actions demonstrate how individuals can reflect God’s character through their treatment of others.
In verse 2, Ruth offers to go pick grain for them. This concept of picking the leftover grain was called gleaning. Gleaning was an integral part of Israelite law, as outlined in Leviticus 19:9-10, Leviticus 23:22, and Deuteronomy 24:19-22. Landowners were commanded to leave the edges of their fields unharvested and not go back to collect missed sheaves, allowing the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners to gather food. Ruth’s participation in this practice demonstrates her humility and diligence in providing for herself and Naomi. The Israelites were commanded to do this both as a way to help the poor among them and as a commemoration of God delivering them from slavery in Egypt and providing for them.
This practice reflected God’s concern for the vulnerable in society. It allowed those in need to work for their sustenance while preserving their dignity. The practice of gleaning underscores the importance of compassion and generosity. As followers of Christ, we are called to care for the marginalized and create opportunities for others to thrive. But gleaning was not just a handout; by gleaning, Ruth actively participated in her provision rather than waiting passively for help. As God worked it out, in Ruth’s case, gleaning was not just about survival but also a pathway to encountering Boaz, her future husband and kinsman-redeemer. Ordinary acts of faith and diligence can open the door to extraordinary blessings.
Verse 3 implies that Ruth just happened upon a field and began to glean there. The phrase “As it turned out” subtly hints at the divine orchestration of this fact. While the text presents Ruth’s arrival in Boaz’s field as coincidental, the original Hebrew word can also suggest an event guided by God’s providence. The narrative emphasizes that God was at work behind the scenes, directing Ruth to the right place at the right time.
This verse mentions for a second time that Boaz was from the clan of Elimelech, thus highlighting the importance of this fact. The reader begins to see God’s divine hand in the events that are unfolding. God’s providence often unfolds in the mundane details of life. Her decision to glean in Boaz’s field may have seemed inconsequential, but it was a step in God’s plan for her redemption.
Ruth’s willingness to work hard is also important to note. She does not simply sit back and wait for someone to help her but rather takes the initiative to do what she can to provide for herself and Naomi. She acts with faith and determination, and her example encourages us to trust God while actively pursuing the opportunities He places before us.
As we reflect on this passage, we should be inspired to trust in God’s providence, act with faith and diligence, and extend His love to those in need. There is no detail that is too small for God to use in His greater plan, reminding us of the incredible ways He works in our lives to accomplish His divine purposes.
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