The Moabite blood that flowed through Ruth’s veins was an unwelcome presence in the land of Judah due to the history between them. And I can’t know for sure what was going through her mind as she stepped out to glean fields, but I can imagine. She might have experienced that awkward heaviness of feeling out of place and like you just don’t belong. We all know that feeling. It’s a vulnerable inner space as thoughts of insecurity swirl. To add to it, sometimes there is a real lack of security in the environment itself. But I’m convinced she wasn’t swayed by heredity, nor was she divided as to her identity, and she was confident of her well-being. Instead, she was ruled by the confession of her mouth and she stepped onto that field securely. “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth knew whom she belonged to and trusted God to provide.
God provided Hesed love to her through the person of Boaz, the owner of the field, whose name means “strength”. When we think of strength we often think of power, grit, and toughness, but Boaz lived a life of strength that redefined the term. His strength was a godly one that was kind, caring, loyal, faithful, protective, selfless, hospitable, and generous.
As we follow along, we see God’s hand orchestrating His favor as these characters cooperate in ways that lead to blessing. Ruth held tight to her new identity and Boaz used his strength to love without limits. God is so good that He blesses the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45), but as evident in this story, partnering with His ways brings a harvest of blessing… maybe even double blessings! “She kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests” (Ruth 2:23).
It’s easy for us to see God at work in this story, but do you see Him at work within yours? Take a moment and look back at a time of hardship. Where can you see him at work and how are you participating?
Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director