Verse 1 Enter Boaz.
Verse 2 Now that Naomi and Ruth have no men to take care of them, they might be seen as beggars if they don't find a husband for Ruth. "...in whose sight I may find favor." Was the point to get food, or possibly to catch someone's eye?
Verse 3 "She happened to come upon,,," Or my note says it this way, "Her chance chanced upon..." Isn't that great? Whether she was looking for food, or was hoping to find love, God sent her to the perfect place. In the natural world it looked like an accident, but we know better than that.
Verses 4,5 We learn that Boaz is a kind, godly man, and that he has his business in order. He noticed when someone new was there, so he must run a tight ship.
verses 8-10 The character quality I most admire in Ruth is her humility. She did not assume that she would be treated well, or even allowed to glean from the field. She is not offended when she is granted the "right" to drink from the servants water. She is grateful, because she knows it doesn't have to be this way. It could be so much worse. But he is making her way easier, and she thanks him for it.
Again the love for the Lord is what is catching Ruth's heart. She followed Naomi for it, and now she sees it in Boaz.
Verse 12 This is one we should memorize. Such a lovely blessing.
"May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge."
Verse 14 Isn't this just the way the Lord treats us? If we humble ourselves and let Him be our provider, we will be fed with abundance. (He is serving HER!)
Verse 19 Naomi seems to know that someone was extra kind to her. Can you imagine the jolt of surprise that Naomi must have felt, realizing that the man who was so generous to them was their relative!? I bet it pricked her bitter heart yet again.
I love this chapter, because it really showcases the guidance of the Lord in something as simple as the every day. We can step away from the picture and see his hand clearly, but we must remember that Ruth had no idea who she would be, or what God was doing. We have to live with the faith that our lives are useful to God--even the boring day to day.
Next time - Ruth 3
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