Ruth, Day 2
Chosen for Abundance
Ruth 2
” . . . those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth” (Psalm 65:9 – 10).
Our chapter for today includes the ingredients of an incredible story unfolding about redemption. Ruth is on a mission to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. She is heading to the fields for the scraps. During the day, her work ethic is noticed by everyone paying attention, and her tenacity is going to pay off. The boss shows up and is captivated by the young lady who is gleaning in the fields. He asks his servant who she is and he reveals Ruth’s identity, then gives detailed information about her work in the fields throughout the entire day. Her focus that day was impressive to Boaz, and revealed so much about her commitment to Naomi’s well-being.
Immediately after being informed of the mysterious woman’s identity, Boaz begins to care for her. He provides community and protection (the young women) along with provision. Ruth receives so many blessings from Boaz she is driven to the ground with gratitude and questions him about the motivation for his favor. Boaz reveals in the next few moments that he is very aware of her situation and then invites her to dinner. Boaz continues to bless Ruth after dinner and she goes home with an abundance of barley from the field and leftovers from dinner.
Naomi had a great meal that night because of Ruth’s perseverance and God’s abundant provision. Questions are asked by Naomi and the answers from Ruth provide insight into God’s hand at work throughout the day. Naomi could go to sleep that night knowing that God would provide food for both of them from the abundance found in the fields of Boaz. The relational connection of Boaz to the family in the two ladies’ conversation foreshadows the abundant blessing yet to come in this story of redemption.
The provision of God is on display in this incredible chapter. Ruth had committed herself to Naomi’s God and He had abundantly blessed them. However, this was just the beginning of a story that would shape her legacy. Ruth was going to go down in history as part of the line of Christ.
Her journey began with respect from a man who would eventually become her husband. As we read about Ruth’s journey, we should all be encouraged by the presence of the hand of God in every moment. It should be a reminder that even in the most desperate of times, God is at work.
In our daily relationship with God, we must not take for granted how He provides as His faithfulness abounds, His hope restores, His grace redeems, His peace calms our souls, and His love overwhelms us and transforms our lives. The response of Boaz to Ruth gives us a picture of God’s compassion for His people and His commitment to meet our needs as we walk with Him.
As you journey through your day, remember that God has redeemed your life through His son Jesus Christ, and that His promises are secure. Choose to live in His abundance, rejecting a mindset of scarcity. Enjoy the life of abundance that He has provided for all of us, remembering that . . .
” . . . we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Pastor Chuck