Like Ruth
The book of Ruth is a highlight reel of the lives of two women – Naomi and Ruth. I want to take a closer look at this real-life picture of what was destined to unfold for us.
Ruth was a gentile widow of Naomi’s Jewish son. The two women found themselves alone in Naomi’s hometown without anyone to provide for them or protect them.
Life, for Ruth, was not going the way she had dreamed. She was in a foreign culture, without friends but with plenty to worry about.
To provide food for herself and her mother-in-law, Ruth went to a nearby field to follow behind the harvesters and gather bits of grain that were left behind. It was difficult work. At that point, Ruth didn’t have a reason to believe her life would get better. She was doing what needed to be done to survive.
In Ruth chapter 2, verse 3 there is the phrase “it just so happened”. We often say someone was “at the right place at the right time.” The truth is, this was a divine appointment, not a coincidence. God was at work in Ruth’s life even when she wasn’t aware of it.
Ruth 2:4 The Passion Translation “At that moment, Boaz came from Bethlehem to survey his harvest. He greeted the harvesters, “May Yahweh be with you.”
It was in his field just outside of Bethlehem where Boaz first approached Ruth. He encouraged her to stay close to him and his people. He told her that when she was thirsty, she was welcome to drink from the water he provided.
Ruth 2:10 “Astounded, Ruth bowed low with her face to the ground, and said to him, “I’m a foreigner. Why have you been so kind and taken notice of me?”
The kindness of Boaz drew her to him, even though she viewed herself as inferior. The kindness of Jesus draws us to Him, no matter how we view ourselves.
11. Boaz answered, “I’ve heard all about what you’ve done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband.
I know your story –
How you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people and a culture that must seem strange to you.
Boaz knew about Ruth’s story. God knows every detail of your story. You are not an accident or a surprise.
13. Ruth replied, “May I continue to find favor in your sight, kind sir. You have spoken to my heart kind and reassuring words that comfort me, even though I am not as worthy as one of your servant girls.”
Does she sound like the prodigal son? Ruth still felt like she was less than a servant, unqualified and unworthy. Maybe she felt she needed to earn the approval of Boaz.
14. At mealtime, Boaz said to her,
“Come here and eat with us. Here is bread, and wine to dip it in.
Ruth immediately sat down with the workers. Boaz handed her some roasted grain, and she ate all she wanted until she was satisfied…
Imagine being invited by Jesus himself to sit down and share bread and wine with him; to take communion; to eat all of it and be satisfied. Ruth immediately accepted the invitation!
The same invitation is being extended to you. Ruth’s story really happened and yet is a picture of all humanity. We often find ourselves in situations we did not plan for, without a provider or protector. Maybe you have felt lost or alone, without hope and wondering if life will ever be better.
Ephesians 2:12 New King James puts it this way:
“At that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”
By purchasing Naomi’s land back for her, he became a “kinsman redeemer” for Ruth. A kinsman redeemer is the closest blood relative who willingly regains the possession of something or someone by paying their redemption price.
Boaz as the kinsman redeemer, redeemed Ruth by paying her debts and uniting her into the family. Jesus, as our kinsman redeemer, willingly endured the cross and was the only one able to pay the price for us.
Hebrews 2:11 TPT reads
“Jesus, the Holy One, makes us holy. And as sons and daughters, we now belong to his same Father, so he is not ashamed or embarrassed to introduce us as his brothers and sisters!”
When Ruth sat down to eat bread and drink wine with Boaz and the other workers, all she had to give was a sincere heart turned toward the kindness being offered.
When we gather with other believers to share the bread of Jesus’ body and the wine of His blood
we are acknowledging our need for redemption with sincere hearts.We acknowledge Jesus willingly paid the price to redeem us and that our identity that is now in Him.
We are declaring with Job:
“For I know that my Redeemer lives…”
Job 19:25 NKJV