Day 13: Let Me Be Like Some Men Of Old (Ruth 2:4-16)

Today’s Passage: Ruth 2:4-16

It’s not that long ago that the hero in a movie was a “stand up sort of guy”. Nowadays, most heroes have a deep serious flaw. In days gone by, the hero may have had some quirks, but their moral fortitude always rose above the most challenging of circumstances.

I’m not offering a criticism about movies. I love It’s A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart, just like I love Ironman with Robert Downey Jr. My point is the hero character is just a wee-bit different.

Which leads me to say, “Let me be like some of the men of old”—Boaz for example.

Boaz, from what we read, seems like a stand-up sort of guy. Consider how he greets his workers:

4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.”

Interesting greeting. In offering such a greeting we notice that Boaz does not see his job as apart from his faith—it’s part and parcel of his life. You might say to me, “Well that was back then.” My response, “Let me be like some of those men of old.”

Boaz’s inquiry into who Ruth is reveals much. We note how she has asked permission, and how the men observe just how hard a worker she is.

Then in verses 8 and 9 we see Boaz’s encouragement to Ruth. He is ensuring her physical safety (the fact he mentions this possibly reveals how dangerous it was for a woman to go and glean). He also ensures her labors will be productive. He invites her to have water and rest as part of the group, not off and isolated in a corner as is so often the case with people who are “poor”.

Ruth’s gratitude is immediate, and soon we will look at Ruth. For now, consider verse 11. It reveals that Boaz has heard about Ruth. It seems as if he, and perhaps others, are moved by Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law. At a time when Naomi might have been completely abandoned, Ruth stood by her. Boaz is determined to help, even honor, this faithful foreigner.

As we continue reading in verses 12-16, we see Boaz. All by God’s grace, he begins to welcome Ruth in the family of Yahweh. He prays “the God of Israel” will bless her and will indeed repay her. Then she is invited to eat with them, another act of becoming part of this family. Finally, he ensures that her labors will be lightened by instructing the men to leave some sheaves (gleaning, picking up small bits and pieces, cannot be easy).

In all, Boaz is God’s instrument. He is a part of God’s plan, this God Ruth has come to, the “God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about God and His Providence. He does this through those who seek to follow Him. Today we see the impact one man, Boaz, is having.

Yet this sort of behavior is not limited to only take place in the past. Each day presents the opportunity to Love God & Love Neighbor…to GO and Make Disciples…each day.

Anyone God has put in your path today? Ask God to open your eyes to see them.