Lessons from Ruth 2

As the sun dipped behind Bethlehem's barley fields, Ruth continued to toil tirelessly, gathering the remnants that would sustain her and Naomi. Mere feet away, however, her rustling of the grains was interrupted by the approach of a figure, Boaz, the wealthy landowner.

"Who is this woman?" whispered Boaz to his servant, curiously peering over the golden stalks before him at the woman, whose face was hidden behind more stalks of grain.

The servant then explained Ruth's story to Boaz, telling him about Ruth’s unwavering commitment to Naomi.

Immediately captivated by this stranger’s dedication, Boaz wasted no time in extending to Ruth a protective hand through the stalks.

"Stay close to my reapers,” he said softly, tapping her on the shoulder. “You're safe here."

Ruth’s face turned up to him, her sun-kissed cheeks doing nothing to hide her confusion and surprise at the boldness of the man she knew only as the landowner. She swallowed. "Why have I found your favor?"

Boaz, eyes brimming with kindness, replied, "Your loyalty speaks volumes. May the Lord reward you."

And in the twilight of the barley fields, a new connection blossomed, their words echoing through the golden harvest.

 We have already seen how the book of Ruth unveils a tapestry of human experiences intertwined with themes of loyalty, compassion, and divine providence. Chapter 2, set against the backdrop of Bethlehem's barley fields, serves as a fertile ground for cultivating profound lessons that resonate with more timeless truths. With the reading of this chapter, I’ve attempted to collect and define some short spiritual insights and lessons I’ve gleaned from the rich soil of Ruth's journey. Here’s what I’ve learned about:

1. Diligence, but also Providence:

The second chapter opens with Ruth venturing into the fields to glean. Her diligence and willingness to engage in honest labor are evident. I couldn’t help but notice how this echoes the biblical principle found in Proverbs 13:4, "The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent will be made fat." Ruth's commitment to work diligently in the fields becomes a testament to the principle that God often blesses the efforts of those who work with diligence and integrity.

2. Humility and Servanthood:

Ruth's humility obviously shines through as she humbly gleans in the fields, recognizing her position as a foreigner and a gleaner. There’s no question about her personal motives in her actions, and I find this incredibly noteworthy. Her posture of humility is reminiscent of the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 23:12, "For he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." In the act of gleaning, Ruth embodies the spirit of servanthood, illustrating that God honors those who approach life with a humble and servant-hearted attitude.

3. Provision Through Work:

Along the same lines as the previous two notes, I noticed that Ruth's decision to glean in the fields seems to become a channel through which God later provides for her and Naomi. Is it too much to also see how this mirrors the biblical principle found in 2 Thessalonians 3:10? "For when we were with you, we commanded you that if any will not work, neither shall he eat.” Ruth's willingness to engage in honest labor becomes a conduit for God's provision, highlighting the interconnectedness between human effort and divine provision in the unfolding of God's plan.

4. Kindness and Generosity:

And we can’t ignore Boaz, of course. In this chapter, Boaz, the landowner, emerges as a figure of kindness and generosity. His words and actions reflect the repeated biblical exhortation to be kind. And Boaz's generosity extends beyond the norm, as he instructs his reapers to intentionally leave extra grains for Ruth. Besides being incredibly (am I allowed to say it?) sweet, his act of kindness becomes a beacon, illustrating the transformative power of generosity and the ripple effect it can have on the lives of others.

5. Protection and Refuge:

I think it’s safe to also say that Boaz's protection of Ruth specifically stands as a symbol of God's care for those who seek refuge in Him. When I was a little girl, I found comfort in the promise found in Psalm 91:4 that "he shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall find protection; His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall." I think in this chapter, Boaz becomes a tangible expression of God's protective presence, showcasing that those who align themselves with His purposes find shelter and refuge even in the midst of challenges.

6. Harvesting Faith:

As a writing teacher, I have one creative note I had to point out here, too. I think that the barley harvest in Ruth's story becomes a serious metaphor for the spiritual harvest that unfolds when faith is sown and nurtured. Ruth's journey, marked by diligence, humility, kindness, and trust in God's providence, becomes a testament to the principle that a bountiful harvest awaits those who persist in faith.

7. Redemption Through Relationships:

Finally, the second chapter sets the stage for the unfolding relationship between Ruth and Boaz, a relationship that will eventually lead to—if you’re familiar with the story already—redemption. This mirrors the broader narrative of redemption woven throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate act of redemption through Christ. Ruth and Boaz's relationship becomes a microcosm of God's redemptive plan, illustrating that often, redemption unfolds through the threads of human relationships guided by faith.

In conclusion, I think the second chapter of Ruth emerges as a spiritual landscape rich with insights for those of us who seek to grow in our relationship with Christ. From the fields of diligence and humility to the harvest of provision and redemption, Ruth's journey is becoming a living testimony to the transformative power of faith in action. As we glean from the spiritual harvest of Ruth's narrative, we find ourselves invited to cultivate a faith that is marked by diligence, humility, kindness, and trust in God's providence—a faith that, like Ruth's, becomes a beacon of light in the fields of life's challenges.