Committed Ruth Ruth 2:23 - Equipped for Battle

Naomi and Ruth have resolved that Ruth should stay in the field of Boaz. They know he is a kinsman redeemer, and although there will be a great benefit of barley by staying in Boaz' field, there may be opportunity to have Boaz as well. However, it is one thing to resolve to do something and another to actually fulfill that purpose. We see that Ruth is committed to keep that she has purposed to do as we complete chapter two with verse twenty three:

So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelled with her mother in law.

Ruth “kept fast by the maidens of Boaz”. In other words, Ruth stayed with them. Her resolve was to stay in Boaz' field, and she did. Can we imagine as day after day Ruth continued her work while Boaz watched her as he did before? Can we see with our mind's eye the young men dropping handfuls of reaped barley on purpose and allowing Ruth to drink from the servants water? It usually took seven weeks to three months to harvest fields, so we note that Ruth's commitment was enduring as she gleaned day after day in Boaz' field.

Notice too, “to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest;” Evidently the barley fields were ready to gather first, then immediately following would be the wheat. Although this was a different grain, still there was work to be done. Ruth continued her work even when her first task was completed. So many times as one task is finished, people stop their work and sit back to rest a while. This was not the case for Ruth, as one harvest ended a new one began.

Finally we see that Ruth, “dwelled with her mother in law.” In chapter one and verses sixteen and seventeen we earlier read Ruth's words to Naomi:

Entreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people [shall be] my people, and your God my God: Where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me.

Ruth has kept her words. She committed to Naomi to continue with her, and she has. Ruth has worked continually, and she has faithfully brought home her gleanings to Naomi. Once again we see the resolve not only to declare an action, but we see Ruth fulfilling her words.

There is a vast difference between someone who publishes an idea only for others to hear, and it is quite another when someone fulfills that idea. To make grand statements of resolve is easy. Living them out is hard. Tasks are often arduous, daily and circadian. Only by pushing past monotony, repetition, and humdrum do we ever complete tasks as Ruth did. When others may be inclined to abandoned previous dedications especially when one assignment is completed and another arises, only those who are committed as Ruth will know the benefits of the master of the field.

Finally let us consider this: Jesus declared. Jesus committed, and Jesus fulfilled all righteousness that we might be His reward.

Next time we will start chapter three and find Naomi continuing the plan for Ruth, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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