Over the last few verses we
have watched with interest as a relationship has been developing
between Boaz and Ruth. Boaz owns the field in which Ruth is gleaning,
and his head servant has given him wonderful characteristics about
Ruth that go beyond her outward attraction. Because Ruth has drawn
the attention of Boaz, and in chapter two and verse eight we read his
first words to her:
Then said Boaz unto
Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another
field, neither go from here, but abide here fast by my maidens:
This is
our first insight into the conversation between Boaz and Ruth. Boaz
said, “Hearest thou not, my daughter?” or in other words,
listen to me my daughter. In the beginning of these words we see the
tenderness of Boaz toward Ruth. He is not harsh, and gives her the
opportunity to refuse his words. Notice that his words are in the
form of a question, and although he has the authority to rule over
her, he gives her choice in this matter.
Next we
see the request of Boaz to Ruth, “Go not to glean in another
field, neither go from here.” Boaz asked Ruth to continue
gleaning in his field and to not leave it. Ruth has the prerogative
to choose another field, but Boaz does not want her to leave. He
appeals to her sense of choice and asks her to forgo other fields for
his own. If we ponder this for a while we can see the passion that
Boaz has for Ruth from the very start of this relationship.
Finally
Boaz tells Ruth, “but abide here fast by my maidens:” or
stay close by the other maidens who are in this field. Notice that
Boaz calls these maidens “my maidens” which denotes his
possession of them. He has servant girls who belong to his workforce,
and Boaz desires that Ruth stay in a position of favor as they are.
If we recall Ruth's first request of Naomi to be allowed to glean in
a field, her hope was that she would find grace there. This is a
prime example of God working behind the scenes in the life of one who
will simply place their trust in His provision. As we notice Boaz'
natural bent of favor towards Ruth, we must keep in mind that God is
working to give provision through Boaz even though he hasn't realized
it yet.
If we
meditate upon this verse today, perhaps we can hear our kinsman
redeemer Jesus asking us to stay in His field, not go from here, and
stay with those who are already His. There is no better place in the
world than to be in the field where Jesus is the owner. He beckons to
everyone to come and abide in His field, and He doesn't want anyone
to choose another field other than His. He has provision in His
field. He has protection in His field, and he has prosperity awaiting
those who just simply stay where He is. May we all choose to stay in
the field where Jesus abides, and we as Ruth will be under the
covering of the one in which no one can compare. Let this be our
resolve: “We will not go unto another field.”
Next
time we discover more of what Boaz says to Ruth, so read ahead, and
we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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