Ruth is overwhelmed by the
grace that Boaz has shown her, and it has humbled her greatly.
Although Ruth is a foreigner without any particular worthiness of
Boaz' favor, Boaz as a kinsman redeemer has given her special
attention if she will stay in his field. After questioning why Boaz
would be so gracious, in chapter two and verse eleven we read this
account of Boaz' answer:
And Boaz answered and
said unto her, It has fully been shown to me, all that you have done
unto your mother in law since the death of your husband: and [how]
you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your
nativity, and are come unto a people which you knew not before.
Boaz
told Ruth, “It has fully been shown to me...” In other
words, someone was watching Ruth and knew her story. In other words,
Ruth's life had been lived on display before others, and people
noticed. More than likely this is a reference to the head servant of
the field, but nonetheless, traits and characteristics about Ruth
were shown to Boaz. Just what was it that impressed Boaz so much
about Ruth that he would extend to her such great favor? We shall see
in the next part of this verse.
“All
that you have done unto your mother in law since the death of your
husband:” was Boaz' first reason Ruth's life impressed Boaz.
Most of the time a daughter in law might abandon her mother in law
after her husband died, but not Ruth. Most relationships with mother
in laws are not as favorable as desired in marriages, but Ruth's
relationship with Naomi was outstanding and well-known. Though her
husband died, Ruth was still loyal to his mother.
Next
Boaz mentions Ruth leaving her home. He said, “and how you have
left your father and mother , and the land of your nativity,...”
This is a rare trait indeed. Not many like to leave the familiar
especially when it concerns their mother and father and the place of
their birth. However, Ruth did, and because she left, she was the
exception to the rule. Her willingness to forsake the well-known and
trust in the fate of God for her life elevated her to a position of
favor with Boaz.
Finally
Boaz said, “and are come unto a people which you knew not
before.” Going to strange places may be exciting for a little
while, but changing livelihoods to stay there is something quite
different. Ruth not only was faithful to Naomi, left her mother,
father and birthplace, but was willing to live among people whom she
did not know. Although she was unfamiliar with their customs and had
no idea of her future when she started out on this venture, Ruth took
the risk. Ruth exercised faith, and she trusted that all things were
going to work for her good. She left the well-known, and found
herself with a great reputation because of it.
What
about us? Do we ever trust in the Lord Jesus to lead us into unknown
territory? It doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a foreign
land, but it may be something to which we must leave our comfort
zone. Would we be commended for our loyalty to those who are not as
close in relation as a mother or father? Would we forsake our own
land to dwell among a people with whom we are totally unfamiliar?
Perhaps we should ponder these questions and more and use them as a
measuring rod for our faith? Would others who observe us and know our
story find us to be a people of faith in God or faith in the security
of what we already know?
Next
time we will discover more of Boaz' response 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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