It has been a joy to watch
as this romance has begun between Boaz and Ruth, and as we have
observed their conversation and Boaz' provision, we have been
reminded of our kinsman redeemer Jesus and His provision and
protection for us. In chapter two and verse fifteen we see even
greater favor extended toward Ruth where we read:
And when she was risen
up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even
among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
Ruth
just finished a lunchtime meal where Boaz provided parched barley for
her to eat. She then went back to work and continued her gleaning. We
read,“And when she was risen up to glean...”. The
interesting part about this is that Boaz did not stop her. He didn't
say, “Ruth, you don't have to work any more. I am going to just
give you all the barley you might desire. Just sit back and relax,
and everything will be provided for you.” No, rather, he allowed
her to go back to work. However, he gave provision for her as she
worked.
Notice
as a boss over employees or a general over an army, Boaz “commanded
his young men.” This was a non-negotiable. Boaz gave
instruction that they were to obey. Boaz had provision and protection
for Ruth in mind, and the thoughts he had were to be implemented
completely.
He said,
“Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not.”
We can imagine that as a person is gleaning, there may be occasions
where they would accidentally harvest in an area that had not been
harvested yet. From time to time by swinging a sickle and gathering
barley, the sickle would swing and barley would fall to which a
poorer person was not entitled. Usually there would be servants in
the field, “his young men” who would rebuke and reproach a
person who did this. It was their job to see that the integrity of
the harvest for the field-owner was kept in tact. Boaz told his young
men not to stop Ruth if they saw her do this. Ruth was allowed
special privilege and grace by the field-owner even when she didn't
know it was being given to her.
We too
have a field-owner who watches over us. For those who have received
Jesus Christ as their Savior, they have a relationship with the
field-owner of everything. The interesting part of this story is that
the relationship between Boaz and Ruth is in it's budding stage. Ruth
has not fully received Boaz, and yet he is providing for her. Ruth
hasn't given her life to Boaz, and yet is is protecting her. There is
only a glimmer of interest at this point, and the owner of the field
is extending grace even when she doesn't know it. For those who may
be reading this for the first time or perhaps they are considering
the Bible and what it has to say about a relationship with God, know
this, the field-owner is watching over you. He is providing for you,
and although you may not have yet accepted Him fully, His desire is
that His grace and favor will lead you into a relationship with Him.
Jesus, the overseer and owner of the world desires a relationship
with everyone who will receive Him, and if He should allow that
greater provision be given to us to insure that relationship, as
Boaz' did for Ruth, He will provide.
Next
time we will watch as Boaz provides even more for 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
No comments:
Post a Comment