Ruth

When Naomi returns to Canaan, it was the time of the Barley harvest. So she sends Ruth to glean of the harvest of Boaz an influential and wealthy business man. It was a custom where the poor who did not have the means to support, would do to get food for themselves. Here Ruth showed that she was not only willing to be faithful and kind to Naomi but also was hardworking and caring by going out into the fields. She continued to be a loving daughter-in-law.

When Boaz sees Ruth, he immediately takes tremendous interest in her. I wonder if she was a very beautiful lady? What was it that drew Boaz to her? The foreman said that Ruth was the young lady who came back with Naomi. It must have dawned on Boaz that she was the faithful daughter-in-law. Did Boaz see in her a woman he could trust? The foreman said she had been working hard at the field. Did Boaz see an energetic, sincere and hardworking girl who would make any man a good wife?

Boaz immediately goes to Ruth and tells her to stay in his fields and that she would get all the food she wanted. She falls at his feet and thanks him for his kindness and says that she is not worthy to be one of his workers. Does the humility and grace of this poor widow tug hard at the heart of Boaz? Does he see her wisdom and understanding of the situation she is in? Boaz praises her by saying, “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. (Ruth2:12)”

Ruth’s humility before Boaz makes him bless her even more. Ruth humbled herself before her mother-in-law by accepting her God, now it was God’s turn to bless and lift her out of her misery. The two poor widows cast all that they had into the mighty hands of God.

St Peter says. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.. 1Peter 5:6-7”