Ruth’s request

When unexpected misfortune strikes suddenly, how would you confront it? Perhaps there are those who curse their own lives sitting in the midst of such misfortune, and those who tries to live their best in the given circumstances. Which type are you? God blesses the latter and provides a way of escape. Ruth moved to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi and was living in poverty. However, she chose to live to the fullest even in such circumstance. Let’s learn from Ruth’s way of life. (1) Let’s focus on Ruth’s humility. She asks Naomi to let her go out to the fields to glean. The Law of Moses commanded to leave the grains for gleaning “for the needy and the alien” (Levi. 19:9-10, 23:22, Deut. 24:19). Gleaning involves gathering the ears of wheat that have fallen in fields after the harvest. Ruth, though a foreigner living in poverty, needed a considerable amount of courage and humility to go gleaning. (2) Let’s observe Ruth’s diligence. She refused to live off the charity of others and chose to make a living by her own hands. “The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made prosperous” (Prov. 13:4). (3) Naomi didn’t force Ruth into gleaning. However, when she heard Ruth’s request, she graciously allowed her to go, expressing her gratitude.

“So happened to be”

Behind the scenes, God’s drama was unfolding. (1) The phrase “so happened to be” is introduced, which signifies that God’s providential hand was at work. (2) The field that Ruth happened upon belonged to a man named Boaz. He belonged to the clan of Elimelech, which means that he was a relative to Naomi’s husband, and he was a person of influence. He was not only wealthy but also well-versed in the Law and of excellent character. (3) This meeting between the two would significantly advance God’s plan for the redemption of humanity. Even in our lives too, God’s providential hand is at work. Let us pray today that God continues to lead us into the path of righteousness and the highway of blessings.