Ruth 2:8-13 - August 26, 2010
Ruth 2:8-13 - August 26, 2010
So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled." At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?" Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." "May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord," she said. "You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls."
Ruth 2:8-13
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
Boaz made Ruth feel welcome. If there had been any impropriety toward Ruth on the part of his workers, he made it clear that he would take care of it. If there had been any confusion on Ruth's part as to where to glean, how to glean, where to rest or anything else, Boaz explained the system to her, and he even gave her special privileges. Boaz offered comfort, encouragement, food, water, and protection. He reached out to her as a friend.
Why? That's what Ruth was wondering, too. The answer was that Ruth had impressed Boaz. Boaz had heard all about her selflessness and the sacrifices that she had made to help Naomi. In this way, Ruth demonstrated her faith in the Lord, so Boaz recognized her as a sister in faith. He wished for her the Lord's continued blessings.
Ruth finally felt at home. She now had the friendship and support of someone other than her mother-in-law. She remained humble as she expressed her gratitude. This relationship, however, is only beginning to develop.
God gives us support and encouragement in his Word. Jesus assures us that he is with us always. What wonderful blessings! What needed blessings! These verses from God's Word about Ruth and Boaz remind us of another blessing that God gives: Christian fellowship and love. We need each other. We have each other. Sometimes we are Ruth—needing and looking for support. Sometimes we are Boaz—having and offering that support. May God teach us to rely on one another that we may encourage each other in Christ.
Open my eyes, Lord, to those who need a friend and help me be the friend they need. Equip me with your Word that I may offer spiritual comfort. Amen.
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