(Reflections and notes on Ruth 2. To find out more about the series of Ruth Reflections, read this.)
Followers of Jesus will do a great job when they display the beautiful picture of submission that Jesus presented. That picture is essential in a day and age where the picture of submission is muddied and distorted in a variety of ways. This thought is all the more important considering this chapter in the story of Ruth. Bear in mind my suggestion in the previous reflection that this book is just as much about Naomi as it is about Ruth. At this stage of the story, from a time where Naomi felt embittered to God because she felt bitterly treated by Him, Naomi has enough wit about her to still realise that she’s responsible for someone else. It’s Ruth, though, that takes the initiative to go looking for work and Naomi condones this action. We then see a series of actions by Ruth that highlights her character of initiative and submission.
So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.
Ruth 2:3 (NLT)
The writer of Ruth has no problem laying out the key threads that we’re supposed to be picking up. From the first verse of this chapter, he points out the key role of Boaz to Naomi and so reading this verse that phrase ‘as it happened’ is a nod and a wink to keen-eyed readers that the tapestry of God is not always woven by purposeful decisions of the participants. Naomi did not strategically place Ruth to be in Boaz’ field. Ruth did not plan to go to the field where the wealthy and influential relative of the family could by chance pick her up. What is happening intentionally is that Ruth gains the permission of her mother-in-law to go looking for work. She finds work and then goes on to prove herself to be industrious in her labours. It’s not just her industry, however, that has gained her a reputation among those with whom she works and lives.
Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before.”
Ruth 2:11 (ESV)
This is not a declaration of a universal principle that if you make a sacrifice leave your home to take on a new home out of loyalty to your mother-in-law people will always look out for you. It is a fascinating insight into this integral story in the Scripture that a relative of Naomi recognises the kindness of a stranger and responds with kindness. The picture of Ruth throughout this chapter is one who is ready to serve and knows the best position of service is submission. Not a submission that is pitiful and helpless. A submission that is respectful, industrious and diligent. Ruth expresses that as much to her new employer as she did to her mother-in-law. Her act of service enriches her employer as well as he mother-in-law. Remarkable qualities worth celebrating and appropriating wherever you’re called to serve.
The character of Boaz is introduced in this chapter and what is picked up about him is likewise worth the study. He’s described as a man of standing – suggesting he has a good reputation in the area. His engagement with his workers portrays a generous spirit, whether in his protective and bountiful look-out for Ruth as well as the initial conversation that gives him insight on Ruth in the first place. At this juncture, we can run to see how a lot of his generous, bountiful, kind, gracious and beneficent character is a lot like the Lord God. The similarities are there in terms of how the Father created plenty for people to enjoy and looked to protect and be gracious to them. That’s good, that’s right, that’s important. There’s also later on the example of the descendant of Boaz – Jesus the Messiah – who went about enriching others and giving good news to the poor that the year of jubilee had come. Jesus showed concern for others and was kind and generous to give people an insight into the rule of God with expressions of peace, deliverance, restoration and healing.
As well as that, however, there is something about the character of Boaz even in this chapter that we have ample opportunity to learn in our own way. Are we looking out to be kind to others as Boaz was? Are we looking to be generous to others? Are we keen to take note of the kindness of others and celebrate that in whatever fashion we can?
The reaction of Naomi to these developments cannot be overstated. She thought God had dealt bitterly with her, but now her fortunes have drastically changed. She thought she had nothing and now she was a beneficiary of the generosity of her family. All this through the one she was responsible for. In the same way, she felt it was God who brought her misery, now she acknowledges the work of God in this season and extends that blessing to the ones who have granted this kindness to her. That degree of God-consciousness will do Naomi good as she will live to see. There is the issue as well as to whether we have that awareness of the presence, providence and provision of God in varying seasons of our lives.
So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law.
Ruth 2:23 (NLT)
What I love about these chapters so far is that they don’t finish on cliffhangers, but their endings provide intrigue as to what is to come. Sure, these books were put into chapters a lot later on from when they were written, yet this chapter approach always gives a hint and a promise. The first chapter ended with a bitter Naomi asking to be called bitter but ending with the timing that she returned – time for the harvest.
This chapter ends with what appears an innocuous statement as to where Ruth lives, but even here what is to come makes the statement fascinating. She has found her place of work with her lord and relative, Boaz. She has also settled her home with her mother-in-law and she is helping them to live well at home because of her initiative and submission. That will be the set-up, however, for something even greater to come …
Questions from Ruth 2
- What does this episode tell you about the character of God?
- What does this episode tell you about the character of Ruth and what can you learn from her?
- Boaz has a strong and distinct character in this chapter – how does this remind you of God? And what can we apply in our lives in the light of his character?
- Following Jesus requires us to be similarly submissive and diligent as Ruth in going out and doing the work we’re called to do by the Lord – what challenges come with that?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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