It's been quite a while since my last blog, but I'm back with some fresh insight and hopefully some encouragement. I want to talk about the story of Ruth and Boaz. It wasn't until recently that I took another, and might I add deeper, look at the book of Ruth. Now, this blog is dear to my heart because I believe most Christian single women have heard this said once or twice before, "I'm just waiting on my Boaz." But, do you really know and understand what Ruth went through before she met her Boaz? Have you ever taken a look at how God connected Ruth and Boaz? And one more question, have you ever thought about the type of woman that Ruth was? I can honestly admit that I had not thought about those questions until about a week ago.
I am just going to be blunt and say that last year was a year of reckoning for me. I'm now in a place where I desire to run hard for God no matter what. I understand that the one God has for me is for me. There isn't anything I can do to rush his arrival. Believe it or not, there is a lot that we can learn from Ruth.
Let's talk about Ruth: she came from the land of Moab. In the very first chapter we learn that Naomi and her husband Elimelech left the land of Judah and went to Moab during a severe famine. After they arrived to Moab Elimelech dies. While they were in Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion married Ruth and Orpah. About ten years later, both of Naomi's sons die. Now she is left without a husband or sons. Now, what would you do if you were put in this situation? Not only did she lose her husband but she also lost her sons. The only family she has in this land are her two daughter-in-laws. Naomi decides to go back to her land and instructs Orpah and Ruth to return to their mothers' homes. She knew that she would probably never remarry, and even if she did she told them that it was not like they were going to sit and wait for her to have more sons. It is here that we first see an amazing quality in Ruth. Loyalty. She decides that she is going to stay with Naomi. She makes this declaration, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die there, and be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!" (Ruth 1:17) Now Naomi had already given her permission to go. But Ruth did not want to leave. She had decided to stay with Naomi and would stay with her even until death. Now, that is definitely a characteristic that I want to have. Her first display of loyalty was so genuine. So, she returns with Naomi to the land of Bethlehem.
Even though Ruth was not of the land of Judah, she denied the gods of her land and declared that she would serve Naomi's God as her own. She returns with Naomi and as she promised she clings to her mother-in-law. Another important characteristic that we cannot ignore is Ruth's diligence and work ethic. She asks Naomi if she can go out into the fields to gather any grain that has been left behind anyone. Keep in mind that right before we learn of Ruth's desire to work, (Ruth 2:2) that we are made aware of a relative named Boaz. He is described as "a wealthy and influential man" who was also a relative of Elimelech. Boaz was an important relative because he was eligible to redeem Ruth. Meaning that he could marry her and then she could bear children and preserve the name of her dead husband. This would allow them to continue the legacy of their family which was the tradition in those days.
Ladies, notice how Boaz is described ;). He was wealthy and influential. Think about the man that God has designed especially for you. He hasn't just thrown someone together for you. Now, I'm not saying that your One may not experience financial troubles in his life, but think about how God presents all His gifts. He is not going to present you with just anyone...but let's talk a little more about Ruth and her story before I get carried away with my excitement here.
Ruth was hard at work when Boaz noticed her. Now, you might need to reread that sentence in order for it to sink in. Boaz noticed Ruth at work in his field. She did not have to do anything flashy to get his attention. He noticed her. When he asked about her the foreman was able to give an account of what she had been doing, she had been hard at work and only took a break in order to find shelter (Ruth 2:6). What are you doing now, while you are waiting for your Boaz? Are you working? Or are you just passing time? Again, notice what she was working for. Ruth was working because she needed to be able to provide for her mother-in-law and herself. She was not working to gain attention, but as a means of survival. Too often, we do things or perform jobs in order to gain recognition from the wrong people. Perform your task where you have been planted. When God brings your One to you, there won't be anything extra that you will have to do to gain his attention. I firmly believe that God is more than capable to give my husband clear instructions regarding my whereabouts. Trust, he is not the author of confusion. He never has been, nor will be. Now I know that this blog has run a little long. I apologize as it is my first time writing in a WHILE :) and I am so excited. There is no better feeling than being able to read a familiar passage with fresh eyes and walk away with revelation and insight.
So if you don't walk away with anything else, I want you to reflect on the characteristics of Ruth: loyal, hard working, diligent, and faithful. She was focused on the task at hand. Are you like Ruth? Or are you too busy trying to get every man's attention in hopes of finding your one day husband? Be patient, and get to work. There is so much work to be done. I will share more insight on Ruth in a follow-up blog, because trust me there is a lot to say about this woman.
Be Encouraged,
God's Servant
