Rth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.
Up to this point Naomi has been the main topic of discussion. Let's turn to the title character, Ruth.
The name Ruth means friend or companion. While Naomi was wailing how the hand of God was against her, while she moaned how the LORD had afflicted her, she had a companion right beside her: one who completely identifed with her in her suffering, and who would never leave nor forsake her. Does anybody see Jesus?
And Ruth is going to do what she can to care for Naomi. She is going to go to provide for their needs.
In this we find a provision from God, and not only in Ruth. God had commanded the Israelites to care for their widows and orphans, and also the stranger in the land. Naomi was a widow. Ruth was both widow and stranger.
One of the ways they were to care for them was to leave a portion for them during harvest. Note God's wellfare state: these people still had to work for their provision! Do you think we could learn something here?
Deu 24:19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.
Do you ever wonder if there is a reason why you forget some things? And later it turns out to be a good thing you forgot. God knows how to take care of those who depend on Him, and sometimes there are reasons for forgetfulness.
So Ruth is going to look for someone in whose sight she can find grace.
What do you suppose she'll find?
Rth 2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
So Ruth goes out, and as the LORD would have it, she happened to light upon a part of the field belonging to Boaz.
How many times has God done that? How many times in your life, saint? I can testify over and over again how God has worked exactly in this manner not only in my own life, but also in the lives of people I know personally. What a testimony to the providence of God! He's in control, and he orchestrates all things, both bad and good, incorporating it all to His overarching purpose for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose.
It gets tough here in Opposite Land. Right now I'm rejoicing! My van just cost me three hundred bucks! And that was just to learn that it has to go to the transmission shop! Praise the LORD!
Jas 1:2 My brothers count it all joy when you fall into various trials
So I am learning how to rejoice in times of trouble, though expensive car repairs may be small compared to other things. I hate to see what He's preparing me for! But I really rejoiced. I took the family out to dinner! I'm serious about this thing! Oh the Joy!
But where else do we find a situation like Ruth just happening onto a field belonging to Boaz?
Est 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
Est 6:2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
Est 6:3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
Est 6:4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
It just so happened the king couldn't sleep that night. Or did it just so happen? It just so happened that the king learned about Mordecai's unrewarded deed. Or did it just so happen? It just so happen that Haman was in the court at just the right time.
If you don't know where that one is going, read Esther!
And it just so happened that Ruth happened onto a part of the field belonging to Boaz.
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