The Sandal Transaction
Ruth 4:7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel.
4:8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself," he drew off his sandal.
The phrase here, "this was the custom in former times," tells us that the story of Ruth had been handed down and put into writing at a time when this particular custom was no longer practiced. It had to be explained to help the reader understand the transaction. This custom is first mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 25:7 And if the man does not wish to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, 'My husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me.'
25:8 Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, 'I do not wish to take her,'
25:9 then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, 'So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house.'
25:10 And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, 'The house of him who had his sandal pulled off.'
While this kind of activity may seem rather odd to us way over here in the twenty first century, it is not without significance. We do well to learn what these things mean, in order to enhance our understanding of the ways of God and to increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy tells us about the man who is not willing to perpetuate his dead brother's name. There is an element of disgrace on the part of this person. The public removal of the sandal by his brother's widow, accompanied by the spit on the face and the name of his house reflects that element. To marry the widow in order to continue the seed of the deceased brother, and carry on the family name was something like restoring life from the dead, in that it redeemed the name of the man who died. That was the honorable thing to do. To not fulfill this duty could be seen as dishonorable, as it destroyed the hope of his deceased brother.
Note that the woman is the one who removes the sandal. The man does not take it off and hand it to her. She takes it from him, and has the legal right to do that under the Law. What becomes of the sandal? Here in Ruth, we get the rest of the story. The sandal was a token that the man who owned the right to redeem had forfeited that right. The woman would gain that token.
Here in the book of Ruth, Boaz stands in the place of the widow, who is Ruth, as sort of an intercessor on her behalf. The transaction here, though containing the same basic elements, is one of giving rather than taking. The closer relative removes his own sandal and merely hands it over to Boaz, thus forfeiting his right and responsibility of next of kin. Boaz now owns the right to redeem.
Today, we have an Intercessor on our behalf. He is also our Redeemer. And He will redeem. Nor is there any who will ever remove His sandal.
John 1:26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,
1:27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Kinsman who could not Redeem
Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
As long as things looked clear-cut, this man was ready to do his part. But when adversity was presented, he refused. Concerned for his own inheritance, he chose not to redeem, and will walk off the pages of Scripture a nameless individual. The name of Boaz, on the other hand, will later be found written in the Temple itself! (1 Kings 7:21)
Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
In this story, as in most Biblical stories, where we rightly look for "types" of Christ (for they testify of Him), we also see a contrast played out between two individuals. We have Boaz, whose name carries both a meaning of "strength" and "swiftness". He is the kinsman-redeemer. Like Christ, who became as one of us (kinsman), who also redeemed us by His own precious blood (sacrifice), Boaz is Naomi's kinsman; and he is willing to sacrifice his inheritance to marry Ruth, and resurrect a name from among the dead. We also see the Church as the bride of Christ, as primarily Gentile. The bride of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, is also a Gentile. The other individual, who is first in line to redeem, is nameless. Governed by the Law, he is held back. He cannot redeem.
The Law never redeemed anyone. Certainly it provided the sacrifice and offering, which also pointed to Christ; but in and of itself, it had no redeeming value.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
In this small event in a small town thousands of years ago, we have a picture. There is one whose values have placed him, for a moment, on a plane that rises higher than the Law, on a parallel with Jesus Christ Himself. Some, who elevate the Law more than others, might take offense. And yet, it was because of the Law that people were offended by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. And while we do not intend to diminish the holiness of the Law of God as given through Moses, we do know that our God has even a higher principle; and we see this principle at work in the revealed lives of both Boaz and Ruth.
Mica 6:6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
As long as things looked clear-cut, this man was ready to do his part. But when adversity was presented, he refused. Concerned for his own inheritance, he chose not to redeem, and will walk off the pages of Scripture a nameless individual. The name of Boaz, on the other hand, will later be found written in the Temple itself! (1 Kings 7:21)
Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
In this story, as in most Biblical stories, where we rightly look for "types" of Christ (for they testify of Him), we also see a contrast played out between two individuals. We have Boaz, whose name carries both a meaning of "strength" and "swiftness". He is the kinsman-redeemer. Like Christ, who became as one of us (kinsman), who also redeemed us by His own precious blood (sacrifice), Boaz is Naomi's kinsman; and he is willing to sacrifice his inheritance to marry Ruth, and resurrect a name from among the dead. We also see the Church as the bride of Christ, as primarily Gentile. The bride of Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, is also a Gentile. The other individual, who is first in line to redeem, is nameless. Governed by the Law, he is held back. He cannot redeem.
The Law never redeemed anyone. Certainly it provided the sacrifice and offering, which also pointed to Christ; but in and of itself, it had no redeeming value.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
In this small event in a small town thousands of years ago, we have a picture. There is one whose values have placed him, for a moment, on a plane that rises higher than the Law, on a parallel with Jesus Christ Himself. Some, who elevate the Law more than others, might take offense. And yet, it was because of the Law that people were offended by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. And while we do not intend to diminish the holiness of the Law of God as given through Moses, we do know that our God has even a higher principle; and we see this principle at work in the revealed lives of both Boaz and Ruth.
Mica 6:6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Ruth: The Meeting at the Gate
We left off with Ruth at the feet of Boaz. He is willing to fulfill his part as kinsman-redeemer. But there is just one problem.
Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
3:13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
Note the humility of the redeemer. He certainly desires Ruth! And yet, there is one who is before him in line to fulfill the part of the kinsman. He is willing to wait, and take the chance of losing her to someone else, in the name of doing what is right and just.
Before continuing on, let's take a moment and review some highlights of this story, in the context of what Jesus has to say about the Scriptures.
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me
This is pretty deep wading. It all began in a foreign land, where Naomi lost her husband and both her sons. She was completely bereaved, and too old to have any more children. All hope to carry on the family name, as far as she was concerned, was gone. The name of the dead would remain dead.
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
She returned to Bethlehem in misery, accompanied by her daughter-in-law; a young woman of Moab. Ruth (a name meaning "friend") is her comforter, who also works to supply all her needs while she is in mourning. Do you see Jesus?
Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
In her working the fields to provide food for Naomi, Ruth does not go unnoticed. It just so happens (?) that she comes across a field belonging to a man named Boaz (meaning "strength" and/or "swiftness"). He has heard of her kindness and selfless love, and now sees her with his own eyes. She is beautiful inside and out. She is meek and lowly.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessing pours all over these passages. How different from the average perspective, that tends to define blessing by external measures of success. Where are we finding the blessings here?
God is in the business of providing hope for the hopeless. A provision of hope accompanied the revelation of this man's identity to Naomi.
Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
From sorrow to praise! From that point, it is Naomi, with restored hope, on her feet again. She does not sit idly by, but leaps toward the blessing. She tells Ruth what she must do, and Ruth is obedient in all things. Is there a semblance of some heavenly reality in this picture?
John 5:30 I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Ruth did her part. She was obedient to the will of her who sent her. She submitted herself unto Naomi, and placed herself at the feet of the redeemer. But now we learn that there is another who is first in line, before Boaz, and he must meet this other redeemer to see what will become of Naomi and Ruth.
Ruth 4:1 Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, "Turn aside, friend; sit down here." And he turned aside and sat down.
4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.
The gate of the city was the place where the people came and went. It was also the equivalent to our modern courts of law, or town squares. Boaz called the man, and gathered 10 witnesses from among the elders. As Naomi was not slow in reaching for the blessing, Boaz wastes no time. He too recognizes blessing, and windows of opportunity may not stay open for very long.
Sometimes God places things within our grasp, and we are wise to take hold of His provision in those times. It could be an opportunity to provide for someone else, and in so doing lay up eternal treasures for ourselves. Or it may be an outright gift for our own benefit in this life. Do not despise the gifts and opportunities that come from God. While it is better to give than to receive, sometimes we all must be the Jesus in need so that someone else my be rewarded by our Lord. Do not allow your pride deprive them of their reward. Take the gift, and give thanks unto God from whom we receive every good and perfect gift.
Boaz gives the contender no time to plan or scheme. He waits at the gate. He calls the man. He gathers the witnesses. It will happen quickly.
Ruth 4:3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:
4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
The mind processes information rather quickly, and by the time everyone is in place, Boaz already knew what he was going to do. This other redeemer was caught off guard. Boaz presents his offer as one who has good news, and bad news. We just got the good news, and this fellow is ready to redeem. In the presence of the assembly, he will redeem Naomi's property and come out looking like a hero. No problem; but here's the catch!
Ruth 4:5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
Boaz ensures that the man knows that Ruth is a Moabitess. He tells him that he also must buy that property from her, and not only that, but raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. That would be the family name of her dead husband in order to perpetuate his portion in the land. In other words, he has to marry this Moabite woman and give her a child, with everything that entails; and it does get complicated. That's quite a decision to have to make on the spot for an Israelite in the middle of ten witnesses first thing in the morning. Could you imagine what that could do to your day, especially if you already have things to do, schedules to meet, and appointments to keep? And what would the wife say? This fellow takes the path of least resistance.
Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
As long as things looked clear-cut, this man was ready to do his part. But when adversity was presented, he refused. Concerned for his own inheritance, he chose not to redeem, and will walk off the pages of Scripture a nameless individual. The name of Boaz, on the other hand, will later be found written in the Temple itself! (1 Kings 7:21)
Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
3:13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
Note the humility of the redeemer. He certainly desires Ruth! And yet, there is one who is before him in line to fulfill the part of the kinsman. He is willing to wait, and take the chance of losing her to someone else, in the name of doing what is right and just.
Before continuing on, let's take a moment and review some highlights of this story, in the context of what Jesus has to say about the Scriptures.
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me
This is pretty deep wading. It all began in a foreign land, where Naomi lost her husband and both her sons. She was completely bereaved, and too old to have any more children. All hope to carry on the family name, as far as she was concerned, was gone. The name of the dead would remain dead.
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
She returned to Bethlehem in misery, accompanied by her daughter-in-law; a young woman of Moab. Ruth (a name meaning "friend") is her comforter, who also works to supply all her needs while she is in mourning. Do you see Jesus?
Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
In her working the fields to provide food for Naomi, Ruth does not go unnoticed. It just so happens (?) that she comes across a field belonging to a man named Boaz (meaning "strength" and/or "swiftness"). He has heard of her kindness and selfless love, and now sees her with his own eyes. She is beautiful inside and out. She is meek and lowly.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessing pours all over these passages. How different from the average perspective, that tends to define blessing by external measures of success. Where are we finding the blessings here?
God is in the business of providing hope for the hopeless. A provision of hope accompanied the revelation of this man's identity to Naomi.
Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
From sorrow to praise! From that point, it is Naomi, with restored hope, on her feet again. She does not sit idly by, but leaps toward the blessing. She tells Ruth what she must do, and Ruth is obedient in all things. Is there a semblance of some heavenly reality in this picture?
John 5:30 I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Ruth did her part. She was obedient to the will of her who sent her. She submitted herself unto Naomi, and placed herself at the feet of the redeemer. But now we learn that there is another who is first in line, before Boaz, and he must meet this other redeemer to see what will become of Naomi and Ruth.
Ruth 4:1 Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, "Turn aside, friend; sit down here." And he turned aside and sat down.
4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.
The gate of the city was the place where the people came and went. It was also the equivalent to our modern courts of law, or town squares. Boaz called the man, and gathered 10 witnesses from among the elders. As Naomi was not slow in reaching for the blessing, Boaz wastes no time. He too recognizes blessing, and windows of opportunity may not stay open for very long.
Sometimes God places things within our grasp, and we are wise to take hold of His provision in those times. It could be an opportunity to provide for someone else, and in so doing lay up eternal treasures for ourselves. Or it may be an outright gift for our own benefit in this life. Do not despise the gifts and opportunities that come from God. While it is better to give than to receive, sometimes we all must be the Jesus in need so that someone else my be rewarded by our Lord. Do not allow your pride deprive them of their reward. Take the gift, and give thanks unto God from whom we receive every good and perfect gift.
Boaz gives the contender no time to plan or scheme. He waits at the gate. He calls the man. He gathers the witnesses. It will happen quickly.
Ruth 4:3 And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:
4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
The mind processes information rather quickly, and by the time everyone is in place, Boaz already knew what he was going to do. This other redeemer was caught off guard. Boaz presents his offer as one who has good news, and bad news. We just got the good news, and this fellow is ready to redeem. In the presence of the assembly, he will redeem Naomi's property and come out looking like a hero. No problem; but here's the catch!
Ruth 4:5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
Boaz ensures that the man knows that Ruth is a Moabitess. He tells him that he also must buy that property from her, and not only that, but raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. That would be the family name of her dead husband in order to perpetuate his portion in the land. In other words, he has to marry this Moabite woman and give her a child, with everything that entails; and it does get complicated. That's quite a decision to have to make on the spot for an Israelite in the middle of ten witnesses first thing in the morning. Could you imagine what that could do to your day, especially if you already have things to do, schedules to meet, and appointments to keep? And what would the wife say? This fellow takes the path of least resistance.
Ruth 4:6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
As long as things looked clear-cut, this man was ready to do his part. But when adversity was presented, he refused. Concerned for his own inheritance, he chose not to redeem, and will walk off the pages of Scripture a nameless individual. The name of Boaz, on the other hand, will later be found written in the Temple itself! (1 Kings 7:21)
Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sometimes we need to do a double take. Think about this for a minute. Ruth followed this woman Naomi, who was all but on the verge of suicide for all we know, to a land in which she would be a stranger. Her love for this person, who was obviously a blessing in Ruth's life, drove her to such a commitment. She gets to this land where nobody knows her, but the people are glad to see Naomi, and all Naomi has for the people is, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:20-21) Not a fun person to be around. She's been through the wringer, and hasn't gotten out of it.
But this Ruth, this Moabitess, who is she? We see her working her hind end off to help this miserable woman. She obviously meets some of the young men in the fields, and even seems somewhat hopeful that maybe something can happen (Ruth 2:21 - And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.); but Naomi tells her to stay close by the young women (Ruth 2:23). So Ruth obeys this woman to whom she is committed to serve.
She meets Boaz, the man who owns the land, and he treats her exceptionally well. Naomi tells Ruth that he is a near kinsman. Yet that is all we get out of chapter 2. Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz is a near kinsman, and to stay close to the young maidens.
It appears that Ruth would have been content to have married any one of the young working men. Can you imagine what must have gone through her mind when Naomi told her to propose to what we might call the equivalent to a prince, or king? Boaz was the man in charge. He was the owner of the whole thing. Forget the small fries, Ruth! Go for the King!
Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
It is in Ephesians that we learn that the church is the bride of Christ.
Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Jesus is our Redeemer. He is also our near kinsman; for He became as one of us, in order that we might become as He is. When Ruth placed herself at the feet of Boaz, it was a proposal for marriage. When we place ourselves at the feet of Christ, is it not a proposal? And how would the King take such a proposal from the likes of us? Ruth was a Moabitess, and a foreigner to Israel. As such, she was forbidden to enter the congregation of the LORD (Deuteronomy 23:3). But we already know the story of Ruth, and Boaz said Yes! How much more will Jesus Christ receive anyone who honestly comes to Him by faith?
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
But this Ruth, this Moabitess, who is she? We see her working her hind end off to help this miserable woman. She obviously meets some of the young men in the fields, and even seems somewhat hopeful that maybe something can happen (Ruth 2:21 - And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.); but Naomi tells her to stay close by the young women (Ruth 2:23). So Ruth obeys this woman to whom she is committed to serve.
She meets Boaz, the man who owns the land, and he treats her exceptionally well. Naomi tells Ruth that he is a near kinsman. Yet that is all we get out of chapter 2. Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz is a near kinsman, and to stay close to the young maidens.
It appears that Ruth would have been content to have married any one of the young working men. Can you imagine what must have gone through her mind when Naomi told her to propose to what we might call the equivalent to a prince, or king? Boaz was the man in charge. He was the owner of the whole thing. Forget the small fries, Ruth! Go for the King!
Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
It is in Ephesians that we learn that the church is the bride of Christ.
Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Jesus is our Redeemer. He is also our near kinsman; for He became as one of us, in order that we might become as He is. When Ruth placed herself at the feet of Boaz, it was a proposal for marriage. When we place ourselves at the feet of Christ, is it not a proposal? And how would the King take such a proposal from the likes of us? Ruth was a Moabitess, and a foreigner to Israel. As such, she was forbidden to enter the congregation of the LORD (Deuteronomy 23:3). But we already know the story of Ruth, and Boaz said Yes! How much more will Jesus Christ receive anyone who honestly comes to Him by faith?
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wheat or Chaff?
Ruth humbled herself to the bidding of Naomi, who she loved dearly. She left her homeland and accompanied the agonizing widow to Bethlehem. She went to work in the fields to provide for Naomi, where she also met Boaz.
The time has come for threshing; separating the good grain from the chaff. Boaz would be out on the threshing floor, where he would also be spending the night. It is at this time that Naomi chooses to find what Boaz will do with Ruth.
First, she needs Ruth to do what she says. Ruth had proven faithful in smaller things, and now she is tested with a greater commitment. As we have seen, Ruth is faithful to the very end. She will go to the threshing floor to find out what Boaz will do with her. And this is the second part of the test: exactly what will Boaz do?
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
Do you suppose that Boaz knew he was being watched? He was a marked man, and Ruth set her sights on him. She watched patiently until he went to lie down. Then she made her move. She uncovered his feet and laid down.
What she did is what we all must do. There comes a time when we are faced with that same decision: to place ourselves at the feet of the Redeemer. There is no other place for us to go. And in a sense, it always involves an element of risk. We want to be accepted by Him, but there is the reality of rejection. Jesus Christ will never reject those who come to Him, but your friends will reject you. Your family will reject you. You may have to change jobs. The reality is that as this world rejected Jesus, it will also reject those who belong to Jesus.
Ruth placed herself at the feet of one who held the power of redemption. Unlike Jesus, who promises that of all who come to Him, He will cast out nothing, Boaz is a mere human. As far as Ruth knew, he may not accept her. But did that stop her? The possibility of rejection did not stop Ruth. She did as Naomi told her, and did not allow the opportunity to pass without taking action.
It just occurred to me that there is a story in the New Testament where Jesus actually did reject someone.
Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 15:23 But he answered her not a word.
Jesus went about His business as if she were not even there. To make matters worse, His disciples tried to have her removed!
And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
Even Jesus Himself told her that he was not there to help her.
15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The woman was rejected. She was not an Israelite, and Jesus came to minister to the house of Israel. She may have already known this, but that did not stop her from trying. It gets worse.
Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
This woman is desperate. She throws herself at His feet and worships Him, pleading for help. Then He drops this bombshell:
Matthew 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
While some may take that to heart, and walk off griping and complaining because of these words of Jesus (He called her a dog!), we might learn something from her response. This woman will not give up, but she knows her place.
Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
We appoach our Redeemer in times of desperation. Even though He may reject us (But He is on our side!), we are to throw ourselves at His feet. Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:
That attitude of humility the Lord will hear. He gives grace to the humble. As for this woman, Jesus heard her, and granted her request.
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Ruth was humble. She did not go down to that threshing floor as some self-serving opportunist to gain something from Boaz for her own benefit. She obeyed Naomi, and placed herself at the mercy of Boaz. What will he do with her that night on the threshing floor?
Ruth 3:8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
If Boaz was asleep before, I bet he didn't sleep a wink the rest of that night!
Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Don't you love how God works? This is not about making gradual decisions, with time to think things over. You find yourself suddenly confronted with the truth, and have to decide what to do. What is Boaz going to do? Suddenly there is not only a woman at his feet in the middle of the night, but now she wants him to take her in under his covering!
So he has a decision. Hers is already made. What will Boaz do with Ruth?
Here is a clue: That night on the threshing floor, the good grain was separated from the chaff, which was carried off by the wind. Ruth was by no means chaff.
What are you?
The time has come for threshing; separating the good grain from the chaff. Boaz would be out on the threshing floor, where he would also be spending the night. It is at this time that Naomi chooses to find what Boaz will do with Ruth.
First, she needs Ruth to do what she says. Ruth had proven faithful in smaller things, and now she is tested with a greater commitment. As we have seen, Ruth is faithful to the very end. She will go to the threshing floor to find out what Boaz will do with her. And this is the second part of the test: exactly what will Boaz do?
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
Do you suppose that Boaz knew he was being watched? He was a marked man, and Ruth set her sights on him. She watched patiently until he went to lie down. Then she made her move. She uncovered his feet and laid down.
What she did is what we all must do. There comes a time when we are faced with that same decision: to place ourselves at the feet of the Redeemer. There is no other place for us to go. And in a sense, it always involves an element of risk. We want to be accepted by Him, but there is the reality of rejection. Jesus Christ will never reject those who come to Him, but your friends will reject you. Your family will reject you. You may have to change jobs. The reality is that as this world rejected Jesus, it will also reject those who belong to Jesus.
Ruth placed herself at the feet of one who held the power of redemption. Unlike Jesus, who promises that of all who come to Him, He will cast out nothing, Boaz is a mere human. As far as Ruth knew, he may not accept her. But did that stop her? The possibility of rejection did not stop Ruth. She did as Naomi told her, and did not allow the opportunity to pass without taking action.
It just occurred to me that there is a story in the New Testament where Jesus actually did reject someone.
Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 15:23 But he answered her not a word.
Jesus went about His business as if she were not even there. To make matters worse, His disciples tried to have her removed!
And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
Even Jesus Himself told her that he was not there to help her.
15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The woman was rejected. She was not an Israelite, and Jesus came to minister to the house of Israel. She may have already known this, but that did not stop her from trying. It gets worse.
Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
This woman is desperate. She throws herself at His feet and worships Him, pleading for help. Then He drops this bombshell:
Matthew 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
While some may take that to heart, and walk off griping and complaining because of these words of Jesus (He called her a dog!), we might learn something from her response. This woman will not give up, but she knows her place.
Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
We appoach our Redeemer in times of desperation. Even though He may reject us (But He is on our side!), we are to throw ourselves at His feet. Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:
That attitude of humility the Lord will hear. He gives grace to the humble. As for this woman, Jesus heard her, and granted her request.
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Ruth was humble. She did not go down to that threshing floor as some self-serving opportunist to gain something from Boaz for her own benefit. She obeyed Naomi, and placed herself at the mercy of Boaz. What will he do with her that night on the threshing floor?
Ruth 3:8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.
If Boaz was asleep before, I bet he didn't sleep a wink the rest of that night!
Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
Don't you love how God works? This is not about making gradual decisions, with time to think things over. You find yourself suddenly confronted with the truth, and have to decide what to do. What is Boaz going to do? Suddenly there is not only a woman at his feet in the middle of the night, but now she wants him to take her in under his covering!
So he has a decision. Hers is already made. What will Boaz do with Ruth?
Here is a clue: That night on the threshing floor, the good grain was separated from the chaff, which was carried off by the wind. Ruth was by no means chaff.
What are you?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
She Went Down
Ruth 3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
Ruth is an unusual person. Naomi had given her some very specific instructions. These instructions were not only detailed, but required a combination of boldness and humility. Yet Ruth merely replies, All that thou sayest unto me I will do. How many of us would be able to do that? Do you remember another time when that sentence was used?
Exodus 19:7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
19:8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
How many who made that statement actually kept that promise? We can be full of promises, and many times we have very good intentions when we make them. Yet how many end up in the pile labeled, unfulfilled? It is good not to make very many promises, as the history of the human race is filled with broken ones: and we are humans. Someone has said that the smallest deed is better than the grandest intention. Now there is something worth remembering.
If Ruth could be marked by one character trait, it might be faithfulness. Ruth was good on her word. What she said, she did. She fulfilled her purpose. But mark this as well: the purpose that became hers was not of herself. What moved her to do what she did came from someone other than herself. She was moved by her love for old widow. She did what the old widow told her to do. How small and insignificant is that?
People talk of having vision, and move to fulfill their vision. They work hard, and move others as well, to enable their vision to become a reality. Entire cities have been built. Empires have risen. Armies have been raised. And much of it in the name of God. How mighty and awesome they appear to the human eye!
Of cities, we are told that they will be thrown down. Of this world's armies, they will be defeated. The empires and kingdoms of this world will crumble. And Jesus praises an otherwise unknown widow, who tosses two mites into the coffer. God tells the story of an othewise unknown family, whose men died, leaving their women destitute. And out of death and despair, He elevates some woman of a people not chosen. God glorifies Ruth.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down
In order to carry out her promise, Ruth had to descend. She had to go down. Lowering one's self is normally not a desireable thing. Yet it is a requirement. One who magnifies self cannot be said to be truly submitted to the Master.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
How much has been done, and proclaimed to be for the glory of God? How much has been done, and proclaimed to be for the glory of Jesus Christ? Yet all of it through strife and vainglory. Not too very long ago one claimed that in a vision, Jesus Christ Himself told him to build a city of faith. It closed down before it was completed. The buildings are there, but they belong to someone else now. Vainglory.
How great the vision! How awesome the buildings! And Jesus says, Do you see that widow? (Luke 21:2-3)
Ruth not only saw the widow, she served the widow. And in doing so, she had to descend a little lower than most of us would be willing. Do you see Jesus?
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
Ruth is an unusual person. Naomi had given her some very specific instructions. These instructions were not only detailed, but required a combination of boldness and humility. Yet Ruth merely replies, All that thou sayest unto me I will do. How many of us would be able to do that? Do you remember another time when that sentence was used?
Exodus 19:7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
19:8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
How many who made that statement actually kept that promise? We can be full of promises, and many times we have very good intentions when we make them. Yet how many end up in the pile labeled, unfulfilled? It is good not to make very many promises, as the history of the human race is filled with broken ones: and we are humans. Someone has said that the smallest deed is better than the grandest intention. Now there is something worth remembering.
If Ruth could be marked by one character trait, it might be faithfulness. Ruth was good on her word. What she said, she did. She fulfilled her purpose. But mark this as well: the purpose that became hers was not of herself. What moved her to do what she did came from someone other than herself. She was moved by her love for old widow. She did what the old widow told her to do. How small and insignificant is that?
People talk of having vision, and move to fulfill their vision. They work hard, and move others as well, to enable their vision to become a reality. Entire cities have been built. Empires have risen. Armies have been raised. And much of it in the name of God. How mighty and awesome they appear to the human eye!
Of cities, we are told that they will be thrown down. Of this world's armies, they will be defeated. The empires and kingdoms of this world will crumble. And Jesus praises an otherwise unknown widow, who tosses two mites into the coffer. God tells the story of an othewise unknown family, whose men died, leaving their women destitute. And out of death and despair, He elevates some woman of a people not chosen. God glorifies Ruth.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down
In order to carry out her promise, Ruth had to descend. She had to go down. Lowering one's self is normally not a desireable thing. Yet it is a requirement. One who magnifies self cannot be said to be truly submitted to the Master.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
How much has been done, and proclaimed to be for the glory of God? How much has been done, and proclaimed to be for the glory of Jesus Christ? Yet all of it through strife and vainglory. Not too very long ago one claimed that in a vision, Jesus Christ Himself told him to build a city of faith. It closed down before it was completed. The buildings are there, but they belong to someone else now. Vainglory.
How great the vision! How awesome the buildings! And Jesus says, Do you see that widow? (Luke 21:2-3)
Ruth not only saw the widow, she served the widow. And in doing so, she had to descend a little lower than most of us would be willing. Do you see Jesus?
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Ruth 3:6 And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Finding Rest: All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Finding Rest: All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
It is Naomi's desire that Ruth rest from her labors. Ruth had already demonstrated her faithfulness to Naomi. Ruth placed Naomi's concerns above her own, and cared for her.
Who knows of the young men that Ruth had met among the reapers? Who knows what potential futures she sacrificed? Ruth certainly had her own will, and probably let that slip out a little:
Ruth 2:21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
Yet her mother-in-law gave her different advice.
Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens
And though Ruth had her own desires, she obeyed.
Ruth 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
Now, Ruth is given more directions as to what she should do. When we read this story, is there not a progression? There is: and on more than one front. Ruth has been more than obedient. She has been submissive.
One may be obedient in doing what he/she is commanded to do, yet still maintain rebellion in the heart. Submission, on the other hand, goes beyond mere obedience. Submission is a surrender of the will. It carries with it an idea of weakness. Ruth was submissive to Naomi. In one sense, we might say that Ruth was weak and Naomi was strong in their relationship.
And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Ruth's obedience to Naomi's every command is a result of a submission that took place long before.
Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
It was Ruth's submission and commitment to Naomi's welfare that led her to work in the fields: by her own desire and without commandment to be obedient. She did good without being told to do so. No command requiring obedience, but simple submission born out of love. Is there even a comparison?
Ruth 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.
Ruth submitted herself to Naomi. She was committed to Naomi's welfare. When Ruth went out into the fields, Naomi was magnified. Ruth brought honor to herself by her conduct, and that reflected back on the house of Naomi. When she returned home, Naomi was glorified. Ruth brought in more than what was expected.
In all things Ruth had already proven herself. Now for the progression. Naomi has some specifics for Ruth to do. It requires some boldness. It requires submission at a new and different level. It will not be easy and will require preparation. There is an element of risk.
But is that not how God works with all of those He desires to conform to the image of His Son? Jesus was born to a single purpose. He lived His life in preparation for that purpose. Do you think it will be any different for you?
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Maybe you are still in preparation, but know your calling. Are you submissive to your King or are you just obedient to a Law? Submission will take you places mere obedience cannot begin to fathom.
But understand the preparation and progression in your own life. Your time will come. And the end result is REST. But it will not be without willingly becoming weak that He may be strong. It will not come without trusting Him over that fear because of what is at risk. It will not come without humility. But when it becomes your turn, will you be able to answer your King as Ruth said to Naomi:
All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?
3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
3:3 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
3:4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
3:5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
It is Naomi's desire that Ruth rest from her labors. Ruth had already demonstrated her faithfulness to Naomi. Ruth placed Naomi's concerns above her own, and cared for her.
Who knows of the young men that Ruth had met among the reapers? Who knows what potential futures she sacrificed? Ruth certainly had her own will, and probably let that slip out a little:
Ruth 2:21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
Yet her mother-in-law gave her different advice.
Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens
And though Ruth had her own desires, she obeyed.
Ruth 2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.
Now, Ruth is given more directions as to what she should do. When we read this story, is there not a progression? There is: and on more than one front. Ruth has been more than obedient. She has been submissive.
One may be obedient in doing what he/she is commanded to do, yet still maintain rebellion in the heart. Submission, on the other hand, goes beyond mere obedience. Submission is a surrender of the will. It carries with it an idea of weakness. Ruth was submissive to Naomi. In one sense, we might say that Ruth was weak and Naomi was strong in their relationship.
And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
Ruth's obedience to Naomi's every command is a result of a submission that took place long before.
Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
It was Ruth's submission and commitment to Naomi's welfare that led her to work in the fields: by her own desire and without commandment to be obedient. She did good without being told to do so. No command requiring obedience, but simple submission born out of love. Is there even a comparison?
Ruth 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.
Ruth submitted herself to Naomi. She was committed to Naomi's welfare. When Ruth went out into the fields, Naomi was magnified. Ruth brought honor to herself by her conduct, and that reflected back on the house of Naomi. When she returned home, Naomi was glorified. Ruth brought in more than what was expected.
In all things Ruth had already proven herself. Now for the progression. Naomi has some specifics for Ruth to do. It requires some boldness. It requires submission at a new and different level. It will not be easy and will require preparation. There is an element of risk.
But is that not how God works with all of those He desires to conform to the image of His Son? Jesus was born to a single purpose. He lived His life in preparation for that purpose. Do you think it will be any different for you?
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Maybe you are still in preparation, but know your calling. Are you submissive to your King or are you just obedient to a Law? Submission will take you places mere obedience cannot begin to fathom.
But understand the preparation and progression in your own life. Your time will come. And the end result is REST. But it will not be without willingly becoming weak that He may be strong. It will not come without trusting Him over that fear because of what is at risk. It will not come without humility. But when it becomes your turn, will you be able to answer your King as Ruth said to Naomi:
All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
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