Read Ruth 2:21-23
21. “And Ruth the Moabitees said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
22. And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that this go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
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.”
Boaz instructed Ruth to “keep fast by my young men” meaning to stay close to his workers for protection and also lets Boaz know that she will be able to collect grain. (He instructed his workers earlier to leave some in the fields for Ruth to pick up)
Ruth then expresses to Naomi the kindness that she has been shown by Boaz, and in return of her opening up Naomi pretty much gives Ruth her approval. Naomi is then giving Ruth advice about not gleaning in any other field besides Boaz’s because other fields may not have the same protection that Boaz has towards Ruth.
Ruth is now following the instructions she was given and staying close and in the field of Boaz. Ruth continued to work in the field until the barley and wheat harvest. She continues to remain loyal to her mother in law and help to support/provide for her.
Ruth was a dependable person. The study book talks about redemption. The study book says, “We have an inheritance because of our Redeemer. The Redeemer has the power to work any situation for our good.”
go’el is the Hebrew work translated as redeemer and offer referred to as kinsman-redeemer
What have you seen Him redeem in your life?He has redeemed me in times of failure. It feels like the end, but in truth God is used those moments of failure to teach, rebuild, and create opportunities to better ourselves. Once again, his plan is greater than any plan we have for ourselves.
What aspects of Jesus as our go’el is the most meaningful to you? Why?Jesus paid the ultimate price— He gave His life so we could be free and forgiven. His action was out of love.. no one made Him die on that cross for us.
What is something that you have seen God sovereignly direct in your life? What can you pray for His direction in now?I have seen God direct my life with unexpected opportunities. We tend to seek Gods direction with big opportunities, health issues, life choices and things of that such.. when we should be asking him for direction with our day to day choices from the smallest choice to the largest choice.
Dear Lord,Thank you for your faithfulness. I pray for direction and wisdom that I may say something that brings someone to know more about you. Help me to love like Jesus.
-Amen