Ruth:
Before Holly and I began reading chapter two of the book of Ruth aloud, I had said a silent prayer for small words to become relevant. Boy oh boy, did God answer my prayer.
The words, the characteristics, and the imagery all remind me of who Jesus is, and a few reminders for us as well.
See if you see what we saw?
The verses are in italics, the underlined words are what leaped off the page, and my thoughts are within the parentheses, along with some bible verses for you to look up, although there are a plethora of verses that go with each idea, these will just wet your appetite for more of Jesus.
Chapter two:
Verse 1 Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech. (Jesus was not born wealthy, yet He was born in Bethlehem. His riches are far greater than anything that can be
measured by money, resources, or assets. 2 Corinthians 8:9, Matthew 6:19-20, Ephesians 3:8, Philippians 1:18, Ephesians 1:7-8, Colossians 2:2-3. Hold on to the name Boaz for this chapter. I connected it with the name Jesus.)
2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” (The kindness of Christ. Period. (1 John 4:19, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Ephesians 4:32, John 13:12-14)
Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” (Notice what Naomi called Ruth, and stay tuned for further explanation.)
3 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 took the initiative to go out on her own to seek for provision. She found herself in Boaz’ field. He didn’t come to Ruth to bring her to his field for provision, yet his harvest was there for her. Just like the Lord is our Provider and is waiting for you. Go seek Him. He is there and ready to provide for you. Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, Deuteronomy 11:8-12, Psalm 104, Psalm 107:9, Psalm 146, Luke 9:12-17.
4 While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. (Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He arrived so that He could live a sinless life that was full of temptation, troubles, and trials, yet to overcome it all with God The Father. A true example of how to live. He died for you and me, and rose again, so that we can live eternally with Him in heaven, for all who believe in Him. He arrived alright, and will return again. He will greet you with a commanding voice and the sound of a trumpet announcing Him. John 20:21, Matthew 28:20b, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Matthew 24:30)
7, She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.” (These words only jump out at me because I am reminded that when we become followers of Jesus Christ, when we belong to Christ, we are to not be lazy, yet work hard. Work hard in life and bring glory to God in all we do, and to work hard at sharing His love with others. It is because of faith in Christ that we desire to work, to do good. It isn’t because of the good work we do that earns us a spot in heaven. Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Ephesians 2:8-9)
8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. (When you are a Christian, you are a child of God. I was also reminded of the story of the woman at the well, when Jesus called her “dear woman” in John 4:21. She wasn’t just an adulteress, her eyes were opened and became a dear woman. 1 John 3:12, 1 John 5:21, John 1:12)
9 “See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” (I could underline this whole verse. Thinking about the harvest, and how we reap what we sow. 2 Corinthians 9:6 and 10, Galatians 6:9, Proverbs 3:9. We are to treat people kindly. Philippians 4:8, Galatians 5:22-23. Thirst for Jesus, The Living Water. John 4:14, John 7:38, Revelation 21:6, Isaiah 12:3.)
10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” (God’s grace is something that He gives, yet we don’t deserve it. Despite all of our shortcomings, God lavishes His grace on us. We need to repent, turn from self and sin, and turn to Jesus Christ. That right there is reason to fall at His feet. Forgiveness, thanksgiving, humbleness, …I’m so grateful for God’s love and grace, and for taking this foreigner in and calling me His child. Luke 17:16, Mark 7:25, Luke 8:41, Acts 10:25, Ephesians 2:19)
13 “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.” (Isn’t it so much like the Lord, The Comforter, to be so kind. Christ was kind, even when He was being ridiculed. Our desire should be to please God. In all we say and do, I want to put a smile on His face. Ephesians 5:8-10, 2 Corinthians 5:9)
20 “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband. That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.” (Jesus Christ IS our Redeemer! Titus 2:14, Galatians 5:1, Matthew 1:21, Romans 6:22)
There are so many more words and phrases that I could discuss that remind me of stories of truth from the New Testament. I pray that you will be mindful of the foreshadowing of Christ throughout the Old Testament. You will fall more in love with the bible.
Dear friend, I pray that you will take comfort in knowing The Comforter, our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ. He loves you so much!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Featured photo: My sweet momma recently came down to visit and relax. I love spending time with her. Thank you, mom, for teaching me to love Jesus and to desire Him more.