May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem. Ruth 4:11
Rahab raised her son in the ways of the Lord and he became a godly man, worthy and honourable. Boaz lived his life according to the law of God, which is evident during the barley harvest. The law stated that, ‘when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner’ Leviticus 23:22. When Boaz learned that Ruth was gleaning in his field, his kindness becomes all the more evident, for he said to his men –
“Let her glean even among the sheaves, and also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her, and do not rebuke her.”
Boaz may have been guided by the law in doing what was right but his heart was guided by something deeper, something which truly reflected the compassion of God. Later in the story we see the most precious resemblance to the Lord as Boaz redeems Ruth. In buying her back, he assures that the name of the dead is not blotted out of the book of Israel. This is also why the redeemed of the Lord rejoice, for their names are not blotted out of the book of life.
Boaz was completely selfless in his actions, for he was committed in following the ways of God and allowing His law to guide his steps. Boaz had such a compassionate heart and everyone who gleaned in his field was blessed with his kindness.
We have the same responsibility to share with those who are less fortunate and to help those who find themselves in difficult circumstance. We are God’s vessels and we are to carry his goodness, his kindness and his love into the lives of others.
Let us be selfless in our actions as we commit to following the ways of God.
Narrow Path Ministries 