These were Israel’s darkest days in the midst of these dark days we find the Book of Ruth
by VANESSA WHITE
There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. So Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
Ruth 2:1-2
Ruth’s humility and industry in gleaning corn, providence directing her to Boaz’s field
Her character is one of humility, her speech is gracious and honorable. Ruth says; “please let me go to the field and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor. In humility she is asking for grace. She is not demanding nor does she think anything is owed to her. She is industrious, she girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms (Proverbs 31:17). 1 The 4:11; 1 The 4:12; 2 The 3:12.
She is selfless, responds unselfishly, she was not wandering around visiting with other ladies or walking in the fields with a merry heart; without a care in the world. No, she is one of those virtuous women who puts her hands to the plow and does not love the bread of idleness ; Proverbs 31:27.
Her disposition is one of diligence wrapped in grace whose trust is in the sovereignty of God who gives provision and rest.
Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
Ruth 2:3
It was but right and natural that Ruth, the young widow, should do what she could to sustain her mother‐in‐law in her old age; and it is but right that a disciple should glean ears of corn in the Lord's harvest field. "He that gathereth not with Me scattereth." (Mat 12:30.) It is difficult to understand how any immortal soul can be satisfied with his own salvation without being actively engaged in seeking the salvation of others. It is inconceivable selfishness for a man to say in his heart: "I am all right; what does it matter to me whether other souls are saved or whether they perish."
Ruth did not assume to be a reaper, but
ONLY A GLEANER.
There are some prominent workers in the harvest field who sweep hundreds into the fold. But there are also patient gleaners who teach in Sunday schools, who visit from house to house, who write letters to their acquaintances, who speak a word to those they travel with by the way. God bless these precious gleaners. They gather many an ear of corn which reapers pass by. By Mary Elizabeth Baxter
Naomi was a widow who had rich relations, but she did not boast nor was she a burden, she didn’t expect anything when she returned to Bethlehem in her distress. She knew the Providence of God and that makes all the difference.
