“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not” (v. 16).
When Naomi returned, with Ruth, to the Bethlehem area, Boaz was presented with an obligation as well as an opportunity. Being related to Naomi as a near kinsman, there was some community expectation that he would be complicit in making provision for their needs to be met. Yet this must be done delicately allowing them to maintain personal dignity and responsibility in taking care of themselves. Ruth showed initiative in this by going to glean in the fields. As kinsman-redeemer Boaz secretly arranged for grain to be left purposely for her — it was her salvation.
Perhaps our case was direr than hers, for when we tried to straighten out our lives we found our efforts exhausting, but also fruitless. Our efforts to glean for a better life always fell short; we could not save ourselves. However, the Creator was our near kinsman, He had created us in His own image, and He stepped forth in loving kindness, quietly, yet purposely, sending His own Son to be the atonement for us — to be our Savior, our salvation! (Rodney B. Stearns)
When Naomi returned, with Ruth, to the Bethlehem area, Boaz was presented with an obligation as well as an opportunity. Being related to Naomi as a near kinsman, there was some community expectation that he would be complicit in making provision for their needs to be met. Yet this must be done delicately allowing them to maintain personal dignity and responsibility in taking care of themselves. Ruth showed initiative in this by going to glean in the fields. As kinsman-redeemer Boaz secretly arranged for grain to be left purposely for her — it was her salvation.
Perhaps our case was direr than hers, for when we tried to straighten out our lives we found our efforts exhausting, but also fruitless. Our efforts to glean for a better life always fell short; we could not save ourselves. However, the Creator was our near kinsman, He had created us in His own image, and He stepped forth in loving kindness, quietly, yet purposely, sending His own Son to be the atonement for us — to be our Savior, our salvation! (Rodney B. Stearns)
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day. — Fanny Crosby
A secret kindness is His presence, giving us strength for each day!
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