Series: Lessons from Ruth–chapter 3

Hello and God bless you BCU family!

As usual, please feel free to listen to the podcast (click  the icon below), read the notes or both. Enjoy and be challenged by the Word of God. 

Welcome to BlenCouragesU and our continuing study on the book of Ruth! If you missed the last segments, you can click here to start. If you are short on time, go back later for the details, and  keep listening as we  go through the highlight reel, background and then the study.

Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion moved from  Bethlehem to Moab due to a famine. After a space of time, Elimelech passes away, and his sons marry Moab natives, Orpah and Ruth. Then the sons pass away, leaving three widows to fend for themselves—-which was problematic in the ancient world. Naomi decides to go back to Bethlehem (the famine is over), and pleads with her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab to “find rest, each of you in the house of her husband” (Ruth 1:9), meaning get remarried and start your life over.   Orpah goes back to her home and gods,  but Ruth vows to take Naomi’s God (the only God) and Naomi.,  on as family, and accompanies her back to Bethlehem at harvest time. Our main takeaway: Love should not change in the hard times (I Corinthians 13).

In chapter 2, Ruth decides to go out and  glean (landing in Boaz’s field) to bring food in. The law specified that gleaners (poor, fatherless, strangers and widows) picked purposely unharveted produce, grain, etc., to help feed themselves as well as the  field owners being a blessing to someone else. Ruth’s reputation, demeanor and hard work was noticed—and rewarded, as Boaz made special provisions for her safety, mealtime and  ensured her gleaning was very productive. A couple of “ahas”: Waiting and evaluating relationships with the help of the Lord is important and that  your integrity was everything (See Proverbs 22:1 for the latter “aha”).

When we last left off, Naomi remembered Boaz was a kinsman or kinsman-redeemer. Chapter 3 opens where Naomi asks Ruth about “seeking rest for her, that it may be well with her”. In other words, let’s see if we can arrange a marriage as there is a “rest” in settling down.

Let’s be clear, this is not a get a man in 4 easy chapters class! We thank God if that happens–BUT that’s NOT why we are here! God wants us to “settle down” in Him! If we look at the book of Hebrews chapter 3, verses 8-11 it talks about faithfulness –and how how the children of Israel hardened their hearts in rebellion, faithlessness, disobedience and unbelief during their forty year trip, testing God to a point where he said “they shall not enter my rest” (verse 11). The Israelites who were in bondage over 400 years, escape and see many miracles (like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14,  food provisions like manna and quail in Exodus 16), and they were supposed to enter the Promised Land,  (Exodus 3:7) flowing with milk and honey as a rest! A trip that was about 250 miles, would have taken anywhere from two weeks to a month,  took 40 years AND only two of the original crowd (Joshua and Caleb) made it along with those under the age of  19 (Numbers 14:29).   Who wants THAT testimony?!  Nooooooo!!!! We want that rest!!!!!!

Jesus said, “come all to me all the labour and are heavy-laden and I will give you REST!  Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find REST for your souls”. (Matthew 11:28-29). We want a soul that’s at rest NOW and LATER. So, we can rest in His Word, His plans and His path here, so we can make it there!! (Heaven). If we don’t believe Him now, we can’t believe Him later!!!  Believe Him now FOR AND later!!!

Verse 12  of Hebrews 3, cautions us to beware, lest any of us have an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Furthermore, we are to encourage one another while it is TODAY for NOW, so our hearts are not hardened though the deceitfulness of sin (verse 14), and Hebrews 4:1 remind us to be cautious lest we fall short of the promise of His rest.

Unbelief is a lack of faith, and a lack of faith is sin– without faith it’s IMPOSSIBLE to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).  We may struggle with it from time to time,  especially when things start going sideways–we don’t want to practice unbelief and distrust of God. When you think about that..We distrust the same God who spoke this earth into existence, knows us by name,  how many hairs are on our heads, knows our every thought, the beginning from the end, loves and cares about us more that ANYONE on Earth ever will.  Can we trust Him? As tough as it is, Yes, we can. Hebrews 4:1 reminds us to fear (be cautious) that we don’t come short of the rest that is promised to us. God keeps His Word, so we can rest.

Let’s now look as the function of the kinsman. Based from Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This is a close relative who acted as a protector or guarantor of the family rights and  could be called upon to perform a number of duties like buying back family property that had been sold, or to provide an heir for a deceased brother by marrying that brother’s  or relative’s wife and producing a child with her. If no one chose to step up, the widow would likely live in dire poverty since the laws at the time passed inheritances to the son or nearest male relative, rather than the wife, hence the gleaner laws. Recall, Naomi had no more sons, so Boaz was the nearest relative she knew of who could redeem Ruth. Redeemers had to be blood related, have the means to pay, be willing to redeem and be free to redeem. See any similarities to a Man we know and love? Yes Jesus!!

Scripture calls God the Redeemer or the ‘close relative’ of Israel, “you shall know that I, the Lord am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob” (Is. 60:16), and Jesus the Redeemer of all believers. Christ came in the flesh (John 1:14), was willing and paid as the perfect sacrifice.  “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold (loses its value) from your vain conversation received by the traditions of your fathers, BUT with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). Who here has been redeemed from the hand of the enemy?! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!! (Psalm 107:2).

So Naomi starts putting the kinsman plan in action– and obviously had some knowledge of what the end of harvests were like–feasting and celebrations on the threshing floor. This was a place where wheat stalks were crushed with by hand or oxen. In this crushing process, the inner kernels of precious grain were separated  from the useless outer husks or chaff . The floor, made of soil or rock was usually in an elevated location so the wind would blow away the chaff when the crushed wheat was thrown up in the air or winnowed. THAT process has significance–check it out in Matthew 3:12, where John the Baptist says, “whose fan is in His [Jesus”] hand, and He will throughly purge His floor and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. We want to be the wheat, Family!

3:2–Boaz was likely sleeping near his harvest to prevent theft and wait for his chance to thresh his barley. Naomi advises Ruth to wash, anoint herself and get dressed. Historians have said Ruth may have been wearing her mourning clothes up until the point and by shedding those clothes, she was ready to receive what God had for her. Figuratively speaking, how many of us are still  in “mourning” about or for a broken relationship, a missed opportunity,  being mistreated, being scoffed at, a dissed or dismissed by thoughtless people who should “know better.” While your sadness may have been justified, it may be time to change your garment. GO to the Lord and tell Him all about how you feel– and allow the Lord to heal your brokenness, restore your joy and give you rest!

3:4-6–Naomi gave Ruth given specifc directions to follow, in turn Ruth promised she would do and verse 6 says she did just that. Stop. It’s important we follow the directions the way God gives them. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman, a leper who wanted to be healed, was given a message with directions by Elisha to go was in the Jordan river seven times in order to be healed. Naaman was upset because 1) the prophet Elisha did not come to directly to him and 2) the Jordan River was not the best river. Thankfully, Naaman’s servants urged him to follow the directions and he was healed. With God’s grace, we need to do what God says, when and how He says it.

3:7-9–Naomi finds Boaz, uncovers his feet and lays there—a sign of humility.  And at midnight (notice midnight is a popular time for things to happen—the bridegroom and the ten virgins Matthew 25; Paul and Silas sang songs and prayed unto God, an  earthquake came opening doors and loosing bands Acts 16–just something to think about). When a startled Boaz awakens and starts asking questions, Ruth, mentioning she is a servant or handmaiden asks him to spread his skirt (a cloak or outer robe used as cover) over her because he is a kinsman.  In Hebrew term translated “skirt” is typically understood to mean wing or protector.

God used this terminology in describing His taking of Israel as His wife: “Behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine” (Ezekiel 16:8). Clearly, Ruth’s intent was a proposal of marriage—that she come under the wing or cloak of a husband’s protection, namely Boaz’s. If we go back to the last chapter, he said, “the Lord recompense your work and a full reward given to you  “the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to trust” (Ruth 2:12).

Side note: This proposal was a custom and situation for this time and this place, singles ladies. Boaz had approached Ruth and Ruth responded. DO NOT try this at home. Or anyplace else. Applying this to our lives, Christ took interest in and approached us first–some of us many times and in many different ways. For those who are Spirit-filled, we responded and are covered with His feathers and trusting under His wings, with His truth and shield as our buckler (Psalms 91:4).

3:10-12–Boaz responded favorably, citing her kindness , the Hebrew word here, hesed, meaning “loyal love” or “covenant faithfulness.” Not only had she stuck by Naomi, but now she was seeking to fulfill the obligation of preserving the lineage and inheritance of her deceased husband, which would restore the family line of Elimelech and ensure that Naomi was well provided for. Boaz also mentioned both he and the city knew Ruth as a virtuous woman (see Proverbs 31 for more information), rather than one seeking out poor or rich men.  Finally, Boaz knew of another relative “closer at the front of the line”, but promised he would take care of everything. We talked about that before–promises, promises! We need to keep our word, with the help of the Lord.

3:14-18–Boaz continues looking out for Ruth by making sure she stayed,  (it was likely dangerous for her to go home after midnight–there was no foolishness), went home early morning (maybe to keep her reputation intact and his,too), and sent her home with more grain for Naomi. Once Naomi heard what happened, she assured Ruth Boaz would not rest until the matter was settled that day.

 

Whew! The Lord pulled some meat off the bones in here today! I trust this was a blessing and a challenge to you and now it’s time to ask God to help us apply what we have learned with His grace. Lord will, join us next week for the Ruth 3 takeaways and exciting conclusion of our study!

God bless you for stopping by—please share with a friend! And until next time or the Lord comes, #StayOnTheWall.

 

Love,

BCU

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Series: Lessons from Ruth chapter 2

Hi BCU Family!

Even if you saw the Periscope broadcast, review is a good thing! Please enjoy the podcast by clicking on the logo below or you can read through the written account at your leisure. We trust either format will be a blessing to you!

Okay, last time when we left off in Ruth  chapter 1, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi had safely journeyed back to Bethlehem, just in time for the spring barley harvest.

2:1-3 Chapter 2 opens and unbeknownst to Naomi,  her late husband, Elimelich had a kinsman or relative named Boaz (meaning in him is strength) who wasn’t just an ordinary man, he was a MIGHTY man of wealth (we’ll get back to that).

Background: Rather than expect Naomi to provide, Ruth asked  for and received “permission” from Naomi  to go out and work in the fields gleaning. Let’s stop right here. Bethlehem had a very moderate climate and was full of lush fields, olive groves and farms, so there was plenty of work to be had at harvest time for reapers and gleaners.

Reapers were paid to cut down and bundle the wheat and barley stalks, but to leave the corners of the fields untouched and to NOT go back and pick up any harvest (olives, grain, etc.) that was missed. The Lord commanded so in  Leviticus 19:9-10 and  Deuteronomy 24:19-22 that the leftover grains and such were for the poor, stranger, fatherless and the widow–in other words the gleaners. In addition to helping the gleaners provide food for themselves,  God promised to bless the work of the harvesters hands, and this also served as a reminder of the Israelites when they were  bondsmen in Egypt–they were unable to plant and harvest at will and were now free to do so.

So spiritual gut check–are we leaving anything behind for the “gleaners?” In other words, how are we being a blessing to someone (as God leads us) who cannot bless us back? Remember then YOU were enslaved to sin, the creditors, a stronghold and God set you free?! GLORRAYYYY! Everyone has a little something they can give, even with the smallest salary.  Maybe you are having a hard time financially or on a limited income…can you offer to babysit, sit with someone, cook a meal, buy a coffee, make a call to encourage someone,  visit, buy/make a greeting card that says “I was thinking about/praying for you?” God can bless us with creative ways to share our harvest!

2:4-6.  Ruth’s initiative landed her in the field belonging to Boaz– And while I’m sure he had substance, notice how he greeted his staff “the Lord be with you!”and they answer back “the Lord bless you.” This was a godly and well-respected man and that kind of character is worth MUCH more than money (that wealth mentioned in verse 1). Trust me, I have been close to people with money and the dispositions was “bowling shoe ugly” as my brother would say. Money comes and goes, but how you conduct yourself tells who you are. Proverbs 22:1 says “a good name is rather to be chosen that great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold”.

2:6-9. Getting back to Ruth, the Word says her hap (or destiny) was to glean in Boaz’s field. He noticed this foreign woman and after some inquiry found out  who Ruth was, how she asked to glean AND the fact had been gleaning all day–just resting a little. In turn, Boaz approached Ruth and instructed her to 1) stay in his field 2) go with his maidens 3) the young men would not bother her AND 4) they would get her water when she was thirsty.  Closer look time–this speaks to Boaz’s character once again.

Single ladies, take note–marrieds, please stay with me or relate this to a friend or your dating children.  First, BOAZ went to seek out Ruth not the other way around. Nor was Ruth posing and cheesing by the well—acting all ” 7-11 Big Gulp thirsty” waiting to be noticed and rescued from gleaning. She was BUSY and godly!!! Men notice BUSY, godly, fulfilled  women. They notice other types, too but for reasons we need to cover in another study. 🙂

Next, recall that Ruth is new in town, and a widow in this land and could very easily been taken advantage of (remember that from our first study–the widows were not always treated fairly). Boaz got in front of any potential foolishness by giving Ruth and his young men specific instructions that were followed without question. A godly man (single or married) will protect, rather than take advantage of your condition, manipulate or guilt you into doing something wrong, or just to fleece you.

I remember visiting a friend in Chicago a few  years back, and when we left church it had snowed a bit. One of the deacons (around my age) cleared off my rental car without blinking  an eye. Another time, as a group of us were leaving a venue, the deacons (again, these were not 80 year old men), happily made sure we got to our cars safely rather than just driving off. And there was NONE of this “well, since I did…you should” or “when can I expect a little payment in the special room later?” This was IN them and it came out. Boaz characteristics in full effect.

Conversely, I was talking with a young lady who had a boyfriend she “loved” but spoke roughly to her, was physical with her, cheated regularly and manipulated her into buying him an Xbox (whatever that is, I still rock my Wii) with the little money she did have. What was in him came out, stayed out and needs to be cast out!!!! Where is the Boaz in THAT situation? What’s attractive or wonderful about that?!  I ask you single ladies–are you dealing with a Bozo? Clear the decks and wait on BOAZ! He’s out there!!!!

2:10-12. Ok, back to our study! Ruth, clearly overwhelmed at Boaz’s friendliness and favor, tells her he knows all about how Ruth took care of Naomi in Moab,  and since, had left her own family and homeland to come into this strange land. Then he said “the Lord recompense  for your work and a full reward be given unto you from God under whose wings you have come to trust.” This hearkens back to when Ruth took on Naomi’s one true God as her God–you can NEVER go wrong choosing Christ!

Also BCU family, know whatever you are doing from your heart is not going unnoticed, especially from God. Remember, He is NOT unrighteous to forget your labour of love which you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister (Hebrews 6:10).

2:11-14. Getting back to Ruth, as if the blessings from Boaz were not enough, Boaz’s favor continues as he INVITES her to eat. Singles women,  Boaz did not ask Ruth for her gleaned grain, to go “half” or for anything in return.  On top of that, Boaz served Ruth (he reached her the parched corn verse 14 ) as she ate until she got full  with the reapers—the hired folks! How many other  gleaners are recorded in the Ruth’s story as sitting at the owners table? None!

Also, what I love about Ruth in verse 15, was rather than hang around and make small talk, or otherwise take advantage of Boaz’s kindness, after dinner, she went right back into the field to work until evening.  Ruth’s laser focus, intent and  godly character stayed consistent–even with the new-found favor of Boaz. Ladies, let us never exploit anything a man does out of his heart for us.  Nor should we get all silly and unfocused–ask the Lord to help you stay on task!

2:15-22. With Boaz’s instruction to his staff to  purposely drop grain for Ruth and not to rebuke her,  she brought about a bushel of grain–roughly about 64 pints or  50-odd pounds home to Naomi (another unselfish act–Ruth shared her grain), which prompted Naomi to ask, “where did you glean and work?” Once Ruth told her it was Boaz, Naomi went into a praise saying, “blessed be he of the Lord who was not left off His kindness to the living and to the dead. Boaz is near kin to us, one of our next kinsmen”. One of the most memorable moments from out last study was a grieving and broken Naomi who is now rejoicing in God–He knows just how to turn our mourning into dancing.

The chapter wraps up where Ruth tells Naomi of Boaz’s kind protection,  their “verbal contract” for Ruth to glean till the end of harvest, and how Ruth stayed with her mother-in law. These women came to Bethlehem poor and unsure, and in one chapter were blessed and less stressed.  Amen!!!  Let’s see what our notes to self are:

  1. God blessed Ruth with a selfless heart, ambition, faith and the mind to be guided by the voice of the Lord to “hap” in the field Boaz owned.  That would not have happened if she and Naomi sat around waiting.  Faith without works is dead (James 2:20).
  2. Boaz may have been a man of wealth, but that extended far beyond money. His generous, selfless acts went above the law God provided. He protected and took care  of  Ruth without anything in return and taught his men to do the same thing. This type of character is what all men should exhibit. Examine any “Bozo’s” singles, you may be entertaining and ask God for a discerning heart and to use “clown repellant.”
  3. Likewise, Ruth remained humble, hardworking and a godly example of how a woman should behave #NotThirsty!  She never counter-offered herself for any of Boaz’s favor (thereby protecting him), rather she thanked him and went back to what she purposed in her heart to do. Single men, if the women are offering up things,  unless the Lord told you He has plans to turn things around, run as fast as your legs can carry you! That’s a Proverbs 5 woman–you’re looking for the Proverbs 31 woman!
  4. Whether you get recognized by people or not, God takes note of your work. Paul said, whatever we do, do it heartily and to God and not unto men, because we serve God and He is the rewarder (Colossians 3:23-24). Men may award, but God rewards.

I trust you were as blessed and challenged (whew!) by this word brought to you by God as I am. I thank God for His awesome illumination and now the application of what He said. We have to be doers of the Word, amen? Amen! God bless you for tuning in and until next time we meet #StayOnTheWall.

 

Love,

BCU

 

 

 

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