Today I read Ruth 2, in which Boaz notices Ruth, finds out about her, and speaks with Ruth. Today I considered that people’s actions and reactions to others can matter and impact their future.
Boaz Meets Ruth
Ruth got permission from Naomi to go harvest food wherever someone gave her grace. Ruth ended up in Boaz’s field, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz noticed Ruth and asked about her. Boaz found out she had been hard at work all day, was a Moabitish, and was loyal to her mother-in-law after her husband’s death. Boaz told her to stay near the other women working in his field and that he instructed his men to not touch her. Ruth thanked Boaz. Boaz invited her to eat with them at mealtime. Boaz instructed his men not to stop her from harvesting among them and to even leave handfuls of extra for Ruth to harvest. Ruth brought the food home for Naomi to eat. Naomi asked about Ruth’s day and she told her. Naomi approved of Ruth staying close to Boaz’ maidens. Ruth kept harvesting and living with her mother-in-law until the end of the harvest.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Some people observe you and investigate you before they approach you. Boaz noticed Ruth and found out more about her and her circumstances. Then Boaz talked to her and told her she would be safe in his field. Ruth was thankful. Because of Ruth’s actions and response to Boaz, he issued a notice to his people to provide for her and protect her.
Can you give an example of two people doing the same work, but their attitude toward others caused them to have completely different results?