Character Builds A Reputation

Ruth 2:1-23

Two widows, one young and one old, had just arrived in Bethlehem from Moab. In that time, being a widow was almost a death sentence if there was no family member to care for her. But, Ruth was determined to take care of Naomi and provide for the two of them. So, one day she got up and told Naomi that she is going to the fields to gather grain.

Now, Ruth had a couple things working against her in this situation. First, she was a foreigner in Bethlehem – being from Moab. Second, she was not a hired hand, so any grain she gathered would be either what was left for the poor, or it would be considered stolen.

But, God had a plan. Ruth ended up working in the field of Boaz, a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem. When he came to the fields to check on his crops and his workers, he noticed Ruth and inquired about her with his foreman. His foreman told him that Ruth had showed up with Naomi when she returned from Moab. He pointed out that Ruth asked, that morning, to gather grain after the harvesters and she had been hard at work since then, except for small break in the shade.

Boaz was impressed, or moved with compassion, or something, but in any case, he instructed his foreman to allow her to continue to gather without being bothered and even to intentionally drop some good grain specifically for her to pick up. Boaz went to Ruth and told her that she was welcome to continue to gather in his field and not to go to any other fields. He also told her to help herself to any water that was drawn if she was thirsty. Later, he even invited her to sit with them at dinner and allowed her to eat until she was full and even have leftovers.

Afterwards, Ruth returned to the field to continue gathering. By the end of the day, she had fully filled her basket with grain. She went back to town to show her mother-in-law what she had done all day. Naomi was surprised at what she saw, and asked where she had been and in who's field she had worked.

Ruth told Naomi that she had been working in Boaz's field all day and that he invited her to return and work there. Naomi was excited about this. She wished blessings on Boaz and told Ruth to do just as he Sick. So, Ruth went back for the remainder of the barley harvest and gathered with the Boaz's harvesters. She also remained with them through the wheat harvest.

So, a lot has taken place in this story already. Ruth has built a reputation for herself in this strange land by her kindness, her work ethic, and her faithfulness. She has shown initiative, not only to provide for herself, but also her mother-in-law. Even more, she has gained the attention of Boaz, who as we will see soon, turns out to be more than just a kind, wealthy, God-fearing man. When we do what is right, what is pleasing to God, he will honor that.

Lord, give me a heart that follows yours. Help me to do what is good and pleasing in your sight. Make it my character to treat people well, work with diligence, take initiative, have faith in you. Have your way, Lord, in my life and help me to remember that everything is a part of your plan. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.