E54 - Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions - Ruth - Boaz Takes Notice - Part 4

Hope’s Harbor

Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #54

Title: Ruth – Boaz notices – part 4

Date: May 16, 2022

Contact: info@hopesharbor.net

Key verse(s): Ruth 2:5 – ‘Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?"’ Meaning whose family is she of?

Intro: The story of Ruth begins with loss, relocation, and hard work to have food, and then she is noticed by a landowner, Boaz.

Being noticed doesn’t always happen to us when we are faithful, hardworking, and conscientious. This begs the question: are we going to do what is right because it is right, or because we are trying to gain from good behavior?

Here are verses to consider: 1Timothy 6:5 - 8 

1Timothy 6:5 – ‘useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

1Timothy 6:6 – ‘Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

1Timothy 6:7 - ‘For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

1Timothy 6:8 - ‘And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.’

When we live our lives applying each and every truth we encounter in GOD’s Word… GOD notices.

Devotion focus: The motivation for what we do… what is it?

Ruth’s actions from the beginning of her story give some indication of her nature, that of a caring and selfless person. Her loyalty ensured that her actions were motivated by her sense of duty to Naomi.

There is no record in Scripture that Ruth’s motivation in all she did in this story was to get a husband. How could it be? Moving to a foreign country made her an outsider.

Listen again to the key verse when Boaz notices Ruth and the servant’s answer in Ruth 2:6 after being asked who she is:

Ruth 2:5 – ‘Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?"’ Again, meaning to whose family does she belong.

Ruth 2:6 – ‘So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, "It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab.”’

The servant doesn’t even call Ruth by name, just the ‘Moabite woman.’

But then, listen to Boaz’s reaction in Ruth 2:8 – ‘Then Boaz said to Ruth, "You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women.’

In verse 9 Boaz goes on to let Ruth know she may stay in his fields and work close by his servants. It is implied this was for Ruth’s protection and more because Boaz instructed his foreman to allow grain to fall from the sheaves and to allow Ruth to gather that grain in addition to the grain left around the edge of the fields.

Ruth questions Boaz’s generosity in Ruth 2:10 – ‘So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"’

Boaz answers in Ruth 2:11 & 12. Verse 12 contains a wonderful blessing promised to us also.

Ruth 2:11 – ‘And Boaz answered and said to her, "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before.

Ruth 2:12 - ”The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge."’

The blessing and promise Boaz announced to Ruth is ours based on the condition if we go to the LORD for refuge, for help.

Summary: Boaz noticed Ruth as she worked in the field, but when told who she was, he already knew her by reputation and said so in Ruth 2:11.

Her actions thus far led him to bless her with protection and provision.

Action to consider: Ponder this question: Why did Ruth’s actions stand out to Boaz? He had other servants. Were Ruth’s actions somehow different than what was normal?

Final questions: Are our actions different from the normal behavior of people around us as we go about our daily lives? If not, why not?

Next week’s devotion: Ruth’s actions motivate Boaz to take action -