Words of Wisdom

Week 52

IN THE KINGDOM OF THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU

FOCUS

As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men. "Even is she gathers among the sheaves, don't embarrass her. Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don't rebuke her." ( verses 16 & 17 )

Look at this picture of Ruth in Boaz's field. She is a newcomer to his field. He sees this person and though she is not one of his hired servants, nor one of the regular workers, Boaz shows her great favour and grace. Let us remind ourselves of just who Ruth is.

Ruth is a foreigner who has come to Bethlehem, with her mother- in- law, Naomi. She is doing all she can to make sure she and Naomi have food to eat. Today she finds herself gleaning in the field of Boaz, someone of whom, at this time, she knows nothing about. It is while doing this menial job, in this most low position that Boaz, the owner of the field, sees Ruth. He sees this different person in his workplace and has great respect, compassion and love for her. Boaz does all in his authority and power to ensure that Ruth is safe, happy, comfortable and free to be a gleaner in his domain. His concern and love for her are most evident.

FACTS

Here are some very open and uplifting facts, that must be highlighted.

• It is Boaz who sees her first and inquires about her.

• It is Boaz who encourages Ruth to remain in his field and not go elsewhere.

• It is Boaz who guarantees her safety. He tells his workers not to embarrass her, even if she does something contrary to their practices.

• It is Boaz who ensures her freedom, for he gives his employees strict instructions not to rebuke her, even if she gathers among the sheaves.

• It is Boaz who insures that she has enough wheat to take home at the end of the day. He makes her work lighter and easier.

Boaz showers love, understanding, grace and mercy upon the one who is a stranger, a foreigner, a gleaner, in his field. If this is not love, then what is?

 

FREEDOM

Ruth is in Boaz's place, his kingdom, his domain. Do you see how free he makes her? Do you see how she is able to be herself in this strange environment, because of all the sensitive, kind and thoughtful ways Boaz has taken care of her?

Can you see the One who loves you dearly? Are you in the Kingdom of God? Are you in Jesus' place, field, domain? Please! will you listen carefully to this?

As Boaz only wants Ruth to be happy, safe and secure in his care and charge, so too, does Jesus. As Boaz does all to ensure Ruth's freedom in his place of authority, so too Jesus does the same for you.

The question is, " In whose kingdom are you?" If at all you are in the Lord's kingdom, it is because He loves you and wants you to be safe, free, happy and well cared for.

Whether you are a stranger, foreigner, or one of the least in His Kingdom, the Lord will give you grace beyond measure.

Be bold therefore and free, to serve in the kingdom of One who loves you.