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Ruth and Boaz

By: Alan Harvey

Posted: February 4, 2019

Category: Daily Devotional

Ruth 2:1-17

Life had not been easy for Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. After the deaths of her husband and two sons, Naomi had decided to return to the land of her people. She encouraged her daughter-in-law, Ruth, to return to her people for she was from Moab. Ruth had married into Naomi’s family and they had become Ruth’s people and she would not desert Naomi. Together they went to Naomi’s home. Ruth proved to be a devoted daughter-in-law.

Once there, Ruth realized she needed to do something so that she and Naomi would have food to eat. Ruth did not say, “Oh woe is me! My mother-in-law and I are starving. No one is giving us food to eat.” Ruth did not say, “The sun is too hot, the work is too hard, and all I can gather is just what is left from those harvesting the grain.” With some directions from Naomi, Ruth went to Boaz’s fields and she was able to gather enough grain to provide food for Naomi and herself. Naomi caught Boaz’s eye and he was quite impressed by her industriousness. She was a hard worker and she had proven to be devoted and loyal to Naomi, who just happened to be one of Boaz’s kin.

“Boaz said, ‘I’ve heard how hard you work and how kind you have been to Naomi. I think God must be very proud of you and I would like to help you.’” Ruth’s strong work ethic and her devotion and loyalty paid off handsomely.

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for the gift of the Ten Commandments that teach us how to love You and how-to live-in peace with our neighbors. When we break Your laws, stir us to confess our sins and ask Your forgiveness. When we struggle to do what is right, give us courage and strength. Help us always to do our best to follow these rules. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.