Ruth 2

Yesterday at Saar Fellowship we looked at Ruth 2. 

As a moral lesson for us in the text we highlighted vv.15-16 and said that we are to practice what we preach.

When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.

Ruth 2.15-16

This is Boaz practicing what he preached back in vv.8-9. The lesson for us, then, is that if you claim certain things, if you make statements about what you will and won’t do it’s important to come through on them, isn’t it, otherwise it’s hollow and empty words and you lose all credibility in your character. When this becomes dangerous is that, whether intentionally or not, you are using your character to display the wonderful truth that you are saved, sealed, and are being sanctified as a believer in Jesus. Therefore, making empty claims and promises really hurts that example and witness, doesn’t it.

But, is Ruth 2 really about ‘practice what you preach’? 

Where is Jesus in this?

Let’s look at the person of Ruth in this chapter again and then apply this to you.

• Ruth was not originally in the family of God’s people, not an Israelite, she described herself as a foreigner (2.10).

You and me, most of us, are the same. We are not part of God’s family of people by birth or descent and, like Ruth, through grace we have been accepted into the family and now we stand ready to be redeemed by faith alone.

• Ruth was provided for here by Boaz for the duration of the harvest season.

You and me are so provided for in Christ. We have access to everything you ever need this side of eternity, until this season of our life ends.

• Ruth has, in a way, already been redeemed. She has been redeemed from a bitter life of a widow to the life of one who is part of the family.

You and me have already been redeemed in our being justified by faith alone. We are being redeemed daily through the ongoing process of sanctification (the day by day becoming more like Jesus). We will be redeemed ultimately and eternally when we close our eyes in death and open them in the presence of our Saviour. 

Friends, you are not Boaz in this story; the wise, benevolent, grace-filled redeemer-type. 

Friends, in this story you are the Ruth character. You are the redeemed, you are the saved, you are the people given a fresh start and a new life through grace alone and faith alone. 

God put His great love for you into action and gives you the opportunity now to be taken under His wing in refuge (2.12). Like Ruth here, we need bring nothing but ourselves and a willing spirit.

In His great love for you He came, He lived, He died, and He rose to become your Redeemer. 

Like Ruth, we ought to say to this wonderful truth “I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.” (2.13).