Ruth 3:14 – 15 “So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, ‘Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.’ He also said, ‘Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.’ When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town.”
Have you ever noticed that gossip travels faster than the speed of light? Not only that, but as it travels, it grows and stretches and, by the time it reaches its final destination, it has turned into something quite different from the truth. Boaz knew this, and he wanted to get to this other kinsman before the gossip did. He wanted to handle this matter quietly and with wisdom. So he told Ruth not to let anyone see her.
Can you just imagine the stories that would have flown about town, if people had known she claimed Boaz as her kinsman-redeemer? “Why, I thought ol’ Joe was a closer relative than Boaz!”
“Yes, I did too. I wonder if Joe knows that Boaz is moving in on his territory.”
“I don’t know. Let’s go ask him.”
And before you know it, Joe would have been mad at Boaz, and he would have claimed Ruth as his own, simply out of spite.
So, Boaz quietly sent Ruth home. But he didn’t send her empty handed! He gave her six measures of barley, which in our terms is about 46 liters! He gave her more than twice the amount he had given her on the day they met. It was quite a generous gift, and it let her know that he was serious about his commitment to her.
I’ve noticed God’s generosity in my own life, after I’ve left the threshing floor. God has always been generous. He’s always given me good things. But after going through difficulties, after having had some of the rotten stuff pounded out of my spirit, God always replaces what has been lost with more blessings than I ever would have thought possible! He replaces the hum-drum with the exciting, the mediocre with the excellent, and the useless things of my life with things that are both fruitful and delicious. It’s as if He’s telling me, “Renae, I don’t want you to think that this visit to the threshing floor was in vain. I love you. I am committed to taking care of you and providing you with more good things than you can imagine. So, here you go. Here’s a little taste of what I have in store for you, just so you’ll know I’m serious about my love for you.”
Friend, you may be on the threshing floor right now. You may feel like you are taking a pounding, and the night seems so very long. But I promise you, morning will come! And when the day breaks, you will find yourself richer in spirit than you have ever been. Your difficulties will not be in vain, as long as you lay yourself at the Master’s feet. Once this season of threshing is through, God will show Himself to you. He will bless you in a way that will leave no doubt of His enduring commitment and love to You. Hang in there, my friend. The good stuff is on its way.
Dear Father, Thank You for Your blessings, for Your love and commitment to me. I want to commit myself to You, during every season of my life.
Amen
Hi!Hello!SALUTATIONS!aloha!
Hello back to you, my darling daughter!
Oh, Renae, this post brought tears to my eyes.
I am truly facing some very dark deeds of my own in the writing of this book and realizing once again that the threshing floor was so necessary to change me from the person I once was.
But, what truly touched me this morning in your post, is that God not only forgave me, but has restored me when I did not deserve it.
His restoration in my life is a testimony to the nations that no matter what you have done, no matter how inexcusable, God can take that and pound it into a new and beautiful form of His Face.
“Oh, Lord, I shed tears now as I thank you for your undeserved grace in my life – so undeserved.
You are an amazing God, beyond comprehension in your love and compassion and faithfulness to us.
Love,
Your daughter, Judea”
Thank you for this excellent series, Renae. Although I’ve read Ruth many times, you are giving me new perspectives.
Thanks so much, Lillie! That is quite an honor coming from you! 🙂