Ruth 2:4 – 5 “Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, ‘The Lord be with you!’ ‘The Lord bless you!’ they called back. Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, ‘Whose young woman is that?”
Boaz was one of the most eligible bachelors in Bethlehem. He was rich. He was powerful. And he was kind. Obviously, he had a good relationship with his workers, for he gave them a friendly greeting when he arrived at his field, and they responded with familiar respect. I can’t help but wonder how many young Bethlehem girls had set their cap for this man!
But here, we witness a case of love at first sight. How romantic! Boaz saw Ruth, this little foreign widow, and he asked his foreman, “Who’s that girl?” Or, in my own loose translation, he said, “Wow! What a babe! Where has she been all my life?”
Now, if you think it is just coincidence that of all the fields in Bethlehem, Ruth ended up in the field of the most eligible bachelor in town, you are mistaken. Ruth may not have had a clue, but God did. And God was setting the stage for a little romance.
My friends, we have no idea what wonderful things God has in store for us, when we are faithful and we follow Him. Ruth had pledged her loyalty to God. She had sacrificed much to stay with Naomi. She had proven herself to be a self-starter and a hard worker. God was pleased with this little Moabitess. And He was getting ready to pour out some major blessings on her!
And the beautiful thing is, Ruth didn’t have a clue. She wasn’t manipulating things, trying to find a husband. She was just going about her business, gathering barley, trying to provide for herself and her mother-in-law. I’m sure she was sweaty and tired, probably not looking her best. Her focus was on being faithful to her oath. What an example to us all! So many times, we seek after God’s blessings instead of just seeking God. But, when we take our focus off of ourselves, and just serve God, He will bless us and bless us, beyond what we could ever expect or imagine!
Dear Father, Thank You for Your everlasting goodness.
Amen
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