Fullness In The Field Series

Fullness in the Field

Ruth 2:8-14

It has been a long journey from the desolation and desperation of Moab. Surely Ruth wondered what she would find as she made her way to a new land. I’m sure there were fears and uncertainties in her mind. Even though she was unaware, God was providentially working in her life. Ruth 2:3 – And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

Ruth was unaware that Boaz was a kinsman of Naomi’s; she had never met this man and knew nothing of him. As she went to glean in the field that day, she had no idea how the day would end. God had led her to the field of Boaz, where she would meet the man who would redeem her. Ruth was destined to meet this man who would forever change her life. She would leave the field that day with enough provision to sustain them, but God was working something far greater than a half-bushel of barley.

This presents a beautiful picture of God’s abundant grace. Ruth entered the field that day desperate and empty, but she would leave full and blessed. I want to look at the principles of God’s grace revealed in Ruth’s encounter with Boaz as we consider: Fullness in the Field.

I. The Amazement of Her Encounter (8) – I am certain that Ruth was amazed with her encounter with Boaz. He knew her far better than she realized. He was aware of her and her needs. Notice:

A. He Knew Her History – Keep in mind, Boaz had inquired of this woman with his servants. They had revealed she was the one who had returned with Naomi from Moab. It is amazing that Boaz would have even given Ruth a second look, much less taken an interest in her. The Moabites had not been favorable unto the Jews; they had sought to defeat and destroy them. Because of their animosity toward God’s people they were not allowed among the congregation. Deut.23:3 – An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever:

Boaz was bound by God’s law to allow her to glean in the corners of the field, but he was not required to show her any favor. In fact, he was told to remain separated from them. Aren’t you glad Jesus overlooked our history, knowing who we were, and yet He provided for our salvation!

B. He Knew Her Hunger (8) – Boaz knew that the land had endured a long and difficult drought. He had heard of the tragedy that Naomi and Ruth had faced. He was aware of their need. Boaz knew that she was hungry and in desperate need of provision if they were to survive. (I remember a time when I was hungry spiritually. I longed to be filled with the grace and peace of God. Thank the Lord that He knew my hunger!)

C. He Knew Her Heart (8) – Boaz spoke kindly to Ruth. He did not deal with her harshly because she was a Moabite. He addressed her as my daughter. Boaz knew that there was something different about this woman. He realized that she was concerned about Naomi and that caused Boaz to have compassion on her.

As I wandered in sin there was no goodness in me. There was nothing in my life that deserved salvation. None of us could ever merit or deserve God’s grace. But I rejoice that Jesus knew my heart. He was aware of my need. He dealt with me in love and kindness, not as I deserved.

II. The Abundance of Her Encounter (9) – As we have already discussed, Ruth’s encounter with Boaz would be far more than she ever dreamed. We discover:

A. She Received Instruction (9a) – Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: Boaz knew that his field would have all she needed. He was more than able to meet her need. He instructed her not to glean in another field and to keep her eyes on his field and his reapers, going after them. He knew what was best for Ruth.

We too have received precious instruction from the Lord. He knows what is best in our lives. We are to live according to His Word, keeping our eyes focused on the field of grace and those of like faith instead of the world and those who seek to undermine and discourage our faith.

B. She Received Protection (9b) – have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? Boaz revealed that he had strictly charged his reapers not to touch her. She would be safe to glean as long as she remained in his field. While near to him she would find protection.