A Conversation Of Hope Series

A Conversation of Hope

Ruth 2: 19-23

As I studied this wonderful passage, I was reminded of the change that has taken place in such a short time. In the beginning verses, Naomi and Ruth had returned from Moab with little hope or confidence in the future. Little did they know that God was working on their behalf and had made provision for them.

Ruth set out one morning to glean in the fields, hoping to find enough leftovers to sustain two widows without any means of providing for themselves. Through divine providence, God led her to the field of Boaz. It was in his field that Ruth found favor and abundance in one she had never met. A day that began with uncertainty and fear had ended with hope and provision.

Now the day had ended and Ruth made her way back home. It is then she discussed the unbelievable events of the day. I want to examine the conversation Ruth had with Naomi as she returned from the field of Boaz. This conversation has a much different tone than the words that were shared between these women previously. As we consider the wonderful truths revealed in the text, I want to preach on: A Conversation of Hope.

I. They Talked of a Man (19-20) – Keep in mind, Ruth had just returned with an ephah of barley, about a half bushel, enough to sustain them for a week. Naomi was quick to ask where Ruth had gleaned. They then began to discuss this man, Boaz. Their conversation reveals Boaz was:

A. A Man of Interest (19a) – And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. Naomi was already aware that Ruth had been shown unusual kindness and favor. She had brought an abundance of grain home, more than typically found gleaning among the leftovers. She was curious who had taken knowledge of her while in the field. Who had shown interest in the Gentile widow from Moab?

I rejoice for the day Jesus took knowledge of me. I am grateful He was interested in the soul of one undeserving. He came to me even when I was unaware of Him and blessed me with His abundance! Christ is interested in each of us. He was so interested and concerned with our need that He was willing to die so that we might live!

B. A Man of Integrity (19b) – And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. Naomi had no idea where Ruth had gleaned. She rightly supposed that she had been in the field of a gracious man, but hadn’t realized that she had been in the field of Boaz. Naomi knew Boaz and his character.

Verse 1 – And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. We have already discussed the character of Boaz in a previous study, but I want to remind us of his integrity. He was a man known of his kinsmen. Remember Boaz pictures Christ our Lord. We too have a Man of integrity who cared and provided for us. I am blessed to have relations with those of integrity, but none compare to my Lord. Heb.5:9 – And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Phil.2:9 – Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Rev.19:16 – And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

C. A Man of Involvement (20a) – And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. Boaz chose to get involved in Ruth’s situation. He could have been critical of her. He could have shunned her because she was a Gentile. He was obligated to let her glean around the edge of the field, but he was not obligated to provide for her as he did. He chose to provide for her.

Isn’t it comforting to know that we serve One who chose to get involved in our situation? He chose to meet our need in the sacrifice of His body on the cross. He chose to leave the splendor of heaven, laying aside His glory for a robe of flesh, to walk among lowly men, even humbling Himself as their servant, so that we might be redeemed and restored unto the Father!

He chose to get involved in our salvation and He continues to be involved in our lives today. It would have been enough to provide for our redemption and never offer another blessing. By doing that He provided far more than we deserve, but our blessing did not end with our conversion. In fact they only began. Christ continues to meet our needs and bless our lives! Ps.68:19 – Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Ps.40:5 – Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.