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.
That is a principle we need to consider in our day as well. God has His mighty hand upon us. John 10:28-29 – And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. [29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. We are secure in Him if we are saved. However, it is dangerous to wander from the field of grace. God has preserved the eternal soul of His redeemed, but trouble and heartache will come if we step outside the bounds God has set for us.
C. She Received Provision (9c) – and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Ruth was offered the opportunity to drink of the vessels of water the young men had drawn. When she was thirsty, her need would be supplied.
I rejoice for the living Fountain of Water that we have the ability to drink from. I remember the time when I was dry and thirsty and the Lord gave me to drink of Living Water! It is available to whosoever will. John 4:14 – But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Rev.22:17 – And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
III. The Appreciation of Her Encounter (10-14) – These verses reveal the response of Ruth and her appreciation for what Boaz had done. They also reveal how Boaz dealt with one who was undeserving. Notice:
A. Ruth was Humbled (10) – She was well aware of her history. She knew she was not worthy of any of the kindness Boaz had shown her. As she considered all that he had done, it humbled her and she bowed herself in his presence.
Do you ever pause to consider all that Jesus has done for you? Is that not a humbling thought? Does it not cause us to want to bow at His feet and praise Him for all of His goodness and grace in our lives? Where would any of us be were it not for His grace and provision?
B. Ruth was Honored (11-12) – Boaz was aware of Ruth’s kindness and faithfulness to Naomi. Those acts of kindness had not gone unnoticed and they would not go unrewarded. He honored her for all she had done. She may have been an undeserving Moabite, but she found favor in one who was aware of the life she had lived.
We shall all reap the harvest we have sown. Gal.6:8 – For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. For the child of God, our Lord is keeping a record of our lives as well. We like Ruth, those who are undeserving, will be acknowledged and rewarded based on the deeds we have done in this life. Matt.10:42 – And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Rev.22:12 – And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
C. Ruth was Honest (13) – She earnestly desired to find favor in the sight of Boaz even though she was not an Israelite. Boaz knew that even before she admitted it, but Ruth was open and honest with him. She did not try to be deceptive or manipulative. She was truly humbled and grateful for all that he had done for her.
I was challenged in my own walk with the Lord as I considered the honesty of Ruth. It would have done her no good to have pretended to be something she wasn’t. Boaz knew her. Our Lord knows us as well. He knows the lives we live, the thoughts we think, and the inner-most desires of our heart. We need to admit when we are wrong or when we have come short of what He desires of us. He already knows, but we must be willing to admit it!
D. Ruth was Helped (14) – Here we discover the abundance Ruth received beyond being allowed to glean in the field of grace. Consider:
1. The Invitation – She was invited to share a meal with Boaz himself. She was not treated as a foreigner. She was invited to eat at the table of the one who owned the field.
Isn’t that a blessing? Here is a woman whom most would not have cared whether she lived or died, much less been willing to supply her need, and Boaz invited her to have lunch at his table. What a picture of the grace of our Lord. When it seemed no one else cared for us, Jesus did. When we feared we would never be fulfilled, we were invited to come and dine at the Kings table!
2. The Preparation (14) – Ruth was not expected to eat from a portion prepared for the servants. She was invited to eat his bread and dip it in his vinegar. Boaz himself reached her parched corn. She enjoyed the very best of Boaz, and he personally attended to her needs!
We too serve a loving Savior who has spread the table and invited us to come and dine. We are not expected to partake of the leftovers, but the very best He has to offer. The Lord hand delivers special blessings to the redeemed!
3. The Satisfaction (14) – Ruth left the table of Boaz satisfied. She did eat and was sufficed. She left lacking or wanting nothing. He had met her need and she was fully satisfied. Jesus has the ability to satisfy as well. He can take a soul, lost and alone, and provide eternal peace and joy. He can take a Christian who is troubled and afraid, providing comfort and hope. He can take one who is wayward and offer restoration. I have never encountered my Lord and left desiring anything else!
Conclusion: This has been a wonderful study concerning the fullness of the field. God’s marvelous field of grace has whatever you need. He is more than able to supply our need and make provision for us. We have been granted the privilege of eating at His table. If there is a need in your life, Jesus is the answer. If you have never trusted Him in salvation, He stands ready to forgive, save, and restore.
