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.
D. A Man of Influence (20b) – And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. Naomi well understood the significance of Boaz’s relation to them. She knew he was a kinsman who had the potential and the resources to redeem them from their despair. Knowing that Ruth had gleaned in his field offered hope for the future. Boaz was able to completely transform their lives!
Many today just need to see Jesus for who He is. He has the power and ability to transform a life of sin to a life of eternal hope. John 9:25 – He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 2 Cor.5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The influence of Jesus is powerful and lasting. When He changes a life, it is for eternity!
II. They Talked of a Plan (21-23) – In the remaining verses we find that Naomi was aware of the significance of Ruth’s encounter with Boaz. Naomi offers some words of wisdom regarding Ruth’s conduct in the future.
A. A Word of Instruction (21) – And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. Here Naomi and Ruth discuss the words of Boaz. He spoke of:
1. The Place – Ruth was instructed to stay by his servants, only in his field. If she was to enjoy the harvest, she had to stay in the field. The same is true for us as well. It makes no difference whether we are believers seeking the abundance of the Lord or a lost sinner seeking salvation. We must abide in the field of grace.
2. The Time – Ruth was also instructed to remain in the field until all the harvest was ended. She had to know where to be and when to be there. This wasn’t for the faint of heart or uncommitted.
Many have missed their blessing because they were not there at the appointed time. Today is the day of salvation for those who are seeking the Lord. Now is the appointed time. 2 Cor.6:2 – (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
The saved are called on to be mindful of the time as well. We are nearer the Lord’s return than ever before. Hosea 10:12 – Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Eph.5:16 –Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
B. A Word of Exhortation (22) – And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. This exhortation is actually three-fold. Naomi spoke words of:
1. Comfort – It is good, my daughter. Moab had brought little to rejoice about. They had suffered great loss and devastation there. But now in Bethlehem, among the field of Boaz, there was renewed hope. We all face trials and difficulties in life. We have all seasons of heartache and despair, but all is not lost. There is hope in the Lord. It is good to dwell near Him.
2. Confidence – It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens. Naomi was aware that Ruth had gleaned in the field of Boaz. She was confident in his ability to provide for them. She was not worried or concerned about Ruth’s well-being or their future. She was in a good place.
There is much the world offers that is questionable at best. It offers little that brings hope, encouragement, or benefit. We can be confident in our Lord and even in His people. There is nothing like gleaning in the field of grace alongside the children of God!
3. Caution – It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. She knew that Ruth was where she needed to be. Naomi likely realized God’s hand had led Ruth to the field of Boaz. She was warned to stay in his field and not be found in another!
We must watch the company we keep. We must be mindful of the fields in which we glean. We must be careful where we go, with whom we associate, and what we consume regarding our spiritual well-being! We have been called to be among the world, but not of the world.
Ruth 2:23 – So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law. Here we discover Ruth stuck to the plan. She headed the instruction of Boaz and the exhortation of Naomi. She was committed to the field of grace until the end of the harvest. She remained committed to Naomi, just as she promised.
We need to realize the best intentions in the world are of no benefit if we are unwilling to remain committed to the cause. We must endure for the Lord, abiding near Him, in the field of His abundant grace. We must determine to seek the good and well-being of those whom we labor with. I want to do all I can for the glory of God and the good of His people!
Conclusion: We have considered a conversation that took place thousands of years ago between two widows that the world had abandoned. It appeared that their lives would end in utter devastation, but God had a plan for them. There is wisdom in these words that we need to head in our day as well. Have you considered the Man, Jesus Christ? Are you willing to follow the plan that He has for your life? There is hope, joy, and abundance in Him.
