“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. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.” Ruth 2:20
When Ruth finished her day of gleaning in the field, she returned home to Naomi with much barley to show for her day’s work. She told her how well she had been treated. Boaz had invited her to eat lunch with his workers. She had heard him tell his young men to drop some handfuls of grain on purpose for her. He had instructed her not to go anywhere else to glean but to follow his crew throughout the harvest season.
For a long time, Naomi had felt that God had forgotten and forsaken her. Everything she loved and held dear had been taken from her. But listening to Ruth’s account of the kindness that Boaz had shown, her heart began to awaken to God’s love, and faith was rekindled. The dark clouds of despair were lifted, and life seemed worth living again. She raised her voice in praise to the Lord.
Our world is full of hurting people today; those who have faced sorrow, grief, and discouragement, and feel that they are forsaken by God and by others. Sometimes all they need is for someone to show love and concern for them. A simple act of kindness from someone who loves God may be all it takes to restore their faith.
Peter gives us a list of characteristics that we should exhibit because we have Christ in our hearts. Verse 7 says: “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
We have come to the end of the week and have only touched on the first two chapters of Ruth. I hope that you have enjoyed reading the articles as much as I have enjoyed writing them. I feel I may continue this series next month, as there is so much more to consider.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for this beautiful story of Ruth and the lessons we can learn from the different characters portrayed. Lord, help us to have a kind and loving spirit, like Boaz, and may we manifest Your love to others.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
8 Comments
I have enjoyed this series of messages on the Book ofRuth. It’s wonderful to have continuity in the scripture selections.
Thank you. I am glad you have enjoyed them. I am going to try and continue the series next time. Have a blessed day.
I love this series and would love to see more! Thank you, Sister! I’ve always loved the book of Ruth and you’ve brought out even more. God bless you. Happy Sunday!
I am so glad you enjoyed the series and I hope to continue this next time. God bless you.
Please do continue this series on the Book of Ruth next month.
Thank you, Fern. I am working on this month”s
Thank you ! for taking the time to explore the book of Ruth. You have given us great insight to ponder . I love your devotionals and look forward to many more.
God Bless and keep you.
I am so glad you enjoyed them. I plan to continue this month. Have a blessed week.