Finding the Right Place

“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 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 2:2-3

It is interesting to note that Naomi had returned to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:22). The Feast of Passover was celebrated at this time, commemorating the end of the Jewish exile in Egypt. Naomi had been in exile but now was back at home. She probably took pleasure in seeing the people busy in the fields reaping the golden grain.

Ruth felt the responsibility of providing for herself and Naomi, and so she requested she be allowed to find a field where she could glean after the reapers and obtain food. No doubt she was concerned about her reception. Would she be rejected because she was a stranger? I can imagine that Naomi was concerned and prayed that the Lord would guide Ruth to the right place and give her favour.

There were many harvest fields that Ruth could have chosen. But directed by the Lord, it was no coincidence that she chose a field belonging to Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi. God saw the bigger picture, He knew how the story would end, and He guided every step.

Perhaps when Ruth saw the owner of the field coming, she feared she might be asked to leave. But instead, he approached her and welcomed her. “Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.”

Surprised at being welcomed so sincerely, she asked him why. His reply in verses 11 and 12 gave her confidence and hope.

“And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.  The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

God had a plan for Ruth and He carefully guided her every step of the way. God has a plan for each one of our lives. He knew us and loved us long before we were born, and He shelters us under His wings, directing each step we take, to bring us to the place He wants us to be.

Prayer: Jesus, we are so thankful for your love and your mercy. No matter where we come from, or what our lives have been, You have a plan and a purpose for us and will direct our steps each day.

Devotion by Anne Johnston