In Ruth 1 we see the admirable expression of Ruth’s faith. Indeed, it is admirable, for such is the character of all that comes from God. Did not Jesus Himself admire the centurion of Capernaum who through faith acknowledged his own unworthiness and the omnipotence of the Lord’s word to heal his servant?
Ruth 2 shows us different characteristics of this faith and the blessings that grace brings to it. Up to this point, Ruth’s faith was resting on the work of grace which God had done on behalf of His people, but her faith must have a personal object, and it is impossible for her not to find it. Ruth does not yet know the mighty man spoken of in Ruth 2:11And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. (Ruth 2:1), but she hopes to meet him on the basis of grace. Listen to her speak to Naomi: “Let me, I pray, go to the field and glean among the ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find favor” (Ruth 2:22And 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. (Ruth 2:2)). Certainly God will guide her in this path. His providential grace brings her into the field of Boaz.
Grace Before Faith
Boaz comes from Bethlehem, calls out the blessing of the harvest to his servants (Psa. 129:88Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we bless you in the name of the Lord. (Psalm 129:8)), and immediately notices Ruth in the midst of the reapers. Grace goes before faith.
What a touching beauty is in this first meeting of Boaz and Ruth! The words falling from the lips of this wealthy man resound like heavenly music in the ears of the poor stranger. How many are the favors here heaped up for Ruth. But wait: This chapter has yet fresh gestures of grace in store for her, and the following chapters others yet. They multiply and grow greater until they reach the bounds of eternity! What should Ruth say to all this? If faith is already admirable, how much more admirable is he who is faith’s object. What majesty united with deepest condescension, yes, with almost maternal tenderness are seen in him! He towers up like the pillar of brass in Solomon’s temple, he stoops to the most minute and delicate attentions of love, a love that has nothing in common with human passion, a love full of holy, merciful majesty, raising up its beloved object to himself after having consented to stoop to her level.
Understanding
the Resources of Grace
The understanding of the resources of grace does not come to us in a moment. These resources are ours according to the measure of our faith’s activity. Bit by bit Christ opens to us the enjoyment of the infinite treasures of His heart.
The first thing Ruth does is to fall on her face and bow down to the ground. Should she not be thankful when Boaz expresses himself in this way? In turn, Ruth opens her mouth. “Why,” she asks, “have I found favor in thine eyes, that thou shouldest regard me, seeing I am a foreigner?” I love this “why” that demonstrates the deep humility of this young woman: “I have no right,” she says, as it were, “to such favor.” She is not concerned with herself except to confess her unworthiness, but how she appreciates him! “You took notice of me when I was nothing to you!”
In Ruth Boaz sees the work of love, the fruit of faith. Her care for Naomi, a type of the afflicted, distressed people of God, had not escaped the master. Yes, this poor daughter of Moab was in spirit a true Israelite in whom there was no guile. Also as a true daughter of Abraham she had left her land and her family and had made her way to a people unknown to her. Boaz sets his seal of approval on such love and faith; then he offers her a reward: “Jehovah recompense thy work, and let thy reward be full from Jehovah the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge”! The reward is not faith’s object, but rather serves as its encouragement.
Ruth answers as Moses once did in Exodus 33:1313Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (Exodus 33:13). Boaz’s praise does not puff her up; she is well aware that all is grace and she desires to find yet more grace. She recognizes his authority over her and declares herself to be his unworthy servant. Then he singles her out for honor by inviting her to his feast. Ruth sits at Boaz’s table!
Growing in Grace and Truth
The fellowship that Ruth has just found at Boaz’s table does not cause her to forget her task. On the contrary, she draws new strength from it for fresh activity with more abundant and more blessed results than ever before. In order to be effective, our work must flow from what we have received for ourselves and it will be all the richer in results the greater the measure in which we have personally enjoyed the Lord’s presence.
Naomi’s heart is full of gratitude toward the man who had shown regard for Ruth when he might have rejected her as a foreigner. What sweet conversation is this exchange between these two God-fearing women! Ruth speaks the charming name of Boaz, and Naomi responds by giving thanks to Him who had not left off His kindness toward the living and the dead.
Experience
What a touching character Naomi displays! Ruth shows more the initial enthusiasm of young faith, whereas Naomi reveals the experience of a faith matured in the school of testing. Naomi helps her daughter-in-law to know him better: “The man is near of kin to us, one of those who have the right of our redemption.” Experience always goes hand in hand with intelligence. Naomi is aware of what is becoming in Israel; she knows the order that is to adorn God’s house. The counsels of Christian experience always bind souls to the family of God and to Christ just as Naomi’s counsels attach Ruth to those who surround Boaz.
These counsels, however, also separate her from every other field (Ruth 2:2222And 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. (Ruth 2:22)). These other fields might well afford just as many ears to the gleaners, but they would lack the presence of the one to whom Ruth’s heart was henceforth indissolubly bound as well as the peace and joy that he dispenses. The experience of those who have grown old in the path of faith is precious, for such experience promotes a walk in holiness among the young! This voice of experience also will always understand how best to give thanks, for it knows the grace and kindness of the Lord in the past as well as in the present. Ruth cleaves to Boaz and dwells with her mother-in-law.
H. L. Rossier (adapted)