The story of Ruth continues. In the previous post, Ruth decided to work in the fields and gather grain. And as it happens she finds herself in the field of a man named Boaz, a kinsman redeemer or family redeemer.
Taking chances
Bear in mind, Ruth’s decision to work in the fields was not so she could meet someone, let alone the person who had the power to turn her fortunes around. For a Moabite widow, this was the only job she could get. It wasn’t ideal. But her choice was to either wait until her imaginary dream life materialized or to pick what was available in this season of her life.
She decided not to wait for circumstances to change and took the initiative. Even if this meant she had to work in less-than-ideal circumstances in a job that had absolutely no growth potential. Actually, it wasn’t technically a job, it was a means of survival. Ruth had absolutely no idea how far-reaching that one decision would be, but God did.
Making the right choice
So far we’ve learned about the ability to recognize choices. As followers of Christ, we are not victims of circumstances, setbacks or failures: we have choices. Not only is it important to remember that, but the kinds of choices we make are also essential.
All throughout the book of Ruth, not only did Ruth recognize she had a choice (and didn’t blame her circumstances for her misfortunes) but she also made the right choices. She did what was right without fanfare or self-promotion. She chose honorable selfless decisions even though it was hard. Ironically, Boaz extended to Ruth the same kindness.
Boaz’s choice
First, he tells Ruth to only gather from his field. He knows the potential dangers of working in unknown fields and wants to make sure she is safe. He also instructs the young men to stay away from her. In addition, he also provides for her. He tells the harvesters to deliberately drop some grain for her, so she has plenty to gather. Lastly, he looks out for her health. He tells her to drink from the water his workers drew and to eat with them even though she is not his employee and he has no obligation to feed her (Ruth 2:1-17).
Not only did Boaz choose to do what was right but his generosity to Ruth didn’t end on the harvest field. He didn’t hesitate to help her when she asked him to be her kinsman (or family) redeemer (Ruth 3:7-10).
Note, Ruth did nothing to curry these favors. She didn’t make her choices expecting something in return. She simply chose to do what was right. If we make choices for the explicit purpose of getting something in return, then our motive is wrong. We should do good because we are called to. The intrinsic value of that is far greater than accolades and material benefits. It was Ruth’s character that was commendable.
Making the hard choices
So recognizing choices is the first step in dealing with our circumstances. And how to respond is the second. We can always choose to do what is right, even if it’s going to be hard. Ruth and Boaz chose to do what was right regardless of how much it cost them. It certainly wasn’t the popular or easiest decision to make but they chose to do what was right instead of what was easy.
Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it. – Matthew 7:13-14 CEV