Ruth. Part Two.

Ruth and Naomi are now settled and searching for ways to provide their needs of survival. Elimelech had a relative named Boaz who was considered a kinsman redeemer--see Leviticus 25:47-49. He was wealthy and had the ability to save Ruth and Naomi from their despair and poverty--not becoming slaves. Ruth tells Naomi she is going to glean from his fields and attempt to win his favor. So she goes and follows the harvesters and picks up the scraps that they either miss or don't deem worthy of reaping. Boaz takes notice of her and shares bread and oil with her as with his own maidens. He also tells his harvesters to leave her alone and to purposefully drop the grains and such so Ruth can pick them up!

Here's the part that sticks out to me. Ruth asks him why she has found favor in his sight. And he answers:  

"And Boaz said to her, I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to a people unknown to you before. The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under Whose wings you have come to take refuge!" (Ruth 2:11, 12 AMP)

He doesn't say, "I want to reward you for what you have so faithfully done." He says, "The Lord reward you for what you have done." It's not that he doesn't like her actions also, but he gives the glory and honor to God. His riches come from Him and Boaz uses it for His glory. 

There are so many aspects of this history that speak to me. Ruth is rewarded for her faith as I mentioned in the last post and will continue to be faithful as the history prevails.

Also there is the kinsman redeemer that is absolutely powerful because it illustrates a trait of Jesus the Christ. He is our redeemer. He is the one relative that can save us from slavery. We just have to go to Him and glean his fields. We just have to pick up his scraps...although He is presenting us with the best of His harvest. Am I picking up the little bits or am I feasting at His dinner table?