The Story of Ruthናሙና

In Ruth 2, we meet Boaz, an influential Jewish man who is well respected by his employees and his community. The author of Ruth could not have known that Boaz would be a “type” for Jesus - someone who foreshadows the redeeming work that Jesus will do later in history. Isn’t it amazing to think about all the “types” and stories throughout the Old Testament that point us toward Jesus!

In the Mosaic law, God commands farmers not to harvest the very edges of their field or go back over their harvest a second time so that the poor in their community can pick what’s left. In this chapter, we find Ruth taking advantage of this law and harvesting barley from Boaz’s field. How does Boaz go beyond the instructions of God’s law in Leviticus to provide for Ruth and Naomi? What does the example of Boaz teach us about God’s provision for us?

Thank God for His provision in your life. How do you reflect God’s goodness in the way you provide for family, friends, and others? Is there a step you can take toward greater generosity?