Ruth is chalk full of lessons that are so easily missed. We understand the story to be about Ruth and Naomi and the handsome "prince" Boaz. It would be wrong to say that the book isn't about those things, but what Ruth, Naomi and Boaz have to teach us goes far beyond just a romantic fairytale.
One of the turning points in this book is when Ruth confronts Boaz about gleaning in his field. Back in those days, gleaning was a common practice of field owners and therefore her confrontation seems odd. What I didn't recognize is what Ruth was actually asking... she wasn't asking to stick with the common practice of her time - not at all - she was asking to break the rules, to follow the harvesters before any paid worker came by to gather. In other words, she wants to step out of "line" and get a better result for her labor in order to provide for Naomi. What I had failed to see in the past was that Boaz wasn't just being generous, he was being obedient. "The letter of the law says, 'Let them glean." the spirit of the Law says, 'Feed them.' Two entirely different concepts. Ruth's bold proposal exposes the difference." (Custis James, 102). Boaz was motivated to serve Ruth's needs not out of a sudden infatuation for her but instead because he had a heart for the Lord. The parameters of obedience to the Lord are limitless and Boaz saw that through Ruth's request.
As a Christian, I can be so set in my ways that I ignore new ways to be obedient to the Lord. It's odd to me that in the world we live in, with new ideas springing up around us daily, I can put a limit on faith. Boaz had to make decisions about how much he would leave behind for the gleaners: how wide are the edges of the field, how thoroughly should workers clear the grain, how big is the corner? Today it is no different, we all have questions that beg us to stretch our obedience beyond our comfort zone and we have to answer with generosity of heart.
How big is your corner?
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