Lessons from Ruth (2)

Under Old Testament law, God commanded Jewish farmers: 'When you harvest your crops on your land, do not harvest all the way to the corners of your field. If grain falls onto the ground, don't gather it up. Leave it for poor people and foreigners' (Leviticus 23:22 NCV). Ruth, a woman who was very faithful to her Jewish mother-in-law Naomi, was working in an obscure corner of a field owned by a wealthy man named Boaz. When Boaz saw Ruth, he called her out of the corner and instructed the reapers to drop handfuls of wheat in her path so that she wouldn't have to work so hard for it (see Ruth 2:16).

One moment of God's favour can change our lives, and he can do it through anyone. Ruth didn't know it, but because Boaz was related to her mother-in-law, it put him in the position to be her 'kinsman-redeemer' (see Ruth 3:1-9) - in those times, this was someone qualified to wipe her debt, care for her and meet her needs.

With God, our faithfulness to him and people is never unseen or overlooked. Others may not notice our faithfulness, but God does. 'God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them' (Hebrews 6:10 NIV).



So what now? God is saying to you, 'Come out of that corner!' He sees your faithfulness, and wants to reward and honour you for it.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Leave it for poor people and foreigners.' Leviticus 23:22 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Num 25-26, Mark 4:13-25, Ps 37:32-40 , Pro 11:7-8