Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Ruth

My mom has been teaching from the book of Ruth for the past two weeks at ladies Bible study. What a great story! We are in Ruth 2 this week. Its only after you come face to face with true poverty that y0u see what these women lived through. Ruth has the apparently humbling task of picking up grain after the reapers. This was something for the poorest of the poor to do. Not only was she a poor widow, but a Moabitess, most surely an outcast.
But God, in his mercy sends Boaz, who has already heard of the kind young woman who returned with Naomi. He speaks very kindly to her, and invites her to eat with his workers. What really touched me today after reading the story out loud at the meeting, was the fact that after she ate her fill, she saved the leftovers for Naomi. This wasn't like a doggie bag we sometimes take home from a restaurant. This was one hungry girl, remembering a hungry old woman at home. Most Americans don't know about hunger, except when they are on a diet! I have seen ladies at our Bible study taking the sandwiches and cookies we serve and fold them up in a napkin to take home for her little ones. I am sure Naomi was thrilled to get what ever Ruth had brought home to her.
Ruth was a hard working gal, and I admire her.
She chose to go to Israel even though she knew she would be an outcast.
Would I have been that brave?

Just a thought

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the story of Ruth, she really blessed Naomi too.

Kristi said...

This is one of my favorite Bible stories too. I wish you could hear Lou Rossi preach his message on My Kinsman Redeemer. OHhhhh!!! You'd shout the roof off your house.

~Kristi

Sis. Julie said...

I absolutely love the Book of Ruth. It is one of my favorites. As for your question....I'm not sure I'd have been like Ruth. But if I were willing to follow God and His direction....I'd like to say I would. I know how God worked in my life to bring me to where I would be saved. He moved the pieces of my life in order to put me where He wanted me. I'm so thankful that He is sovereign and knows just what needs to be done in my life to have His will and His way.