kindness

Pointing Towards God

God’s care and providence are highlighted throughout the book of Ruth. As we sincerely follow God, He will care for us and guide us along a path that will honor His name.

Ruth 4:14-22

The last verses in this book are compiled of the blessings given to Naomi upon her family’s restoration, and the genealogy of Ruth and Boaz’s first son, Obed. In verses 14 and 15, we read an account of the women in Naomi’s life rejoicing with her for God’s blessings.

Ruth 4:14-15 Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. "May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

This response is similar to when Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist in Luke 1:58, “And her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her”.

Notice in both these instances, rejoicing is a result of recognizing the goodness of God, “Blessed is the Lord” and “the Lord had displayed His great mercy”. There is no attribution to any deserved conclusion from a person’s actions, for instance ‘look at what I have done’, only glory to God for His mercy and kindness.

Psalm 34:1-3; Psalm 103:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How is this different from many reactions we might see today of ‘good’ results?
In your own life, do you attribute blessing to God or do you act as though you deserve His favor?

We may often hear words of encouragement that sound like, ‘you worked hard’, or ‘you deserve this’. While these statements might hold some credence, the real fact is all good things come from God’s hand. The women involved in Naomi’s life encouraged her. There are several scriptures that affirm our support of one another through both the pleasant and difficult circumstances of life.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

1Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if [one] member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

What does it look like to rejoice in the blessing of others?
How might you be able to sorrow with another?

Blessings were given to Boaz upon acquisition of Elimelech’s land and Boaz’s marriage to Ruth. Ruth had been on quite a journey. Roughly fifteen years earlier, the thought of all that had happened to her would have been inconceivable. Her marriage to Mahlon from the land of Bethlehem, his early death, her faithful relationship with her mother-in-law, her conversion to the Jewish religion, leaving the land of her birth and traveling to the hometown of her husband’s family, her acceptance into a foreign culture and working as a poor widow in the fields, meeting Boaz, trusting the advice of Naomi, and approaching Boaz as the redeemer of Elimelech’s family name and property, are the elements of a story that could only be written by God’s hand.

Take a moment to recognize God’s direction of your life.

Do you see His blessing in circumstances you might not have chosen for yourself?
Are you thankful for the times He caused you to turn right when you wanted to turn left?
How has He used the more difficult times in your life to cause your trust in Him to grow?

Naomi had lost all and now the future that had seemed bleak is full of hope and promise. We can hardly imagine the devastating loss of a husband and two sons, yet, God gave Naomi a daughter-in-law who loved her and showed kindness and care through difficulty. Often, we do not understand the circumstances God allows. In His perfect time, He bestows a path that is so much better than what we could have hoped. This leads us to the necessity of following Ruth’s example to trust in God for all things, even when the path is unclear or undesirable. It is not about what we want, it is about how God will use our life to glorify Himself.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Ps 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Recognize that the above scriptures do not state that God might sustain or might direct. Rather, God will care for those who sincerely follow Him. There is no question of His faithfulness in our lives.

Read this encouragement in Isaiah 58:10-11, “And if you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom [will become] like midday. "And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail”.

We have choices. We can either be discontent and bemoan our circumstances, wishing things were different, spending our time sorrowing for what we no longer have or how things might have been, or we can walk forward in trust, asking God to show us where we can be used as we fill our days with serving Him.

Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death. (KJV)

As long as we are still here on Earth, God has a plan for us. We are to continue to be committed to serving Him in whatever capacity we are able, remaining joyful for His care and guidance. He will carry us through. Find joy in this truth!

Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear [you!] I have done [it,] and I shall carry [you;] and I shall bear [you,] and I shall deliver [you.]

Ruth 4:16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse.

We are given a glimpse of Naomi’s broken heart and spirit in the first chapter of Ruth. She had encouraged her daughters-in-law to forge ahead with their own lives in Moab as she was contemplating her loss of husband and sons. Now, in this final chapter of Ruth, we see God has a very direct plan for Naomi’s involvement in her grandson’s life. She has a significant role in his upbringing as was the custom in this culture. Naomi had a part in teaching her grandchild, showing him her affection and caring for him. According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary, in ancient times, the position of a nurse, wherever one was maintained, was one of much honor and importance. This position is akin to being a foster-mother or guardian.

In a way, God had given to Naomi a son – meaning a builder of the family name – to restore what she had lost.

Ruth 4:17 And the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi!" So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, became the grandfather of David. Here is the conclusion of this book, the genealogy of Christ, from the line of David. Consider this picture of redemption. Boaz did not reject Ruth because of her low estate. Instead, he chose to give her honor by marriage. Likewise, God has not rejected us because of our sin, rather He sent Jesus to redeem us so that we might have a position in heaven with Him. We are wholly undeserving yet fully blessed.

Ruth 4:18-22 states the genealogy of our Savior, sent from heaven to be born of man. Commentaries agree that some names are omitted in the genealogy. More complete lists are found in the book of 1 Chronicles, Numbers and Matthew. What is written is what we need to know, God used a Gentile woman from the land of Moab to fulfill His promise of a Messiah.

This is only an account that God could have written. Read this excerpt from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, “The distress of Naomi; her affectionate concern for her daughter-in-law; the reluctant departure of Orpah; the dutiful attachment of Ruth; and the sorrowful return to Bethlehem … the account of Ruth’s industry and attention to Naomi; of the elegant charity of Boaz … the care of Divine Providence over those who sincerely fear God, and honestly aim at fulfilling His will, the circumstance of a Moabitess becoming an ancestor of the Messiah seems to have been a pre-intimation of the admission of the Gentiles into his church. It must be remarked, that in the estimation of the Jews, it was disgraceful to David to have derived his birth from a Moabitess … This book, therefore, contains an intrinsic proof of its own verity, as it reveals a circumstance so little flattering to the sovereign of Israel …

Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s kindness are themes in this book. What does your life say of your loyalty to God? How do you express kindness to others?

Do you trust God in all circumstances, remaining patient for His answers? How is trust exemplified in your life?

Consider Ruth’s example of humility. How will you apply this example in your present circumstances?

God’s care and providence are highlighted throughout the book of Ruth. As we sincerely follow God, He will care for us and guide us along a path that will honor His name. Take a moment to think about the ending of this book.

Who does it point to?

“All the Scriptures are intended to lead us in faith to the great Redeemer. God grant that they may not miss their design in our case”. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

Kindness and Blessing

When we fully understand God’s love towards us, we will be motivated to love others. We will be drenched in humility and look for opportunities to extend the love we have received.

Nearing the end of Chapter 2 in Ruth, conversation between Naomi and Ruth continues. Naomi reveals to Ruth that the man named Boaz, whose field she was allowed to glean, is a relative. In fact, Boaz is of their closest relatives. Ruth offers even more specific information of the interaction between herself and Boaz. Naomi then encourages Ruth with direction for the coming days ahead. The relationship between these two women is evidence of their deep affection for one another. The treasure we have in relationships, the ability to confide and seek counsel, and the encouragement we gather from one another is a blessing as we move forward in our knowledge and understanding of God.

Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "May he be blessed of the LORD who has not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Again Naomi said to her, "The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives."

Naomi’s blessing to Boaz. Just as Naomi’s words in verse 19 blessed Boaz for his kindness, her words in verse 20 proclaim an abundance of blessing upon him from Jehovah God. The KJV of Ruth 2:20 reads, “Blessed be he of the Lord.” There is recognition from Naomi of God’s hand through Boaz in their care and she rightly turns the praise towards God.

What is your reaction when God allows you to clearly see His hand directing your life?

Often, God uses others as an encouragement to us when we are truly seeking to live for Him. Naomi honors God by giving Him the glory for this amazing turn of circumstances. Boaz’s kindness towards Ruth means the women will not be in fear of their supply of food and that Ruth will be safe as she works in the fields as a foreigner, without being harassed. To Naomi, who understands Jewish Law, it also means a possibility of redemption for her family name.

Naomi may have been fearful that with the death of her husband Elimelech, and their two sons, she could be forgotten in the family and left to fend on her own. We can surmise this because she had warned Ruth, even before their journey began, how difficult it might be when returning to Bethlehem. Yet, here is evidence of God’s mercy on His children.

Naomi prays for blessing upon Boaz because he had ‘not withdrawn his kindness to the living and to the dead.’ Kindness is the same word used for mercy.

What does it mean to show mercy to someone?

According to Word Web, mercy means to show great kindness toward the distressed. It is the feeling that motivates compassion.

Do we take the opportunities we have to show kindness and mercy towards one another? What might this look like?
Do we take the time to consider how we can be an encouragement?

God’s mercy toward us is much more than the kindness we might display towards others. We have been declared guilty and in need of salvation from sin’s destruction. In contrast, God is perfect, and man’s ugly display of sin is a grievance towards His holiness. Even though we are guilty, God chose to extend his love to man through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s mercy towards man declares the guilty to be guiltless. We have been saved from the wrath and punishment we truly deserve.

When we fully understand God’s love towards us, we will be motivated to love others. We will be drenched in humility and look for opportunities to extend the love we have received. Boaz was merciful toward Ruth and her reaction is one of humility. A humble mind has no thought of deserving something more or something better. Any advantage given, no matter how small it may seem, will be valued as an undeserved blessing.

How do these truths affect your attitude?

Naomi’s disclosure to Ruth. “The man is our relative, he is one of our closest relatives.” This is incredible information. Boaz is not only a distant relative but one who is able to act as kinsman redeemer for the family. This means restoring the family name and property. Imagine how difficult the past ten years or so has been for Naomi – leaving her home town during a time of famine, going to an area of idol worshippers, watching her sons get pulled into a heathen culture, the death of her husband, the death of both her sons, and returning destitute to Bethlehem. Now, in God’s perfect timing, when the famine in Bethlehem has ended, and at the beginning of harvest, with a loyal daughter-in-law whose heart has turned toward God, Naomi is given hope. God’s lovingkindness is shown towards Naomi and Ruth in a very practical way and unsuspecting set of circumstances. There is no doubt that God’s hand is directing the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. We have the advantage of reading this account from beginning to end so it is not difficult for us to see the blessings that are accumulating through the hands of God in these three lives.

As you retrace God’s direction in your life, are you able to see His blessings?

When we are in the midst of difficult circumstances, we may neglect to look to the hope we have that God is in control of all things. We can allow ourselves to become weighed down by discouragement (see Naomi’s response in Ruth 1:20), and forget the truth that God works all things for His glory. It is all about Him! We do not live for our pleasure – we live for His purpose.

Searching in Torrey’s Topical Textbook under the subject of glorifying God, one of the headings is listed as “All the blessings of God are designed to lead to” His glory. This is true in the account we are reading now, and it is true in your own life. Isaiah 60:21 reads, “Then all your people [will be] righteous; they will possess the land forever, the brand of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified.”

Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
John 15:7-8 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you, "By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and [so] prove to be My disciples.

The apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12 gives this charge to the church, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for [His] good pleasure.”

Again, the apostle Paul in his book to the Hebrews encourages them to honor God in all things. “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, [even] Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21.

How are you led to apply these truths?
How is God using you to glorify Himself?

Humility and Kindness

It is not our hard work that accomplishes anything but the ability to work hard that comes from God. It is not our intelligence that garners our understanding but the intelligence that God gives.

Ruth responds in humility to the kindness of Boaz, she did not expect or think she deserved his favor. After Boaz assured her of her safety and welcome in his fields, verse 10 describes her reaction.

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?"

Ruth cast her eyes down being overwhelmed and prostrated herself before Boaz. She placed herself in a position of inferiority. The culture of that day would signify her behavior as one of reverence and gratitude towards Boaz. We see this same posture when Joseph was governor and his brothers came needing food (Genesis 42:6). Also, in Matthew 2:11 when the Magi presented gifts to Jesus. There are many accounts of showing humility and reverence in the Bible.

Consider much of what we see today in the attitude of individuals. There is a permeating attitude of deservedness in our culture. We get caught up in wondering why someone did not treat us better, or the idea that something is not fair. We want accolades for who we are and what we have accomplished. We feel slighted when we are not recognized by individuals who are placed above us. Basically, we often think higher of ourselves than we ought. In fact, a humble attitude is easily overlooked in the world, even considered weak. Yet, the example we are shown throughout God’s word is to have a heart of humility, the opposite of pride and arrogance and deservedness.

Ruth questioned Boaz about his kindness to her especially because she was not from Bethlehem. Perhaps she thought Jewish law may not apply to her in gleaning the fields. Remember, the Jewish nation disdained the Moabites who were known as enemies of God. Boaz however shows kindness where kindness needs to be shown. Are we able to say this of ourselves? Or are we selective, or too busy, or consider it to be someone else’s job? Do we show mercy only to the extent we consider necessary? Are we willing to help others where they need help?

Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me [something] to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me”.

James 2:15 says, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for [their] body, what use is that”?

1John 3:16-18 tells us, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth”.

We are to have hearts of humility and thankfulness when kindness is shown towards us, understanding we are undeserving of such mercy. We are reminded to show kindness and grace towards others when we see a brother or sister in need. Learning to say thank you and learning to have eyes and actions that reach out to others is opposite of the world’s picture of service towards one another. Where do we stand – in the world or in the Word?

Moving on to verse 11 in Chapter Two of Ruth, think carefully for a moment and ask yourself these questions - What is your reputation? What characteristics would be used by others to describe you?

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said to her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know.

When Ruth questioned his kindness to her, Boaz proceeded to recall what had been relayed to him about her actions. The words ‘fully reported’ mean what he had heard stood out to him as her circumstances were explained. Rewind a bit and recall that Ruth had also lost her husband just as Naomi did. What hasn’t been recorded for us is her lamenting over her own situation. She must have experienced grief yet it doesn’t seem to be her focus. Instead, her example was to care for her mother-in-law who had lost her husband and both her sons. Ruth relinquished any possible support or acceptance she may have received from staying in her home town, and she followed Naomi into a foreign land and culture and professed faith in the God of the Jewish nation. Ruth heard God’s call and responded by leaving all behind.

Luke 14:27, 33 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Luke 9:23 And He was saying to [them] all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

God had allowed Ruth to understand the necessity of trusting in Him alone for all things. This shouldn’t prompt you to walk away from your home, job, family and all that is part of your immediate life. However, consider what comes first in your life? If you were to lose any of the persons or things familiar to you, would you be able to continue with a heart of trust and praise for God? Unfortunately, people often place their purpose in everything except the one constant we have – Jesus. Then, when loss knocks at the door, meaning and security and happiness dissipate and life’s focus is lost also. God knows us well and commands us to place Him at the forefront of our existence. Because of Jesus, we live. All lasting joy is found in Him alone. We praise God for the moments of laughter, and sweet memories and relationships and numerous blessings poured on our lives yet we must be prepared and willing to hold all things loosely. Only then can we fully grasp what is truly important. And only then will we learn to truly enjoy God’s blessings. Consider this – if we are always busy trying to hang on to something or control a situation, or we are in fear of losing a person or memory, how much are we able to relax and simply delight in the moments?

John 12:26 reads, “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him”.

Ruth’s actions preceded her reputation. In Ruth 1:16 we read of Ruth’s commitment and intentions, “But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you [or] turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people [shall be] my people, and your God, my God”.

So Boaz had been previously informed of Ruth’s pious behavior and desire to follow the God of Israel. He was impressed by what he had heard and this showed in his special kindness to her. This confirms the righteous character of Boaz also – that he was a man of God, esteeming those who follow God. Doing what God desires will always lead to blessing, perhaps not tangible in this life, but always to the reward of an eternal future in heaven. In following the God of the Jewish nation, Ruth had denounced the idols of Moab, the land of her birth and family. Any comfort or security she may have found in Moab was left behind. Her sincere choice to follow the one true God was evident in her actions. Her sole dependence was placed upon God for His provision and protection. Ruth’s actions caused Boaz to form a favorable impression of her faith and virtue.

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it”. Also read Psalm 55:22 which says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken”. Read the words of Jesus to Peter in Luke 18:28-30, “And Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own [homes,] and followed You.” And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life”.

Think back again to what Ruth left behind. In leaving Moab, it is possible she also left the possibility of being remarried. She was an outsider in Bethlehem and worse, she was from a land that was looked down upon because of its heathen gods. Leaving the town of her birth very well may have been like putting a seal on her fate as a single woman living in poverty forever. The essence here is Ruth did not just leave one possibility for another, she left all chances for a bright future for a plethora of unknowns. Each of us needs to come to Jesus willing to forsake all things that will vie for our attention. There is a daily, and even moment by moment, pushing away of the world from grabbing hold of us. Read Jesus’ words in Luke 14:33, “So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions”.

We live fairly easy lives in comparison to the cultures of Biblical times. There is little true religious persecution in America. Most of us are not forced to choose between family and faith. And even in the small percentage of those who have had to make this choice, who would you rather please? Who do you fear most? Man or God? There are many verses that tell us to fear God above all else. Here is just one of them, "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding”, Job 28:28. So then, what holds us back? What are you afraid to let go of in order to follow Jesus with your whole heart? We cannot slice salvation like a pie – a small piece for now, another later – it’s all or nothing.

In Ruth 2:12, Boaz gives Ruth a blessing. “May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”

What stood out the most as I first read this verse was the repetition of God’s name – the Lord …, the Lord, the God of Israel. Perhaps Boaz is reiterating to Ruth the true source of her blessings. The Lord rewards us; the Lord blesses us. It is not our hard work that accomplishes anything but the ability to work hard which comes from God. It is not our intelligence that garners our understanding but the intelligence that God gives us. We each need to be reminded where glory and honor is due, not at the hands of men but in God’s care for us. Boaz certainly knew Ruth’s background of idol worship and that she was a newer convert to the Jewish faith so maybe he was making the most of an opportunity to encourage Ruth to continue to trust in God, the one true God of Israel.

When people are thankful towards you for serving them, how do you respond? This is a great chance to speak of God’s blessings and care for His children. Do we turn praise towards God or accept it for ourselves? What is your motivation in serving? Remember the warning given in Mathew 6:1, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven”. Boaz refers to God as the Lord Jehovah and the God of Israel – the eternal Lord, and judge and ruler of the Jewish people. There was no mistake who Boaz worshiped and served.

Consider how exciting it is to watch someone learn to trust God. Imagine the blessing of knowing Ruth’s background and seeing her confidently move forward in her faith. God has purposed each step Ruth has taken and will continue to do so as she takes refuge in Him. Boaz knows this and Ruth must be marveling at God’s provision towards her and Naomi. As you take a moment to rewind circumstances in your own life, are you able to see the protection of the God who loves you? Do you find peace and security in His hands? Ruth 2:12 says, “the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge”. These words remind us that God is our refuge. He is the one we should flee to for protection. He is the one who offers true hope. Is your trust in Him alone? Where do you go for protection?

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,

Psalm 36:7 How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.

Ps 57:1 (For the choir director; [set to] Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when he fled) (from Saul, in the cave.) Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; And in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by.

Ps 63:7 For Thou hast been my help, And in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy.

God will fully supply our needs as we rely upon Him. Boaz’ response to Ruth gives us further evidence of her true conversion to Naomi’s God because her faith is seen in her actions. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him”.

Tag: kindness

Pointing Towards God

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Humility and Kindness

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