Reflection
Read again the interaction between Boaz and Ruth in the field: Ruth 2:1-10 – Especially those verses 7-10
Discussion
Note in reading this that Ruth made her request to the foreman, who gave her no answer himself. She then patiently waited. He relayed her request to Boaz, who could grant it if he wanted to. In reading the interaction we get the sense of disgust between the foreman and his opinion of Ruth. He still offers up her request to Boaz for action.
Boaz does act. He acts in a big way. More than anyone ever expected. More than any legal requirement. More than he had to for sure.
We can’t help but see the connection here to the way God treats us. There is a measure of prayer in these words with a request sent out and the one with authority responding. Somethings we pray and it feels like it just gets to the foreman, right? Like it is not getting all the way to the top. Let me assure you that when you make requests of God, your Redeemer, He does hear them. He hears them and He responds in the most beneficial way to you.
Look also at Ruth’s response. She is completely humbled by the reaction and response of Boaz. He bows low and she thanks him. I can only imagine the stunned look on the formans face when he hears this request granted also. As he picks his jaw up off the floor, I wonder if Ruth winks at him as she walks by to begin her work.
Connection
What are you most grateful for that it humbles your life to think about it?
What is something you have prayed about and God has answered in a way you would have never expected?
What is something you are still praying about today seeking God’s direction?
Expansion
Prayer
Prayer is a special form of communication between God and His people enabled and guided by the Holy Spirit and meant to happen constantly. Following the example of Jesus, believers should pray for God’s glory, seeking God’s will and provision, confessing their sins and requesting forgiveness, and asking for direction from God. When we pray we should approach the throne of God with confidence that He will meet all of our needs both physical and spiritual with our best interest at heart. In prayer, our ultimate desire is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Psalm 34:15, Hebrews 4:16, Ecclesiastes 5:2, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Romans, 8:26, Acts 12:5, Acts 12:7, Philippians 4:6, Luke 11:2-13, Luke 18:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18-19, Matthew 6:5-8, Luke 22:39-44, John 15:7, 1 John 5:14, Isaiah 59:1, Luke 6:12, Luke 22:45-46, Colossians 4:2-3, Psalm 13:1-2, Psalm 22:2, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Matthew 14:35-36