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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 12 July 2025:
Ruth 2:1–3 — So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz….
Ruth’s decision to glean is both humble and bold. As a foreign widow in a strange land, she takes initiative to provide for herself and Naomi. The narrator subtly underscores God’s providence when he says she “happened” to come to Boaz’s field. There is no coincidence here—God is orchestrating the meeting of Ruth and Boaz. Faith takes action. Ruth does not wait for blessing to fall into her lap. She walks into uncertainty with trust in God’s provision. We should do the same.
- Proverbs 16:9 — The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
- Romans 8:28 — And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.
Ruth 2:4–9 — “The LORD be with you! … Stay close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping…”
Boaz enters the story as a godly man whose speech and actions reflect his character. He blesses his workers, inquires about Ruth, and extends protection and provision to her. He goes beyond the letter of the law (Leviticus 19:9–10; Deuteronomy 24:19) to honor its spirit with generosity. This passage models servant-leadership, kindness to the vulnerable, and the beauty of holiness expressed through everyday work and generosity.
- Galatians 6:10 — So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Ruth 2:5-7 – Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”
Ruth’s story was known by others who watched her actions and thereby formed an opinion about the kind of person she was. She was known as uncommonly faithful and hardworking. What do people who don’t really know you say about you because of your reputation and deeds?
Ruth 2:10–13 — Why have I found favor in your eyes…?
Ruth is astonished by Boaz’s kindness. Though a Moabite, she is honored, not excluded. Boaz recognizes her loyalty to Naomi and her courage in seeking refuge under God’s wings. Boaz reflects Christlikeness here: showing grace to a Gentile outsider, welcoming her into the covenant community. Ruth reminds us of our own story—outsiders brought near by the mercy of our Redeemer.
- James 2:13 — Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Ephesians 2:12–13 — You were… alienated from the commonwealth of Israel…. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near.
Ruth 2:12 — “The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”
Boaz saw himself as an instrument through which God might repay Ruth for her fidelity. He treated Ruth with kindness on behalf of God. Do you serve others in the name of God?
Ruth 2:14–17 — Come here and eat some bread….
Boaz invites Ruth to his table and ensures she leaves with abundance. He not only lets her glean but commands his workers to drop extra grain for her. This picture of inclusion and provision mirrors Christ’s hospitality. Boaz’s actions foreshadow the gospel: the undeserving are not merely tolerated but welcomed and fed.
- Luke 14:13–14 — “When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind….”
Ruth 2:18–23 — “Blessed be the man who took notice of you.”
Naomi sees God’s hand in Ruth’s provision. Her heart, once bitter, is now stirred with hope. She exclaims, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” God’s kindness is made visible through human kindness. Naomi, who had felt forsaken, begins to glimpse redemption. Do people experience the love and hope of Christ’s love through you?
- Psalm 34:8 — Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
- Romans 2:4 — God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.
Ruth remains faithful in the work before her. She gleans until the end of harvest, trusting the process, not rushing the promise. Grace has found her, but character keeps her steady.
Ruth 2:20 — The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.
Again, God arranges circumstances for His purposes and brings the right people together at the right place at the right time to bless His people. However, remember that your sovereign, perfectly loving God is allowing things to unfold in your life, not to give you “the good life,” but rather to give you good character, Christlike character. If you want to know what God is doing, and what He wants you to do, this is it – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)
Ruth 2:22 — It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.
The Book of Ruth reminds us of what we read in Judges that, during that time, sexual sin and violence was common. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 12 July 2025: Like Ruth, step out in faith even when the path is uncertain. Like Boaz, show uncommon grace and generosity, especially to the marginalized. Like Naomi, look for signs of God’s faithful kindness even in your sorrow. Today, live with active faith and eyes open to God’s providence. Take one practical step today to bless someone who may feel like an outsider—a foreigner, newcomer, or overlooked person. In your heart and actions, reflect the grace Boaz showed Ruth, and the grace Christ has shown you.
Pray: “Lord, thank You for Your providence in the ordinary moments of life. Help me step out in faith like Ruth, show grace like Boaz, and rejoice in Your kindness like Naomi. Open my eyes to see where You are at work and make me an instrument of Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 