Commendation of Boaz

As we consider the commendation of Boaz to Ruth, it is good for us to consider both the story of Ruth as well as the larger understanding of the picture this story paints of the relationship of Christ to His people or His church.

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.”

10 So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”

11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”

Ruth 2:8-13, NKJV

Commendation of Boaz

Boaz, upon hearing the accolades of Ruth by his servant, immediately went to her. Not only did he encourage her to continue gleaning in his fields, but he also promised her his protection. She need not fear any improper advances from his workers. Anyone who has had the occasion to be a foreigner understands Ruth's amazement. This was completely the opposite reaction she expected from the people of Bethlehem, especially from someone with the high standing of Boaz. After reporting the good words he had heard of her, he gave her an encouragement from God Himself: The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.

Humbled by his words, Ruth responded, Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.

As we consider the unfolding picture this story paints of our relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer, let us compare these verses to our lives today in this the 21st century.

When we consider Christ, we must be even more amazed than Ruth was at the reaction of Boaz to her. Who are we before Christ, and what in us makes us more "savable" than the next person? We are truly nothing before Christ, and we have no merit or acclaim that would cause Him to look at us and say, "Yes, I'll take that one." Yet, even before time began, God chose a people for Himself.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Ephesians 1:4, KJV

What does God do for His people? He opens their eyes to see Christ; they respond by choosing Christ, but that is not the end! Even while here on this earth, God guides and comforts His children, promising His eternal salvation and safety from all evil. Difficulties and troubles do come to us on this earth, yet the day is coming when all of this shall cease. Whether that occurs when we leave this earth through death, or if it occurs at the return of Christ, we will be ushered into His glorious kingdom where we will live with Him forever!

Let us, then, be encouraged this day, as we consider the commendation of Boaz, in the good providence of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we live this day with a song in our hearts and a skip to our steps as we consider all that Christ has purchased for us through His death, burial, and resurrection.

What an amazing God we serve!

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