by John O’Malley
“After the reapers among the sheaves” (Ruth 2:7).
Boaz’s servant was in the midst of relating Ruth’s conversation with him to Boaz. Boaz’s interest has been piqued by this gentle soul who came to glean in his field. He enquired of this servant that he had set over his reapers about the new gleaner.
Previously, we considered how the servant was uniquely impressed by her devotion and desire. However, this phrase“after the reapers among the sheaves”helps us to discover Ruth’s determination.
The phrase from verse seven indicates to me the level of Ruth’s determination for Boaz’s harvest fields. Ruth was determined not to seek a lofty position in Boaz’s harvest. She wanted to be in a place “after the reapers.” She was not seeking to be elevated to reaper status; she only wanted to be behind the ones doing the reaping. She was determined to be involved in the shadows of the harvest work. She did not want the spotlight for herself.
Furthermore, Ruth was not looking for the easiest place to labor; she merely wanted to pick up the droppings around the sheaves. Ruth cared only that she got to be involved in the harvest, not whether she was noticed in the harvest. Her mind was set on harvest work, not her own worth.
Ruth’s level of determination is quite convicting in light of the present situation in our churches concerning the Lord’s harvest of souls at home and abroad. Today, many Christians have only a casual interest in our Eternal Boaz’s fields. They want to hear the unique stories from the harvest field, but never care to do anything themselves. They love the missionary stories, but they will not exert an ounce of determination toward being involved in giving or going to the mission field.
Our Eternal Boaz is aware of your participation in His harvest.Your pastor is concerned for your involvement in the harvest. Remember your pastor is God’s servant set over you as a reaper. Hebrews 13:17 commands believers to “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
When it comes to doing God’s work in your church, contemplate and then answer these three questions:
1. Does my devotion to the harvest meet the approval of my Eternal Boaz and my pastor?
2. Does my desire for the harvest meet the approval of my Eternal Boaz and my pastor?
3. Does my determination for the harvest meet the approval of my Eternal Boaz and my pastor?