by John O’Malley
“Then said Boaz unto Ruth” (Ruth 2:8).
While God was at work in Moab bringing out Ruth for Himself, He was also working in Bethlehem-judah on Boaz. Boaz’s background prepared him for this moment of conversation. His mother was Rahab from Jericho. His father was an Israelite prince. He was an original inhabitant of Ephratah. God had given him good relationships in his community, great resources under his control, and the desire to be a gracious kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz enquired of his servant the details of Ruth’s arrival, her activity, her associations, and her abilities. Boaz, a seeker of God’s way and a steward in God’s work, had heard and observed all the transactions related to Ruth. Boaz would not be without comment.
In a few moments, Boaz will offer Ruth his protection, provision, and handfuls of purpose. Boaz and Ruth, as a couple, will be long remembered in Israel’s history. In a single moment of time, God’s plan takes shape and the rest is His story.
Let us not lightly consider that our Eternal Boaz is observing our harvest work. He has invested much in this harvest and He expects our best. God watched our arrival into His harvest field. He evaluates our activities, associations, and the use of our abilities in His field. Our Eternal Boaz even sent us His Servant, the Holy Spirit, to comfort us until the day He comes to get His gleaners for Himself.
Though we have not heard with our ears the actual, audible voice of our Eternal Boaz, there is coming a day when we will hear Him speak. The dictionary cannot contain enough words to describe our joy when we hear His voice for the first time on the other side.
C. Austin Miles, the songwriter, wrote in his song “In the Garden” these words that could describe our coming joy and Ruth’s present joy in hearing Boaz’s voice:
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing.
The sense of anticipation in hearing the voice of our Boaz should be enough to carry us through the harvest from this day until we actually hear His voice.