by John O’Malley
“And Boaz answered and said unto her” (Ruth 2:11).
Boaz listened to Ruth with delight. She was so taken with his grace that he could not help but smile. He listened to her enquiries of his grace and the insistence of her great hindrances. Boaz took the time to listen with patience to all of Ruth’s concerns. Boaz had the answers already prepared for Ruth’s questions. Scripture indicates that it had been shown fully to him, yet he still listened.
Boaz did not quickly silence Ruth from speaking. He did not ignore Ruth’s concerns about her past, her problems, and her poverty. He listened to her as a father would to his own daughter. It is apparent that Boaz listened attentively and lovingly answered Ruth’s questions.
Boaz was not without an answer to Ruth’s questions. Ruth was burdened about her heritage, and Boaz listened attentively and offered a loving answer. Ruth felt the weight of her need to provide for Naomi and herself, and Boaz listened attentively and offered a loving answer. Ruth was keenly aware of her vulnerability as a widow, and Boaz listened attentively and offered a loving answer.
It is important to recognize that Boaz listened to Ruth before he answered her. Boaz had his answers ready before she questioned him. Boaz treated Ruth in a tender and special way. Ruth knew from Boaz’s response that she was loved.
Every believer should be mindful that we are treated in a tender and special way. This treatment is to an even greater degree than Ruth received from Boaz. Our Eternal Boaz listens attentively and offers loving answers for all of our concerns. Have you noticed in your prayer time how attentively He listens to us? God attentively listens to our prayers whether we are driving down the road or drifting off to sleep.
God not only attentively listens to our needs, He also offers to us His loving answers. Our Eternal Boaz’s loving answers are found in His Word. Our Eternal Boaz magnifies the simplicity of Boaz’s actions toward Ruth to a greater extent. Although our Eternal Boaz already has given His answer in His Word, He always attentively listens before He lovingly answers.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
--Joseph Scriven