by John O’Malley
“Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn” (Ruth 2:9).
Boaz took the time, before his conversation with Ruth, to seek out the young men in his field that had selfish interests and ill motives. He informed them that Ruth, the beautiful Moabite, was off limits to them. Boaz wanted no one to harm, hurt, or hinder the Gentile gem God had placed in his care.
Ruth, a poor, widowed stranger in the land, had no husband to protect her. She had no father to stand for her cause in matters of the heart and home. Her arrival in Boaz’s field during such a tumultuous time in Israel had brought this reality to the forefront. The words“have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee?” spoke volumes to her heart.
Ruth’s heart filled with joy as she realized the efforts Boaz had made, even before he had spoken with her, for her protection. Ruth listened intently to Boaz. She recognized that Boaz met everything she needed at this moment in her life.
Ruth needed a place to glean; Boaz met the need. She needed provision for her future; Boaz met the need. She needed protection from the self-gratifying men of the day; Boaz met the need. She reckoned with certainty that Boaz was sufficient for her.
We need to remember that as the days grow dark and gloomy, and as Satan roams about with his selfish interests and ill motives, our Eternal Boaz is protecting us. When Satan seeks to rob us of the confidence of His provision, rest assured that our Eternal Boaz is providing for us. When our hearts feel empty and hurting, our Eternal Boaz has left a handful of purpose for us.
Reader, we would do well to recognize that our Eternal Boaz is sufficient for all our needs.Our needs for provision and protection are met fully, and only, in Him. Keep looking up; our Eternal Boaz is near!