by John O’Malley
“And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee” (Ruth 2:4).
This is the fourth time we have come to this verse to draw from its resources to help us in our walk with the Lord. As we draw from the enriching resources in this passage, let us reflect on the behavior of Boaz.
An analysis of the verse reveals that Boaz came to them in the field. What a precious comfort it must have been to those who worked for Boaz! Boaz knew where they were working. He had not become so busy with his other concerns that he had forgotten where they were. He set aside time in his day to come to their field. He made provision for his other responsibilities so that he could make his presence known to his people.
A close look further reveals that Boaz comforted them in the field. Boaz visited the field that day and did not just stand there; he initiated the conversation with them. He said, “The Lordbe with thee.” He placed a higher priority on letting them know he was there than he did on their productivity and work schedule. He knew that the hours of the day were passing, but he wanted them to be comforted in their work. He wanted them to know that they were vital to him, so he gave them just what they needed. He gave them the comfort of his presence and words.
We should further note that Boaz communicated with his workers in the field. They were not too far from hearing his voice. Boaz was not too far from hearing their voices either. Boaz’s voice came to them in their place of service. Boaz’s message spoke to their hearts and souls.
Note his words of comfort, “The Lordbe with thee.” It was what his workers needed to hear from him. Boaz’s words reminded them that their labor was not in vain. Boaz’s words refreshed in their minds that their labor was not without value. They heard Boaz’s words, and it reminded them that their labor was guaranteed a victory.
Our Eternal Boaz knows exactly where we are serving. Our Eternal Boaz will come personally come to our “field.” Our Eternal Boaz will comfort us in our work for Him. Our Eternal Boaz will communicate with us and listen to us.
Let the words of this spiritual song deliver a message of peace to your soul:
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is He.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.
-- Mrs. Civilla D. Martin