by John O’Malley
“And Boaz answered and said unto her…under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:11-12).
Boaz stood in his fields surveying all the workers and the work that was being done. Ruth stood before Boaz as a younger woman who had proven herself in the fields among his workers and in the faith among his fellow worshippers.
Boaz’s comment on God’s certain recompensing and reward for Ruth settled in her heart. The conclusion of Boaz’s comments definitely stirs the intellect and offers inspiration to the reader of the Word of God. Boaz’s words highlight God’s relationship with Ruth and Ruth’s relationship to God.
Ruth’s relationship with God allowed a level of reflection she could not have previously attained. She was able to reflect spiritually upon the graciousness and goodness of God in her life to this point. Ruth had not enjoyed a life of ease. She had seen her share of trouble and trials, but none of those elements were enough to unsettle her faith. Ruth’s life revealed a contentment that the world could not rival.
Boaz saw this quality of faith in Ruth. He mentioned how he took notice that she trusted God and had come under His wings. This phrase reveals the determination of Ruth’s faith, the development of Ruth’s faith, and the decision of Ruth’s faith.
Ruth’s determination in her walk with the Lord was apparent when Boaz said, “under whose wings.” Ruth determined that she had lived out from under His wings too long. She determined upon her confession of faith that she would live under His wings. Ruth wanted God’s Word to reveal God’s way so she could do God’s work. She would be under God’s wings and not her own. While under God’s wings, she would find protection and provision. Under God’s wings, she would find shelter and shade. Under God’s wings, she would find contentment and confidence.
Ruth’s decision is seen in the two words, “whose wings.” Ruth made the decision in her heart and chose God’s wings for direction and protection. Ruth would not seek the wings of any other. Ruth would not return to Moab and seek the wings of idols. Ruth’s decision was clear in her heart and then became clear to the hearts of those around her.
Ruth’s development in the faith is evident from Boaz’s words as he said, “thou art come to trust.” Ruth had come to trust the Lord God of Israel. She had come to trust Him by burial grounds and border crossings. She had come to trust Him in barley fields and Bethlehem-judah. She had come to trust Him in matters of the harvest and matters of the heart. Ruth trusted God; she would not fear the outlook, the outcome, and the outside elements that would seek to dissuade her. Ruth trusted God with the details, direction, and the discomforts of life.
Under whose wings have we come to trust? Have we made the determination Ruth did? Have we made the decision Ruth made? Have we developed in the faith to trust only Him?
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