by John O’Malley
“And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich” (Ruth 3:10).
Boaz’s words of rewards, reassurance, and reflections had no sooner entered Ruth’s hearing than he elaborated on why he spoke of these things. Boaz said, “For thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.” Ruth must have smiled with humble delight, yet could she have ever thought that she could exhibit kindness to Boaz. How could this be?
Boaz’s words, as always, were precise and self-explanatory. Boaz noted an earlier kindness and a latter kindness. He determined that the latter kindness, her presentation to him at the threshing floor, superseded her earlier kindness. The origin of her earlier kindness is left for speculation by the reader. However, the focus is on her kindness this evening at the threshing floor.
Boaz knew she was younger and felt he was too old to be considered by this widowed kinsman; after all, there were younger men who may have caught her eye. Yet Boaz had not only caught her eye; he had caught her heart. A younger man would not be her choice. This was not a choice of age, ability, or appearance; rather, it was a choice of acceptance. Ruth knew he loved her when she was at her lowest and in her greatest hour of need.
Genuine affection is like that; it is not the glamorized image portrayed in films or television. Genuine affection is often realized when a kind look comes coupled with unconditional acceptance. This realization for Boaz occurred innocently in the harvest field and deliberately at the threshing floor. Boaz saw this as nothing less than her kindness to him; this was Ruth’s genuine expression of affection for him. Though he knew his heart for her, her arrival and announcement sent a clear message of kindness to his own heart.
This is a rather stirring thought to ponder. As Boaz revealed that Ruth had shown kindness to him, we should also let our thoughts dwell a moment on our Eternal Boaz. What kindnesses are we rendering to our Eternal Boaz?
Ruth rendered kindness to Boaz when she followed him. Does our Eternal Boaz see kindness from your walk with Him? When you follow your heart, your kindness is directed toward another. However, when you follow His heart, this sends a message of kindness straight to the heart of our Eternal Boaz!Did our Eternal Boaz hear a message of kindness from you yesterday? Will He hear one today?