by John O’Malley
“And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not” (Ruth 2:15).
Ruth’s first meal with Boaz was most memorable. Boaz selected Ruth to come to the meal. Boaz served Ruth during the meal. Boaz satisfied her with his bounty and blessings.
Ruth knew that her responsibilities to fulfill her promise made to Naomi rested upon her shoulders. Furthermore, Ruth knew she must get back to the fields to finish the day’s gleaning. Though relishing in the favor of Boaz for the rest of the day would have been preferable, she realized that there were fields to glean. In an unrecorded silence, she removed herself from that special place of fellowship and food, and returned to work.
The image of this gleaner rising to return to her responsibilities creates a vivid image in this author’s mind. Ruth portrays for the student of the Word a clear view of Ruth’s priorities, purpose, and plans. Ruth valued her lord’s work over her own desire to rest. Ruth's purpose is seen as she left the fellowship to labor in the fields. Ruth’s plans become apparent when she departed for her duty. She knew that she had gleanings to gather in her lord’s harvest so she could provide for Naomi and herself.
Boaz and the others watched this special one under the wings of Jehovah’s protection graciously rise from the period of resting to return to her responsibility. Boaz knew she enjoyed his fellowship and favor. Boaz was impressed with her determination to do what was right. Boaz did not have to remind her of what she was to do; she just did it. Although they both would have loved to fellowship, they knew that when the harvest ended there would more time to do so.
For the believer, the beginning phrase from Ruth 2:15 leaves many lessons for living. Our hearts find a wonderful example in Ruth’s heart for the harvest. Many claim to enjoy the fellowship, favor, and food of Boaz, but they have no heart for His harvest. Some testify they cannot wait to spend forever in heaven with Jesus, but they have no heart for His harvest.
Ruth’s rising to her responsibility is our example that we should never allow our purposes, plans, and priorities to become focused on ourselves. When we do allow our will to rise above His will, we quickly lose our heart for His harvest.
Do you have a heart for His harvest?