by John O’Malley
“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not” (Ruth 2:16).
Ruth returned to the work in the field to begin gleaning again. Joy filled her mind as she reviewed words Boaz spoke during the meal they shared. Oh, how his words still ministered to her heart and soul! It was easy to trust him; his words spoke peace to her heart. She found that as she drew near to him, hope’s embers became rekindled in the hearth of her heart.
With Ruth safe in the fields, Boaz instructed his men in a new method of harvesting. These men were well acquainted with the latest techniques and styles of harvesting. They were hired by Boaz because of their ability to harvest efficiently.
However, Boaz's instructions seemed counterproductive to anything they had heard or seen done in the harvest field. His first words were to “let some fall.” There was no doubt; Boaz’s words were clear. They were to purposely let some of the handfuls of the harvest fall onto the ground.
Dropping the fruit of the harvest was not a natural act to them. Their skills were well learned. They knew how to swiftly strike the scythe to the stems and grab the falling crop in a seamless movement. Now with their new instructions, Boaz told them after they had labored to retrieve some of the harvest, they were to let some of it fall to the ground for Ruth.
Questions were sure to rise, but Boaz had spoken; his words and will must become their own words and will. They were to let go of what they had worked hard to get, all for the sake of Boaz. They could not spend all their time cherishing every grain gathered as if it were their own crop. They must not fuss over what Boaz said to do. They were to take some of their labors and let them fall for the benefit of another.
Many times those who are working for the Eternal Boaz are hindered by pride. We look at our areas and admire accomplishments. This can be a real hindrance when God requires of us to take what we have done for Him and give it to His work and to His workers. We love to delight in our abundance, as if it were our own.
This “pride-filled” mentality still affects our labors in the Eternal Boaz’s field. Many times we see what we have done as our personal achievement, when in truth we are to be working in His harvest, with His tools, and with His methods. We can claim no fruit as our own. When God says, “Let some fall,” we should reply with delight, “Your will is my desire!”
When our Eternal Boaz asks you to drop some handfuls of purpose for His workers, what is your reply and reaction?