by John O’Malley
“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she showed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz” (Ruth 2:19).
The events of Naomi’s day are not recorded for us in the text. It would be safe to conclude that Ruth crossed her heart and mind more than once throughout the day. “How much would she bring back? Would she bring any grains back? How far would she have to go before someone would permit her access to their fields?” Naomi certainly must have looked forward to hearing from Ruth upon her return from her first day of gleaning.
Ruth must have also been preparing in her heart and mind as each step drew her closer to home. God had been so kind to her that day. She wanted to tell everything and not miss a detail. Ruth came through the threshold of the door and began to display the bounty from Boaz. Naomi found herself overwhelmed by the rewards received from the hand of God.
Naomi knew the amount Ruth returned with exceeded her own ability and achievements. These gifts exhibited someone’s charity and she recognized it immediately. Someone out there in her homeland had taken the time to learn about her daughter-in-law and responded with grace.
Naomi’s questions for Ruth reveal a truth we must not overlook. Ruth could have attempted to glean in any field she chose. Had Ruth gone to another field, she would have been frustrated beyond measure and found herself fruitless in her labors. Had she chosen her own field, she would have not met Boaz. God had saved and delivered Ruth from Moab not for her to find her own provision, but to learn to trust Him for His provision.
Naomi’s questions should make the growing believer consider where we glean and how much we are gathering. Where are you gleaning? Are you in a field of your own choosing, or His choosing? How bountiful are the fruits of your labors? Are you experiencing all the blessings of God’s goodness?
If you are making your own way and seeing your own meager fruits for your labors, let Naomi’s questions provoke some thoughts in you. Am I in God’s field or my own field? Am I gleaning my own fruits or His fruits?
Where, oh where, are you gleaning and gathering?