by John O’Malley
“And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest” (Ruth 2:21).
Ruth sought to convey to her mother-in-law every event of that day. So much had happened to her heart since she met Boaz. The emptiness she had felt since the death of Mahlon had left an ache that could not be assuaged, but she was sure the bloom of love had begun to open again. Its familiar fragrance permeated the recesses of her mind and heart and she began to beam. The words flowed with devoted pride as she delivered Boaz’s message to Naomi: “Thou shalt keep fast by my young men.”
Boaz’s words revealed his affection for Ruth. This precious gem, soon to be inlaid in the Messiah’s crown, had been treated with dignity and honor by the region’s most honorable citizen. His words were simple: she was not to leave the side of the young men whom he had disarmed from any vile intention. Ruth could stand in any field belonging to Boaz and not fear rebuke or reproach from anyone.
The workers in the field knew full well that Ruth had taken residence in the heart of Boaz. They could not explain it, they just knew it. The workers in the field had a direct charge from Boaz: “Work and finish my harvest.”
Ruth’s charge to keep fast was not solely for her benefit. Consider the benefit it was for the workers. Boaz’s workers needed Ruth’s presence; it served as encouragement to them. The Lord of the harvest did not leave them alone in the field. He remembered them and sent them a token of His affection. Ruth’s presence among the workers provided edification for them. The workers of Boaz would enjoy hearing how Boaz was caring for Ruth. They could share with her his goodness to them. Her presence met their need, built them up, and kept them going.
Boaz’s words, “keep fast by the workers,” still deliver a clear message to God’s children today. Consider your church home as a type of Ruth for just a moment. Your church has been given a command to keep fast by His workers, the missionaries serving on the mission field. Ruth was to keep fast by them. She needed them, and they needed her. She was not to be distracted by other offers. Other things could not delay her. She was to keep fast, to stick close to his people for her benefit, for their benefit, and for his benefit.
Keep fast by His workers, dear Ruth. It is there that you will find friendship, fellowship, and fulfillment. Keep fast by His workers, dear Ruth. All that you need is in His fields, with His workers caring for His business.