by John O’Malley
“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field” (Ruth 2:22).
The delight that pulsed through Ruth’s being would be hard to measure, as she heard for the third time in one day the phrase “my daughter.” She had heard it twice from Naomi in verse two and in verse twenty-two, and once from Boaz in verse eight.
Ruth’s journey from the land of her birth to the land of her belief is well documented in this book. Her decision to go to Bethlehem-judah meant she arrived beset by social stigmas. She was Moabite in her heritage; this troubled most Israelites. Ruth's arrival as a widow left her without the covering of a man, and susceptible to dangers from many sides. Ruth’s father and mother remained in Moab; she was by herself.
On the sixty-seven mile journey to Bethlehem-judah, she made her profession of faith and her confession to cling to Naomi for the rest of her days. Yet these decisions were initiated from her toward others. The law would force field owners to let her glean the corners, but none would be forced to take her as a daughter.
The beginning of Ruth’s day was marked with Naomi’s commission to her, “Go, my daughter.” Ruth set out to follow the Lord’s leading and to honor her commitment to Naomi’s commission. In the midst of her workday, Ruth heard again the phrase “my daughter” from Boaz. This phrase came when Boaz first met her in his fields. He could have said “widow woman” or “Moabite.” However, he chose to reveal his compassion and said to her, “my daughter.”
At the close of the day, Ruth heard Naomi say again, “my daughter.” This time the phrase sent a message of comfort to Ruth. She could be comforted by the fact that nothing had changed since they had been apart from each other for the day. With her labors ended, Ruth heard Naomi confirm, “You are my daughter.”
The sinner that has come to God in faith believing, knows the same adoption and acceptance that Ruth knew. What comfort it is to know in our commission, He calls us His own! In our labors for Him, He calls us His own. Even when the day is done and our labors for Him are over, He calls us His own. Child of God, you are not alone; He loves you and calls you His own.
Let not one of life’s struggles discourage you, disappoint you, or even bring dismay. The Lord of the harvest calls you His own. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, calls you His own. There is a day coming for all of His laborers where He will call His own to be with Him. Friend, live in this comfort today!