by John O’Malley
“So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law” (Ruth 2:23).
Ruth's daily trips to Boaz’s fields began in the months of early spring and ended in the heat of summer. In Boaz’s fields she met and made friends with Boaz’s maidens. She found her place of employment to be not a burden, but rather a blessing. It was there she found friendship, fellowship, and financial provision.
Ruth had a testimony of faithfulness before Naomi and those in Bethlehem-judah. Ruth arrived in town as a stranger, but Boaz's grace changed that status. She arrived in Bethlehem-judah with nothing, and then was given a position in his field, a purpose to fulfill, and provision for her family. Ruth knew that God had provided for her with her arrival at the beginning of the barley harvest. Ruth knew that this place and these people were God’s will for her life. It was His wings that took her there. It was His wings that provided her safety, security, and supply.
Ruth’s testimony in Scripture states that she stayed for both the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. When the one harvest ended and the next harvest began, she kept fast to Boaz's maidens and gleaned until all the crops were harvested. The thought that should capture every former citizen of Moab is that Ruth’s position and provision in the fields of Boaz was not taken lightly. Ruth did not allow the good times to take her from her role and responsibility; rather, she remained committed to his maidens until the work was done.
Ruth’s commitment to the harvest is needed still today. Every forgiven sinner must realize there is still more harvesting to be done. We cannot quit until the Lord of the harvest calls us in and declares the harvest over. Sadly, dear friend, you may have begun in one harvest and never moved to the next harvest.
Is Ruth's testimony equal to yours? Are you committed to Him to stay until He calls you home? Why would you be content to work only in one harvest? Is He content with your level of activity in His harvest? Have you backed away from a previous level of commitment? If so, commitment to Him will ensure completion of His harvesting.