October 20, 2021
Scripture: And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.” Ruth 2:6-7 ESV
Observation: As the story of Ruth continues, in this chapter, we read of Ruth capturing the attention of Boaz as she worked diligently gleaning the edges of his field (following a provision in the Mosaic law for those who were poor, Leviticus 23:22). Boaz then calls Ruth over to him, commends her for her faithful service to her mother-in-law, and implores her to continue working in his field under his protection. He also extends a hand of hospitality to Ruth and invites her to join him for bread and wine (revealing his sparked affection for her). But Ruth did not work the angles of a budding romance. She returned to the field and harvested until evening. Consequently, when Ruth returned home with an abundance of barley and wheat, Noami inquired where Ruth had gathered the grain and discovered she had labored in the field of a “kinsman redeemer.”
Takeaway: We may never know the impact we make on others by our faithful work. Whether our job is high caliber or mundane, others will take notice of our work habits. And when we are diligent in our efforts, more often than not, we will gain the favor of our supervisors, which may lead to job advancement. Regardless of the outcome, God promotes our faithful workers and, in due time, will expand our realm of responsibility (as Jesus taught in his Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30). It may not mean promotions or pay raises (which should never be our primary motive). But our diligent labor brings glory to God and impacts the next generation. Indeed, Ruth would become the great-grandmother of King David—another faithful worker.
Prayer: Father God, please help us develop a godly work ethic that gains the respect of others and brings you glory. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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