Redeeming Ruth - Chapter 2

This week we continued to look at the book of Ruth. We join Ruth and Naomi once they have moved back to Bethlehem in Israel at the beginning of the barley harvest.

In Chapter 2 we see many positive aspects of Ruth’s character but probably what most stands out is her Moabite heritage. Looking at others areas of the Old Testament (Exodus 34, Numbers 25, Deuteronomy 6 and Deuteronomy 23) we see what it must have been like to live as a Moabite widow in Israel; she was an ‘outcast’.

Despite this, Boaz goes out of his way to demonstrate LOVING KINDNESS (a recurring theme through the chapter and book) to Ruth. He generously shows her care, respect and gives her honour far above expectations. He abundantly provides for her and Naomi out of his harvest, demonstrating both his adherance to the law but further than that, his understanding of the spirit of the law by giving far more than was required.

As we read about Boaz the too obvious conclusion is to simply emulate his example but when we examine ourselves we learn that even in our moments of generosity, our motives are flawed and we still yearn to know ‘how much is enough?’.

We considered then Jesus’ example of getting the spirit of the law, of showing far more mercy than was expected, of understanding God’s concern for his people and by focussing on the state of our hearts rather than on appearances. We see how Jesus FULFILLED the law by BECOMING the one true sacrifice, giving us not just what was generous but giving us his VERY SELF. We see how Jesus is the true Boaz and as recipients of this amazing generosity, we are in this context, the true Ruth. God has lavished upon us the status of children of God, brothers and sisters of Christ and a share in Jesus’ glorious inheritance.

So when we consider our limits and motives for generosity, instead we are simply blown away by Jesus’ supreme generosity. Our Saviour knows our burden when we are weary, our Father listens to our cries for help and our Counsellor gives us the power to live by. Only in this power and knowledge can we live and give as Boaz and ultimately, as Jesus did.

Questions
1. What happens when our giving/serving is bound by the letter of the law?

2. Why is God more focussed on the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of it?

3. Why does Jesus focus on the state of the heart more than outward appearance?

4. What ulterior motives do you have when you are serving?

5. In what situations are you tempted to tick the boxes and think you’ve done ‘enough’?

6. When hearing/reading about Jesus’ outstanding generosity, how are you challenged to respond?

Through the week
Consider every time you serve this week, be that leading a meeting or making someone a cup of tea, why am I really doing this? Have in mind the generosity of Jesus and his servant heart.