Finding Grace in the Fields of Life
"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter." - Ruth 2:2
In the Book of Ruth, we encounter a profound story of loyalty, love, and divine providence. Our focus today is on Ruth 2:2, which reads in the King James Version: "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
To understand the full impact of this verse, we must appreciate the context in which it occurs. Ruth, a Moabitess and a widow, clings to her mother-in-law, Naomi, after the loss of their husbands. Instead of returning to her homeland, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, declaring her commitment through the powerful words, "Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). In this commitment, we see the first glimpse of Ruth’s faith and determination, traits that will guide her through the dark days ahead.
When we find Ruth proposing to go gleaning in the fields, we witness her proactive nature. Despite facing significant cultural and social obstacles—as a foreigner and a widow—Ruth does not sit back and wait for opportunities to come to her. Instead, she takes initiative and seeks to provide for herself and Naomi. This is a demonstration of her character; she embodies resilience and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Moreover, Ruth’s request to Naomi signifies her understanding of the practices established in the Law, where the marginalized were provided for. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs farmers not to reap to the edges of their fields, allowing the poor and the sojourners to gather leftover crops. Ruth embodies this principle by seeking to glean. This aligns beautifully with her desire to find favor in the sight of those she approaches. Ruth's quest isn't simply about surviving; it reflects a profound hope that she will find grace in the eyes of those she meets.
The phrase "in whose sight I shall find grace" resonates deeply within the hearts of believers today. We live in a world where grace is often sought after, but we must ask ourselves—to whom are we looking for grace? Ruth places her trust not in her circumstances but in the possibility of favor from others. She demonstrates a critical aspect of spiritual life: the expectation of grace. This faith-filled anticipation often precedes the blessing that follows.
Naomi’s response, "Go, my daughter," is equally telling. It implies trust and support for Ruth’s initiative. Naomi’s own experience has taught her about God's workings in the lives of those who remain faithful, and she encourages Ruth to move forward. This moment exemplifies an important principle in Christian living: the importance of supporting one another in our endeavors, especially when we seek to follow God’s leading.
As we reflect on Ruth’s story, what can we learn about our own lives? Are we proactive in seeking out the blessings God has designed for us? Like Ruth, do we take steps of faith even when we feel outcast or disadvantaged? Our willingness to step into the unknown, to glean in the fields, and to seek grace from others can lead us to divine encounters and unexpected provisions.
In our pursuit of grace, we, too, should recognize that it often comes through our community, relationships, and acts of service. As Ruth gleaned in the fields, she unknowingly positioned herself for a pivotal encounter with Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. What blessings might await us when we step out in faith?
In closing, let us pray for the courage of Ruth—to see our challenges as opportunities to glean grace in the fields of our lives. Let us also remember to encourage one another like Naomi, as we journey together under the guiding hand of our Heavenly Father. May we seek grace from those around us and trust in God's provision, just as Ruth did. Amen.
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Ruth 2:2 - "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter." - Ruth 2:2
Ruth 2:22 - "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 2:8 - "Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:"
Ruth 2:21 - "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 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
Ruth 2:15 - "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:"
Ruth 4:2 - "And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down."
Ruth 2:1 - "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz."
Ruth 2:6 - "And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:"
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:17 - "So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley."
Ruth 2:16 - "And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not."
Ruth 2:4 - "¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee."
"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
Ruth 2:23 - "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."
"And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:" - Ruth 2:15
Ruth 2:12 - "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12
Ruth 1:2 - "And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."
"Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?" - Ruth 2:5
"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
"Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:" - Ruth 2:8
Ruth 2:18 - "¶ And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed."
Ruth 2:10 - "Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?"
Ruth 2:7 - "And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house."
Ruth 2:13 - "Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens."
Ruth 2:14 - "And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left."