Trusting Divine Timing: The Lesson from 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 3:2
In the rich narrative of the Book of Ruth, we find a profound story of loyalty, love, and divine providence woven together in the lives of its main characters. Today, we focus on Ruth 3:2, which states: "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor." This verse is more than just a mere observation; it encapsulates a pivotal moment in Ruth’s journey, filled with lessons worthy of our reflection.
To fully grasp the significance of this verse, we must enter the context surrounding it. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, despite the trials of their lives. Following the death of her husband, Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and her God speaks volumes about the depth of her character. This story unfolds in a time of scarcity, doubt, and desperation, yet Ruth remains steadfast. She goes out to glean in the fields, risking her safety and showing remarkable determination.
When Naomi finally realizes that Boaz, a relative of theirs, could be their kinsman-redeemer—a term signifying a man who would marry a widowed relative to restore her family's inheritance—she seizes the moment. Naomi instructs Ruth to prepare herself, as Boaz will be winnowing barley that night. This leads us to the heart of the matter in Ruth 3:2: the act of winnowing.
Winnowing is the process of separating grain from chaff. As Boaz winnows his barley, he is not merely doing a task; he is participating in God’s providential plan. Here, symbolism runs deep. Just as the winnowing process calls for the separation of useful grain from the waste, God often uses our trials and experiences to prepare us for the blessings He has in store. Ruth's journey from gleaning to being a part of the lineage that leads to Jesus was crafted over time—reflective of divine timing.
Let’s explore the key insights from Ruth 3:2. First and foremost, we see the importance of recognizing opportunities. Naomi’s proposal to Ruth hinges on the understanding of their family dynamics—the kinship that Boaz represents. Ruth and Naomi were not merely passively waiting for something to happen. Instead, they were actively engaging with their circumstances and recognizing God’s provision in the form of Boaz.
Likewise, in our lives, we must keep our hearts and minds open to the opportunities God lays before us. How often do we overlook the ‘Boaz’ moments in our lives because we are too consumed with despair or worry? We learn from Naomi that wisdom in timing is crucial. There are seasons of waiting, and there are times when we need to act.
Furthermore, Boaz's actions at the threshing floor symbolize effort and labor in God's harvest. He doesn’t just wait for blessings to come to him; he actively participates in the work involved with his harvest. For us, this implores a question: Are we doing our part? Are we toiling in faith while trusting in God’s provision?
Finally, the verse implicitly teaches us about faith and trust. Ruth, although hesitantly stepping into the unknown, trusts Naomi’s counsel and ultimately lays claim to the future she desires. Can we emulate such faith? Trusting in God's timing, even when it seems contrary to our understanding, is a hallmark of the believer’s journey.
In conclusion, Ruth 3:2 is a reminder that God's plans often unfold in stages, with moments of preparation that lead up to significant blessings. As we reflect upon this narrative, let us be vigilant in recognizing the kinship we have through Christ, taking courage from Ruth's example and embracing the call to position ourselves for divine opportunities. Let us trust in the Lord’s timing as we engage in the work He puts before us and believe that He is indeed winnowing blessings into our lives.
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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."
"And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor." - Ruth 3:2
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
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."
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
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."
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 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
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 2:5 - "Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?"
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
"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 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
"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
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
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."
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
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:"