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Ruth

Ruth: Advocating God’s Mercy (Scholar’s Compass)

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Photo by c@rljones

She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. – Ruth 3:18-4:1 (ESV)

Reflection

In the book of Ruth’s story Boaz serves as her advocate. Even though both Naomi and Ruth desired and worked towards such an end, they could not have accomplished it without someone like Boaz. First he provides for Ruth in the fields and then agrees to serve as her kinsman redeemer, but only after following protocol and speaking with a relative who was a nearer redeemer. Finally he enters into a formal agreement to purchase the property of Naomi’s husband and sons, marry Ruth, and continue this line of inheritance.

This turn of events would be enough to constitute a happy ending in most stories, but Ruth’s story, and the impacts of Boaz’s advocacy, don’t end here. The acts of mercy that both Ruth and Boaz practice ripple into the wider community. Naomi is made whole as she will now have property and an heir with her husband’s lineage. Ruth, a foreigner, is now a fully accepted part of this society. Even more, through the union of Ruth and Boaz, Obed is born – the father of Jesse, the father of David – the great ancestor of Jesus. A ripple effect moves out of these decisions in individual lives. God has not stopped working through the story of these individuals within his mercy.

Neither has God stopped working through the myriad of other stories of mercy. We are called to continue in this path within our own lives – sharing God’s mercy in partnership with others. Often the presence of an advocate can make all the difference – whether someone is playing that role for us or we are doing so for another. So many decisions that are related to our academic careers are not in our hands. We may do the best work possible, but we aren’t deciding which articles a journal will select or who will become a member of a high profile committee. As we step out and risk, there is no assurance that it will turn out as we’d like it. At these times it can be a blessing to have an advocate. Someone who can guide you through the process of moving into a risky situation and even speak on your behalf to the people making the decision.

Moreover, we do have the ultimate advocate in the person of the Holy Spirit.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. – John 14:26

Through this Spirit we can live into the stories of mercy that are before us, stories that our out of our hands, yet are connected through this ripple effect.

Questions

  • Who serves as an advocate in your life?
  • 
 Where are you advocating for others and helping to create a larger reality of God’s mercy?

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit, our advocate, into our lives. May we listen to the Spirit’s leadings and reach out to share your mercy by being advocates to others in our lives. Amen.

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Note: Part of a Scholar’s Compass series on Ruth. Help ESN Create a Devotional for Scholars.

Risk on the Threshing Floor (Scholar’s Compass)

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He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.” – Ruth 3:9-10 (ESV)

Reflection

In Ruth’s journey in this new land, she moves from a place of blessing to a place of risk. She has seen God’s blessing in the fields as her mother-in-law’s relative, Boaz, provides her protection and an abundance of grain. It would have been easy to rest in this provision and create a comfortable home with Naomi. But she is called to do more, relying on these gifts to step out further into God’s plan. Neither she, nor Naomi, are complacent with the mercy they receive. In order to carry on the family blood line, a marriage needs to take place with a kinsman redeemer – and that is Boaz. So, Ruth, with Naomi’s urging, goes to the threshing floor at the end of the day to ask for this redemption. A place where a decent woman would never dare to go. [Read more…] about Risk on the Threshing Floor (Scholar’s Compass)

In the Fields of Blessing (Scholar’s Compass)

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Photo by zilverbat.

And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers,“The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.” – Ruth 2:4 
(ESV)

Reflection

As we continue through the story of Ruth we are now in the midst of the barley fields ready for the harvest. From his first steps into the story, Boaz recognizes God’s presence among the workers in the field as he greets the reapers with the words “The Lord be with you.” (2:4) 
Then Boaz follows God’s command to have his reapers leave remnants in the field so people could come behind to glean the leftovers. This was a practice that God required. [Read more…] about In the Fields of Blessing (Scholar’s Compass)

Ruth: An Unexpected Story (Scholar’s Compass)

fields photoJamie Noyd continues her series on what scholars can learn from the Book of Ruth. 

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” – Ruth 2:2

Reflection

To some extent I’m sure most of our departments and universities meet some of the expectations we had at the outset. The Master of Arts program is challenging and provides opportunities to engage with favorite writers. Our advisors encourage us to spend time with family and friends outside of our studies. Our students are enthralled with learning, especially with our research. Our university is focused on asking the big questions – those of meaning, justice, life. [Read more…] about Ruth: An Unexpected Story (Scholar’s Compass)

Ruth: Stopped Along the Way (Scholar’s Compass)

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Jamie Noyd begins a series exploring what the life of Ruth has to say to Christian academics. 

So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in- law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.” – Ruth 1:7-8, ESV

Reflection

On our way. Once we’ve made a difficult decision to begin a graduate program or take on a new job, we like to think that we are on our way. There may be a few challenges following that initial decision, but the general path is before us. We just have to follow it. However, it’s essential not to put our trust in the path itself because it can and does change.

In ministry with faculty and graduate students – and in my own life – I have heard so many times the cry, “I thought God brought me to this place, why aren’t things working out?” Why am I not getting funding? Why do my colleagues seem to be against me? What do I do now that my advisor has left? At these moments, an unexpected and undesired time of decision faces us. Is this the right place for me? Do I stay and work through the conflict or is it time to leave – maybe even return to a former job? [Read more…] about Ruth: Stopped Along the Way (Scholar’s Compass)