Chapter 2
Verses 1-2, reminds us that it is good to have relatives in places of influence and prosperity. It also shows that to survive, and even to prosper, we need to have a plan. And God has the perfect plan for us (Jerimiah 29:11). But we need to stand up, put one foot in front of the other, and start moving towards the plan.
And from verses 3-7, guess where the Lord will lead us – into pastures for our wellness (He is the Good Shepherd). But these pastures are also ripe for the harvest! It is one thing to have hope that our needs are met, but we need to put our hope and plan into action – that is faith! Note that Boaz noticed Ruth (For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil – 1 Peter 3:12).
“Hear O Israel!”, the first and the greatest of the commandments, how often do we not hearken to His voice. Verses 8-13 reminds us that God is our provider (Jehovah Jireh), and our protector (Jehovah Nissi), regardless of where you came from. And then we see in verses 14-18 that God not only meets our needs, but gives over and beyond our expectations (see Ephesians 1:3). It is not sufficient to receive the Lord’s Blessings for our own, but to share with others in need, as in Genesis 12:2 (“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing”). Jesus went even further and commanded us to ‘bless those who curse you’. But remember that you have to get off your butt and do the works of Him that called (this is what James essentially writes in James 2:14-26).
When you share the blessings of the Lord, others will ask why you are so giving. What a great opportunity to share the really and truly Good News of our redeemed divine nature because of Jesus.
Verse 20 speaks of ‘life eternal’ in that God ‘never leaves us nor forsakes us’, even after we have finished with this temporal existence. And just a little reminder that Jesus is closer than a brother.
And we finish the chapter with verses 21 and 22 warning us to stay the course until the harvest is done. He will provide and protect, do not cease gleaning the treasure to be found in His fields (Matthew 13:44).
