“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
God had a plan for Ruth, and he had chosen Boaz to be the one who would bring that plan to fruition. He was a wealthy man but loved the Lord. Today we will consider the characteristics that he possessed.
- Humility – Notice how he treated his employees greeting them kindly at the beginning of the workday.
- Kind and considerate – provided food and water and rest times for his workers.
- Unselfish – shared his lunch with Ruth, even though she was a stranger.
- Compassionate – treated Ruth as if she were one of his workers.
- Generous – at the end of the day he gave Ruth extra grain above what she had been able to glean.
- Protective of Ruth’s reputation (Ruth 3:14).
- Honest and reliable – his word was his bond.
- Put others before himself. He gave the closer kinsman an opportunity to purchase Naomi’s property.
Boaz was a good steward of what the Lord had given him. No matter what our circumstances in life, whether God has blessed us with little or much, we are blessed to know Him. As we draw close to Him, He desires that we should show forth His love to the world. Our desire should be to please Him in everything we do.
Luke 12:48 “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”
I Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Prayer. Lord Jesus, you have given us so much and because of that much is required of us. May we be faithful in all that we do, so that others will see You in us.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
