March 28, 2025 • 28 mins
Chapter 2 of Heroes in the Bible: Ruth with Savannah Chrisley is inspired by the book of Ruth.
Ruth Meets Boaz - In the fields of Bethlehem, Ruth humbly labors to provide for Naomi—unaware that her faithfulness is positioning her for divine favor. When she meets Boaz, a kind and noble landowner, the first seeds of redemption are quietly sown in a story that will change both their lives forever.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Prelude to chapter two. The prophet's hands trembled as he
dipped the quill into ink, the weight of divine words
pressing heavy on his spirit. Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet, sat
alone in the dim glow of the evening, a lone
candle flickering against the encroaching darkness. Before him lay a
(00:22):
blank scroll. But his heart was already full with the
burden of a message from the Lord of Hosts. This
was not a message of judgment, but of hope, an
ember of light for a broken and scattered people. The
exiles of Jerusalem had been dragged in chained to Babylon,
(00:43):
their city left in ruins, their temple desecrated. They had
known suffering, humiliation and despair. But now amidst their captivity,
the voice of God was breaking through. Jeremiah's quill scratched
against the parchment, every stroke deliberate, every word carrying the
(01:05):
weight of.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Eternity, loss, says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
He wrote, his lips moving in quiet reverence as he transcribed.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
To the exiles, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Build houses and dwell in them, plant gardens and eat
their fruits, take wives, and have sons and daughters, multiply,
and do not decrease.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Jeremiah paused, his hand, shaking as tears blurred his vision.
This was no ordinary command. It was a call to life,
an invitation to hope in the face of despair. God
was asking his people to bloom in the midst of
their exile, to thrive even in the land of their captors.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent
you into exile. Pray to the Lord on its behalf,
for in its welfare you will find your own.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Jeremiah could feel the people's anguish as he roped. Their
hearts were shattered, and their identity as gods chosen seemed lost.
Yet here was the Lord calling them to an audacious hope.
The prophet pressed on, his tears falling freely, now smudging
(02:28):
the edges of the ink.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Or thus is the Lord. When the seventy years are
completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will
fulfill my promise to bring you back to this place.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Jeremiah's voice broke as he whispered the next words aloud,
his heart aching with their beauty.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
For I know the plans I have for you to clearse,
the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to
give you a future and to hope.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
The scroll seemed to glow in the candle light. The
words spilled forth.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Then you will call upon me and come and pray
to me, and I will hear you. It will seek
me and find me. When you seek me with all
your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord.
And I will restore your fortunes greater. Gather you from
all the nations and all the places where I have
driven you. I will bring you back to the place.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
From which I send you into exile. Jeremiah set the
quill down, his fingers smudged with ink and trembling with
the intensity of the moment. It was a promise etched
into eternity, a vow of redemption, restoration, and unyielding love.
The God of Israel had not abandoned them. He was working,
(03:49):
weaving a plan beyond their comprehension. For though they were exiled,
they were not forgotten. They were broken, but not forsaken.
One day, at the appointed time, the God of all
creation would bring them out of Babylon. He would be
their Redeemer.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Hey, y'all, welcome back to pray dot COM's Heroes in
the Bible, Ruth. I'm your host, Savannah Chrisly, and I'm
so glad you're here with me today. We're moving in
to Ruth chapter two, and let me tell you, this
is one of my favorite parts of Ruth's story. If
you've ever had to step up and handle things that
(04:37):
you weren't ready for, you'll see yourself in this story.
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I say speaks to you, leave a review or share
(05:00):
with a friend. We're all on this journey together. We
began this episode with another prelude, a story from another
place in the Bible. We heard from the prophet Jeremiah.
God told his people to be faithful despite their suffering.
He wanted them to thrive in the hardship instead of shrink.
(05:21):
Back in chapter two of Ruth, we see a similar calling.
She's going to be faithful even when all seems lost.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Ruth stepped outside and was greeted by the sharp, clean
scent of barley and rain soaked earth. The sun had
begun its slow, aescent, painting the sky with vivid colors.
Clouds drifted lazily, catching the dawn's light like wisps of ember.
Ruth turned her face toward the warmth, letting it soothe
(05:55):
the chill of a long and restless night. For a
fleeting moment, her heart felt light, but the weight of
her circumstances quickly settled back into place.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
I'll search for food. Maybe I can forage for something
in the hills.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Naomi hunched over a steaming cup of water, her bitterness
still covered her face like a thick veil.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
There's no need for that. The Law of Moses allows
the poor to glean from the fields during harvest. You
can work for what we need.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
There's a law that cares for the poor. Well, a
foreigner like me be able to gather food.
Speaker 5 (06:37):
The law of the Lord is kind, kinder than the
world it governs. Go, you may find kindness.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Yet, Ruth ventured into town. The marketplace buzzed with life,
though it's warmth felt distant. When she inquired about a
field to glean from, a kindly basket weaver pointed her
toward a property near the ill country. Ruth nodded her
thanks and made her way to the field. It stretched
(07:05):
wide and golden, sloping gently down into the valley. Reapers
moved rhythmically, their sickles flashing in the morning light. The
air was filled with the rustle of grain and occasional laughter.
Ruth approached a group of men handing out tools and baskets.
She lowered her head and introduced herself.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
Hello, is there any work at the edges of the field.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
One of the young men smirked his gaze, lingering too long.
Speaker 6 (07:37):
Are you sure, lovely? Such a flower shouldn't wilt.
Speaker 7 (07:40):
In the sun.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
The young man laughed and reached out to touch Ruth's face.
Ruth jerked back, her voice firm, I'm.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Here to work, not to amuse you. If there's no
place for.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
Me, I'll leave.
Speaker 6 (07:57):
No need to leave, little flower.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
The edge of the field is yours.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Take what you can kill.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
His grin lingered, but Ruth ignored him, gripping her tools
tightly as she found a quiet spot to begin. The
work was monotonous but relentless, grain by grain, stalk by stalk,
Ruth filled her basket. Under the punishing sun. She ignored
the young men's distant taunts, focusing on the task before her.
(08:27):
Her hands, raw from the sickle, trembled with fatigue. As
the sun climbed higher, the oppressive heat bore down. Ruth's
determination began to falter, the weight of her grief and exhaustion,
pressing harder than the day's labor. A careless slip of
her sickle sliced her hand, and pain flared through her palm.
(08:50):
She dropped the grain and fell to her knees, her
breath hitching in frustration, Ruth let her head fall, tears
darkening the soil beneath. Then a cool and fleeting breeze stirred,
brushing her cheek like a whisper. She paused inhaling deeply.
It was enough to quiet the storm inside her.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
You can do this, Ruth.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Wiping her tears with a torn piece of her dress,
Ruth steadied herself. She picked up her tools and began again.
The battle she fought was not against enemies, but against despair.
Ruth's weapon was hope. Though it felt fragile, she held
it fiercely, pressing forward with quiet courage. She did not
(09:41):
yet see it, but God was already weaving a story
of redemption through her faithfulness. The day began to wane.
Workers loaded sheaves into carts bound for the silos, while
others prepared a simple meal near the whe Laughter and
(10:01):
songs filled the air. Then from the road, a booming
voice carried across the fields.
Speaker 7 (10:08):
The Lord be wave you, faithful men and women.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Heads turned and a cheer erupted as the workers recognized
the voice and the Lord bless you. It was Boaz,
the master of the field. He rode forward on a
sturdy horse, his light curly hair pulled back into a
neat bun. His broad shoulders and upright posture commanded attention.
(10:32):
But it was his kind eyes and easy smile that
endeared him to all.
Speaker 8 (10:37):
Who worked for him.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Dismounting, Boaz handed out dried figs with a cheerful grin.
Speaker 7 (10:45):
Take a moment, my friends, heath be refreshed.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
The workers crowded around, grateful for the unexpected treat. Boaz
chatted with them briefly, then cast his gaze over the fields,
his practiced eyes surveying the day's progress. He stopped short
at the far edge of the field, a woman was
working alone. Something about her caught his attention, the quiet
(11:13):
determination and her posture, the way she labored without pause.
He gestured to the foreman, whose young woman is that? Ah, Yes,
the young flower. The foreman smirked, but it vanished under
beau as his shock gaze.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
That's Ruth, the moabid widow daughter in love of Naomi.
She followed her here after her husband's death. Seems she's
taken upon herself to care for the old woman Moorland.
Speaker 7 (11:41):
And she stayed with Naomi when she could have remarried
in her own lad.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
That's the word going around. They say she's loyal to Naomi.
The why she'd sacrifice her own future for a bag
of boones?
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Who knows?
Speaker 1 (11:57):
Boaz nodded thoughtfully, his gaze feting back to Ruth. Beau
has called the men together.
Speaker 7 (12:04):
You've done well today, gentlemen. Your work is honorable and
pleasing to the Lord.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
The men grinned and exchanged to glances, but their smiles
faltered when bo As his tone grew stern. He pointed
toward Ruth.
Speaker 7 (12:20):
Now, listen carefully, I know that some of you find
amusement in teasing the women let me be clear. These
daughters of the Lord are not here for your entertainment.
They are worthy of respent. Any man who harasses them
(12:40):
will answer to me. Am I understood.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
The men nodded. He singled out the group. Nearest Ruth
especially heard. If she speaks, you listen. If she needs Philip,
you offer it. If I hear otherwise, there will be consequences.
The tension broke as Boaz's face softened into a smile.
Speaker 7 (13:06):
Now let's finish so we can eat, drink, and enjoy
the fruits of our labor.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
As the men dispersed, Boaz lingered, his eyes drifting back
to Ruth. There was something about her, something beyond her beauty.
He didn't know her story in full, but Boaz resolved
to learn more. The Lord had brought her here, and
he intended to find out why. Ruth's blistered hands trembled
(13:35):
as she packed the last of the grain into her basket.
She adjusted her shawl against the cooling air, ignoring the
throbbing in her hands. She would work until she could
no longer stand for Naomi. When footsteps approached, her body tensed,
ready to flee.
Speaker 7 (13:53):
God be with you, thought of Mowan.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
Ruth hesitated, her fists unclenching as she studied the strange.
She had been taunted too many times to count by
the young men.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
What do you want?
Speaker 7 (14:06):
Oh ah, oh, I don't want anything. I'm just here
to introduce myself. I'm Boaz, son of Samon.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
This is my field.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
Ruth's eyes widened in embarrassment, and she bowed her head
in respect.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
Oh, my lord, a thousand apologies for my shortness.
Speaker 7 (14:27):
I please, no need for formalities. You've worked hard today.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
Let me help you.
Speaker 7 (14:34):
There's a warm meal waiting by the silos.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Boaz took two of Ruth's baskets and hoisted them onto
his shoulders. He smiled and gestured for her to follow.
Ruth hesitated but nodded, picking up the third basket and
following him up the trail. Boaz whistled a lighthearted tune
as they walked. The path wound upward, offering a stunning
view of the fields below bathe in the soft glow
(15:01):
of sunset.
Speaker 7 (15:02):
You should stay with the women tomorrow. You'll glean more
that way, and it's safer. I've spoken with the young men, though,
and they won't bother you again. You have my word.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
Ruth paused, dropping her basket. Grain spilled onto the ground,
but she barely noticed. Tears welled in her eyes as
she dropped to her knees. For months, she had borne
the weight of survival, caring for her dying husband, then Naomi,
with no thought for herself. Now someone was finally looking
(15:35):
out for her.
Speaker 8 (15:37):
Why why, what, Ruth?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
Why are you being so kind to me. I'm a foreigner,
I'm nothing to you.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Boaz knelt beside her, carefully scooping the spilled grain back
into the basket. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder.
Speaker 8 (15:56):
His touch was unthreatening. I've heard of your loyalty to Naomi.
What you've done for hers is extraordinary. You deserve honor
and respect. The Lord sees you, Ruth. He is with you.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Ruth lifted her tears streaked face to meet his gaze.
For the first time in months, she felt seen. She
wiped her cheeks and managed a small, shaky smile.
Speaker 5 (16:24):
In bots.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
I thought the Lord had forgotten me.
Speaker 7 (16:31):
You're in the land of God, Ruth. It's under his wings.
Speaker 8 (16:35):
You've come for refuge.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
He offered her, his hand helping her to her feet.
Speaker 8 (16:40):
Now, come, let's eat.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
They continued, to the silos, where a fire crackled and
laughter filled the air. The workers sat together, sharing roasted
barley and hearty stew. Bo Az served each person, even
though he was their master. He served, then Ruth watched
him in quiet amazement. The children danced about the tables
(17:06):
under the lamplight. For the first time in a long while,
Ruth allowed herself to feel anything but desperation. Something akin
to joy welled within her. Before Ruth left, she overheard
Boaz speaking to the head reaper.
Speaker 7 (17:23):
Pull out some of the stored bundles for Ruth to
glean and make sure no one troubles her.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Ruth pretended not to hear, but a small smile spread
across her face. Perhaps she thought God had not forgotten
her or Naomi. Perhaps redemption was closer than she had
dared to believe. The twilight deepened as Ruth pulled the
small cart up the path to Naomi's house. She had
(17:51):
worked herself to exhaustion, yet the thought of Naomi's reaction
to the grain filled her with anticipation. Pushing the door open,
Ruth was greeted by the warm glow of the fire.
Naomi sat beside it, tending to a pot. Naomi looked up,
her tired eyes widening at the sight of the baskets.
Speaker 5 (18:12):
Where have you been gleaning to bring back this much food?
Speaker 4 (18:16):
The Lord has blessed us today. This will last us weeks.
And look, I brought bread from the meal they gave me.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
She pulled the loaves from her shawl and handed them
to Naomi.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
What did you have to do for all this, Ruth?
Did the young men ask anything from you?
Speaker 1 (18:37):
No?
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Nothing was required of me except sweat and determination. The
master of the field even gave me extra out of generosity.
Speaker 5 (18:48):
Blessed is the man who allowed you to glean so much?
Who was he?
Speaker 1 (18:53):
Ruth leaned back against the wall, her smile softening at
the thought of him.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
His name is Boaz. He was kind, Naomi. He protected
me from the younger men and insured I had enough
to bring home. There was no pretense, no hidden motive,
just goodness, so rare in a man his age, especially.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
Where I'm from. Naomi froze, her eyes widening as the
name seemed to echo in her mind.
Speaker 6 (19:26):
Bow wows.
Speaker 5 (19:29):
Boaz, son of Salmon.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Naomi rose and moved to the baskets, running her fingers
through the barley as if to ground herself in reality. Slowly,
a genuine grin spread across her face, the first Ruth
had seen in what felt like years.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
Bo As, son of Salmon. Oh, may he be blessed
by the Lord whose kindness has not forsaken the living
or the dead.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Naomi spun in place, her hands lifted to the heavens.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Oh, Ruth, do you understand what this means? What does
it mean?
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Who is beau As to you?
Speaker 5 (20:08):
Baas is a kinsman redeemer? Do you know what that is?
My child?
Speaker 4 (20:13):
No? What is a kinsman redeemer?
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Naomi took Ruth's hands, her touch gentle on the blisters.
Speaker 5 (20:22):
A kinsman redeemer is a man appointed within the family
to rescue and restore. He redeems lost property, frees family
members from slavery, avenges wrongs, and on occasion, a redeemer
will marry a widow to protect and provide for her.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
You're not suggesting Boas would marry me? Are you?
Speaker 5 (20:48):
Do not fret over what may be? You are a
woman of courage and virtue. Continue to glean be the
woman God has called you to be, and we will
see how the Lord moves in his perfect time.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Ruth nodded her thoughts a storm of emotions, gratitude, hope,
and a flicker of something she dared not name. That night,
as they shared a meal by the fire, Naomi spoke
with a lightness Ruth hadn't heard in months. They reminisced
about Moab, Marlon, Killian, and Orpha. Their laughter filled the
(21:22):
small house for the first time since they had buried
their husbands. They allowed themselves to dream of a better future.
God had not abandoned Ruth or Naomi. Somehow, amidst their suffering,
he was weaving a story of redemption, and Ruth was
beginning to believe she was a part of it.
Speaker 3 (21:48):
You know, when I think about Ruth chapter two, I
can't help but see so many parallels with my own life.
If you've been following my story, then you know this
past season has been a lot. When my parents had
to go away, everything changed suddenly. I'm not just Savannah Chrisly.
(22:09):
I'm also a full time guardian for my little brother
Grayson and my sister Chloe. I had to step up
in ways I never expected. It's funny though I always
thought I'd arrive in life and be settled. But life
has a way of throwing curveballs that force you out
of that settled mentality. That's what I see in Ruth.
(22:31):
This young woman didn't have a safety net. Her husband
had died, her father in law was gone, and she
was in a foreign land. But instead of sitting around
and feeling sorry for herself, she says, I'm going to
do something about it. She tells Naomi, let me go
to the fields and pick up the leftover grain. She's
(22:52):
not waiting for someone to hand her a blessing. She's
going out to look for it. And man, did this
hit me hard Because I've been there. There were days
when I had to figure out how to keep everything together,
taking kids to school, running a business, managing my own
mental health. And it's easy to wonder, does anyone see me? Ruth,
(23:15):
no doubt had moments like those moments of I'm caring
for everybody else, but does anybody care about me? Maybe
you're feeling that way right now. You're doing all this
work behind the scenes, and it feels like nobody notices.
But guess what. Bo As noticed Ruth, and God notices
(23:35):
you and Ruth. Chapter two, bo As steps into the story.
He's the owner of the field, Ruth is working in.
Bo As obviously notices how pretty Ruth is, but that's
not what intrigues him. Bo As is stirred by Ruth's loyalty.
He notices her integrity. He's kind, protective, and generous. He
(23:56):
tells his workers to make things easier for her and
make sure that she's taken care of. What's wild to
me is that Ruth didn't go looking for Boaz. She
didn't have a dating profile or a meet cute plan.
Ruth was working. She wasn't looking for a man to
be with for life. She was just looking for a
(24:16):
meal to survive the day. Ruth was doing what she
could with what she had. Sometimes we think we have
to manifest a blessing, but Ruth's story reminds us that
faithfulness in the ordinary moments puts us in position for
divine appointments. Here's the takeaway for all of us. Don't
(24:38):
underestimate the power of showing up. Jesus talks a little
about this in one of his parables. He says this
in Matthew twenty five twenty three, Well done, good and
faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things.
I will put you in charge of many things. Come
(24:59):
and share your mass happiness. Don't underestimate the power of
being faithful in every moment, whether it's on the mountaintop
or in the valley. Ruth didn't know how her story
would unfold, but she knew that she had work to do.
Speaker 5 (25:15):
For me.
Speaker 3 (25:16):
That meant staying faithful to my family, work, advocacy projects,
and mental health. It's about showing up daily and trusting
that God's got the bigger picture in mind. That brings
us to the prelude on today's episode. Before chapter two
of Ruth, we were introduced to a story from Jeremiah
(25:38):
twenty nine. So many Christians know about Jeremiah twenty nine
to eleven.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
Do you know it?
Speaker 3 (25:44):
For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. This was
God's comfort to the people of Israel when they were
being taken away from their homes to Babylon. We can
apply this verse to our difficult circumstances today. We find
(26:05):
comfort and knowing that God has a plan for all
of us, But so many people miss the context surrounding
Jeremiah twenty nine to eleven. Before making his promises, God
tells the people of Israel that life will most definitely
get more brutal, but while going through these trials, they
(26:26):
should work hard to make the best of it. That's
what Ruth did, and that's what you can do. And listen.
Maybe you're waiting on something right now, a breakthrough, a
new job, a relationship. You're doing all the right things,
but it feels like nothing's happening. Let me remind you
(26:49):
Ruth didn't see bo Az coming, but God did. Her
faithfulness put her in the right field at the right time.
So don't give up, keep work, keep being faithful.
Speaker 5 (27:02):
God's got a.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
Way of bringing boas Is into your story just when
you need them, whether that's a person, an opportunity, or
a breakthrough. God sees you, just like Boas saw Ruth.
God sees you. Next time, we'll see how Ruth's relationship
with Boas deepens and what that means for her and Naomi.
(27:25):
Their future is about to change. And I'll just say this,
when God's favor shows up, everything shifts. Thanks for joining me, y'all,
subscribe and follow this show and share this episode with
someone who needs it. If you enjoyed it, leave us
a review and for a lot more inspiring devotionals and
(27:47):
resources to grow your faith. Download Theprey dot Com app
today and remember keep showing up. God's got a bo
as on the way for you.
Prelude to chapter two. The prophet's hands trembled as he
dipped the quill into ink, the weight of divine words
pressing heavy on his spirit. Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet, sat
alone in the dim glow of the evening, a lone
candle flickering against the encroaching darkness. Before him lay a
(00:22):
blank scroll. But his heart was already full with the
burden of a message from the Lord of Hosts. This
was not a message of judgment, but of hope, an
ember of light for a broken and scattered people. The
exiles of Jerusalem had been dragged in chained to Babylon,
(00:43):
their city left in ruins, their temple desecrated. They had
known suffering, humiliation and despair. But now amidst their captivity,
the voice of God was breaking through. Jeremiah's quill scratched
against the parchment, every stroke deliberate, every word carrying the
(01:05):
weight of.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Eternity, loss, says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
He wrote, his lips moving in quiet reverence as he transcribed.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
To the exiles, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Build houses and dwell in them, plant gardens and eat
their fruits, take wives, and have sons and daughters, multiply,
and do not decrease.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Jeremiah paused, his hand, shaking as tears blurred his vision.
This was no ordinary command. It was a call to life,
an invitation to hope in the face of despair. God
was asking his people to bloom in the midst of
their exile, to thrive even in the land of their captors.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent
you into exile. Pray to the Lord on its behalf,
for in its welfare you will find your own.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
Jeremiah could feel the people's anguish as he roped. Their
hearts were shattered, and their identity as gods chosen seemed lost.
Yet here was the Lord calling them to an audacious hope.
The prophet pressed on, his tears falling freely, now smudging
(02:28):
the edges of the ink.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Or thus is the Lord. When the seventy years are
completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will
fulfill my promise to bring you back to this place.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Jeremiah's voice broke as he whispered the next words aloud,
his heart aching with their beauty.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
For I know the plans I have for you to clearse,
the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to
give you a future and to hope.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
The scroll seemed to glow in the candle light. The
words spilled forth.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Then you will call upon me and come and pray
to me, and I will hear you. It will seek
me and find me. When you seek me with all
your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord.
And I will restore your fortunes greater. Gather you from
all the nations and all the places where I have
driven you. I will bring you back to the place.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
From which I send you into exile. Jeremiah set the
quill down, his fingers smudged with ink and trembling with
the intensity of the moment. It was a promise etched
into eternity, a vow of redemption, restoration, and unyielding love.
The God of Israel had not abandoned them. He was working,
(03:49):
weaving a plan beyond their comprehension. For though they were exiled,
they were not forgotten. They were broken, but not forsaken.
One day, at the appointed time, the God of all
creation would bring them out of Babylon. He would be
their Redeemer.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Hey, y'all, welcome back to pray dot COM's Heroes in
the Bible, Ruth. I'm your host, Savannah Chrisly, and I'm
so glad you're here with me today. We're moving in
to Ruth chapter two, and let me tell you, this
is one of my favorite parts of Ruth's story. If
you've ever had to step up and handle things that
(04:37):
you weren't ready for, you'll see yourself in this story.
If you haven't yet subscribed to this channel or followed
the podcast, take a moment now to do so. And
for more inspiring devotionals and resources to grow your faith,
download the prey dot com app today and if something
I say speaks to you, leave a review or share
(05:00):
with a friend. We're all on this journey together. We
began this episode with another prelude, a story from another
place in the Bible. We heard from the prophet Jeremiah.
God told his people to be faithful despite their suffering.
He wanted them to thrive in the hardship instead of shrink.
(05:21):
Back in chapter two of Ruth, we see a similar calling.
She's going to be faithful even when all seems lost.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Ruth stepped outside and was greeted by the sharp, clean
scent of barley and rain soaked earth. The sun had
begun its slow, aescent, painting the sky with vivid colors.
Clouds drifted lazily, catching the dawn's light like wisps of ember.
Ruth turned her face toward the warmth, letting it soothe
(05:55):
the chill of a long and restless night. For a
fleeting moment, her heart felt light, but the weight of
her circumstances quickly settled back into place.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
I'll search for food. Maybe I can forage for something
in the hills.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Naomi hunched over a steaming cup of water, her bitterness
still covered her face like a thick veil.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
There's no need for that. The Law of Moses allows
the poor to glean from the fields during harvest. You
can work for what we need.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
There's a law that cares for the poor. Well, a
foreigner like me be able to gather food.
Speaker 5 (06:37):
The law of the Lord is kind, kinder than the
world it governs. Go, you may find kindness.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Yet, Ruth ventured into town. The marketplace buzzed with life,
though it's warmth felt distant. When she inquired about a
field to glean from, a kindly basket weaver pointed her
toward a property near the ill country. Ruth nodded her
thanks and made her way to the field. It stretched
(07:05):
wide and golden, sloping gently down into the valley. Reapers
moved rhythmically, their sickles flashing in the morning light. The
air was filled with the rustle of grain and occasional laughter.
Ruth approached a group of men handing out tools and baskets.
She lowered her head and introduced herself.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
Hello, is there any work at the edges of the field.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
One of the young men smirked his gaze, lingering too long.
Speaker 6 (07:37):
Are you sure, lovely? Such a flower shouldn't wilt.
Speaker 7 (07:40):
In the sun.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
The young man laughed and reached out to touch Ruth's face.
Ruth jerked back, her voice firm, I'm.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Here to work, not to amuse you. If there's no
place for.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
Me, I'll leave.
Speaker 6 (07:57):
No need to leave, little flower.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
The edge of the field is yours.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Take what you can kill.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
His grin lingered, but Ruth ignored him, gripping her tools
tightly as she found a quiet spot to begin. The
work was monotonous but relentless, grain by grain, stalk by stalk,
Ruth filled her basket. Under the punishing sun. She ignored
the young men's distant taunts, focusing on the task before her.
(08:27):
Her hands, raw from the sickle, trembled with fatigue. As
the sun climbed higher, the oppressive heat bore down. Ruth's
determination began to falter, the weight of her grief and exhaustion,
pressing harder than the day's labor. A careless slip of
her sickle sliced her hand, and pain flared through her palm.
(08:50):
She dropped the grain and fell to her knees, her
breath hitching in frustration, Ruth let her head fall, tears
darkening the soil beneath. Then a cool and fleeting breeze stirred,
brushing her cheek like a whisper. She paused inhaling deeply.
It was enough to quiet the storm inside her.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
You can do this, Ruth.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Wiping her tears with a torn piece of her dress,
Ruth steadied herself. She picked up her tools and began again.
The battle she fought was not against enemies, but against despair.
Ruth's weapon was hope. Though it felt fragile, she held
it fiercely, pressing forward with quiet courage. She did not
(09:41):
yet see it, but God was already weaving a story
of redemption through her faithfulness. The day began to wane.
Workers loaded sheaves into carts bound for the silos, while
others prepared a simple meal near the whe Laughter and
(10:01):
songs filled the air. Then from the road, a booming
voice carried across the fields.
Speaker 7 (10:08):
The Lord be wave you, faithful men and women.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Heads turned and a cheer erupted as the workers recognized
the voice and the Lord bless you. It was Boaz,
the master of the field. He rode forward on a
sturdy horse, his light curly hair pulled back into a
neat bun. His broad shoulders and upright posture commanded attention.
(10:32):
But it was his kind eyes and easy smile that
endeared him to all.
Speaker 8 (10:37):
Who worked for him.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Dismounting, Boaz handed out dried figs with a cheerful grin.
Speaker 7 (10:45):
Take a moment, my friends, heath be refreshed.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
The workers crowded around, grateful for the unexpected treat. Boaz
chatted with them briefly, then cast his gaze over the fields,
his practiced eyes surveying the day's progress. He stopped short
at the far edge of the field, a woman was
working alone. Something about her caught his attention, the quiet
(11:13):
determination and her posture, the way she labored without pause.
He gestured to the foreman, whose young woman is that? Ah, Yes,
the young flower. The foreman smirked, but it vanished under
beau as his shock gaze.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
That's Ruth, the moabid widow daughter in love of Naomi.
She followed her here after her husband's death. Seems she's
taken upon herself to care for the old woman Moorland.
Speaker 7 (11:41):
And she stayed with Naomi when she could have remarried
in her own lad.
Speaker 6 (11:46):
That's the word going around. They say she's loyal to Naomi.
The why she'd sacrifice her own future for a bag
of boones?
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Who knows?
Speaker 1 (11:57):
Boaz nodded thoughtfully, his gaze feting back to Ruth. Beau
has called the men together.
Speaker 7 (12:04):
You've done well today, gentlemen. Your work is honorable and
pleasing to the Lord.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
The men grinned and exchanged to glances, but their smiles
faltered when bo As his tone grew stern. He pointed
toward Ruth.
Speaker 7 (12:20):
Now, listen carefully, I know that some of you find
amusement in teasing the women let me be clear. These
daughters of the Lord are not here for your entertainment.
They are worthy of respent. Any man who harasses them
(12:40):
will answer to me. Am I understood.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
The men nodded. He singled out the group. Nearest Ruth
especially heard. If she speaks, you listen. If she needs Philip,
you offer it. If I hear otherwise, there will be consequences.
The tension broke as Boaz's face softened into a smile.
Speaker 7 (13:06):
Now let's finish so we can eat, drink, and enjoy
the fruits of our labor.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
As the men dispersed, Boaz lingered, his eyes drifting back
to Ruth. There was something about her, something beyond her beauty.
He didn't know her story in full, but Boaz resolved
to learn more. The Lord had brought her here, and
he intended to find out why. Ruth's blistered hands trembled
(13:35):
as she packed the last of the grain into her basket.
She adjusted her shawl against the cooling air, ignoring the
throbbing in her hands. She would work until she could
no longer stand for Naomi. When footsteps approached, her body tensed,
ready to flee.
Speaker 7 (13:53):
God be with you, thought of Mowan.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
Ruth hesitated, her fists unclenching as she studied the strange.
She had been taunted too many times to count by
the young men.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
What do you want?
Speaker 7 (14:06):
Oh ah, oh, I don't want anything. I'm just here
to introduce myself. I'm Boaz, son of Samon.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
This is my field.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
Ruth's eyes widened in embarrassment, and she bowed her head
in respect.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
Oh, my lord, a thousand apologies for my shortness.
Speaker 7 (14:27):
I please, no need for formalities. You've worked hard today.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
Let me help you.
Speaker 7 (14:34):
There's a warm meal waiting by the silos.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Boaz took two of Ruth's baskets and hoisted them onto
his shoulders. He smiled and gestured for her to follow.
Ruth hesitated but nodded, picking up the third basket and
following him up the trail. Boaz whistled a lighthearted tune
as they walked. The path wound upward, offering a stunning
view of the fields below bathe in the soft glow
(15:01):
of sunset.
Speaker 7 (15:02):
You should stay with the women tomorrow. You'll glean more
that way, and it's safer. I've spoken with the young men, though,
and they won't bother you again. You have my word.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
Ruth paused, dropping her basket. Grain spilled onto the ground,
but she barely noticed. Tears welled in her eyes as
she dropped to her knees. For months, she had borne
the weight of survival, caring for her dying husband, then Naomi,
with no thought for herself. Now someone was finally looking
(15:35):
out for her.
Speaker 8 (15:37):
Why why, what, Ruth?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
Why are you being so kind to me. I'm a foreigner,
I'm nothing to you.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Boaz knelt beside her, carefully scooping the spilled grain back
into the basket. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder.
Speaker 8 (15:56):
His touch was unthreatening. I've heard of your loyalty to Naomi.
What you've done for hers is extraordinary. You deserve honor
and respect. The Lord sees you, Ruth. He is with you.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Ruth lifted her tears streaked face to meet his gaze.
For the first time in months, she felt seen. She
wiped her cheeks and managed a small, shaky smile.
Speaker 5 (16:24):
In bots.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
I thought the Lord had forgotten me.
Speaker 7 (16:31):
You're in the land of God, Ruth. It's under his wings.
Speaker 8 (16:35):
You've come for refuge.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
He offered her, his hand helping her to her feet.
Speaker 8 (16:40):
Now, come, let's eat.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
They continued, to the silos, where a fire crackled and
laughter filled the air. The workers sat together, sharing roasted
barley and hearty stew. Bo Az served each person, even
though he was their master. He served, then Ruth watched
him in quiet amazement. The children danced about the tables
(17:06):
under the lamplight. For the first time in a long while,
Ruth allowed herself to feel anything but desperation. Something akin
to joy welled within her. Before Ruth left, she overheard
Boaz speaking to the head reaper.
Speaker 7 (17:23):
Pull out some of the stored bundles for Ruth to
glean and make sure no one troubles her.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
Ruth pretended not to hear, but a small smile spread
across her face. Perhaps she thought God had not forgotten
her or Naomi. Perhaps redemption was closer than she had
dared to believe. The twilight deepened as Ruth pulled the
small cart up the path to Naomi's house. She had
(17:51):
worked herself to exhaustion, yet the thought of Naomi's reaction
to the grain filled her with anticipation. Pushing the door open,
Ruth was greeted by the warm glow of the fire.
Naomi sat beside it, tending to a pot. Naomi looked up,
her tired eyes widening at the sight of the baskets.
Speaker 5 (18:12):
Where have you been gleaning to bring back this much food?
Speaker 4 (18:16):
The Lord has blessed us today. This will last us weeks.
And look, I brought bread from the meal they gave me.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
She pulled the loaves from her shawl and handed them
to Naomi.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
What did you have to do for all this, Ruth?
Did the young men ask anything from you?
Speaker 1 (18:37):
No?
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Nothing was required of me except sweat and determination. The
master of the field even gave me extra out of generosity.
Speaker 5 (18:48):
Blessed is the man who allowed you to glean so much?
Who was he?
Speaker 1 (18:53):
Ruth leaned back against the wall, her smile softening at
the thought of him.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
His name is Boaz. He was kind, Naomi. He protected
me from the younger men and insured I had enough
to bring home. There was no pretense, no hidden motive,
just goodness, so rare in a man his age, especially.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
Where I'm from. Naomi froze, her eyes widening as the
name seemed to echo in her mind.
Speaker 6 (19:26):
Bow wows.
Speaker 5 (19:29):
Boaz, son of Salmon.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Naomi rose and moved to the baskets, running her fingers
through the barley as if to ground herself in reality. Slowly,
a genuine grin spread across her face, the first Ruth
had seen in what felt like years.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
Bo As, son of Salmon. Oh, may he be blessed
by the Lord whose kindness has not forsaken the living
or the dead.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Naomi spun in place, her hands lifted to the heavens.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Oh, Ruth, do you understand what this means? What does
it mean?
Speaker 4 (20:06):
Who is beau As to you?
Speaker 5 (20:08):
Baas is a kinsman redeemer? Do you know what that is?
My child?
Speaker 4 (20:13):
No? What is a kinsman redeemer?
Speaker 1 (20:17):
Naomi took Ruth's hands, her touch gentle on the blisters.
Speaker 5 (20:22):
A kinsman redeemer is a man appointed within the family
to rescue and restore. He redeems lost property, frees family
members from slavery, avenges wrongs, and on occasion, a redeemer
will marry a widow to protect and provide for her.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
You're not suggesting Boas would marry me? Are you?
Speaker 5 (20:48):
Do not fret over what may be? You are a
woman of courage and virtue. Continue to glean be the
woman God has called you to be, and we will
see how the Lord moves in his perfect time.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Ruth nodded her thoughts a storm of emotions, gratitude, hope,
and a flicker of something she dared not name. That night,
as they shared a meal by the fire, Naomi spoke
with a lightness Ruth hadn't heard in months. They reminisced
about Moab, Marlon, Killian, and Orpha. Their laughter filled the
(21:22):
small house for the first time since they had buried
their husbands. They allowed themselves to dream of a better future.
God had not abandoned Ruth or Naomi. Somehow, amidst their suffering,
he was weaving a story of redemption, and Ruth was
beginning to believe she was a part of it.
Speaker 3 (21:48):
You know, when I think about Ruth chapter two, I
can't help but see so many parallels with my own life.
If you've been following my story, then you know this
past season has been a lot. When my parents had
to go away, everything changed suddenly. I'm not just Savannah Chrisly.
(22:09):
I'm also a full time guardian for my little brother
Grayson and my sister Chloe. I had to step up
in ways I never expected. It's funny though I always
thought I'd arrive in life and be settled. But life
has a way of throwing curveballs that force you out
of that settled mentality. That's what I see in Ruth.
(22:31):
This young woman didn't have a safety net. Her husband
had died, her father in law was gone, and she
was in a foreign land. But instead of sitting around
and feeling sorry for herself, she says, I'm going to
do something about it. She tells Naomi, let me go
to the fields and pick up the leftover grain. She's
(22:52):
not waiting for someone to hand her a blessing. She's
going out to look for it. And man, did this
hit me hard Because I've been there. There were days
when I had to figure out how to keep everything together,
taking kids to school, running a business, managing my own
mental health. And it's easy to wonder, does anyone see me? Ruth,
(23:15):
no doubt had moments like those moments of I'm caring
for everybody else, but does anybody care about me? Maybe
you're feeling that way right now. You're doing all this
work behind the scenes, and it feels like nobody notices.
But guess what. Bo As noticed Ruth, and God notices
(23:35):
you and Ruth. Chapter two, bo As steps into the story.
He's the owner of the field, Ruth is working in.
Bo As obviously notices how pretty Ruth is, but that's
not what intrigues him. Bo As is stirred by Ruth's loyalty.
He notices her integrity. He's kind, protective, and generous. He
(23:56):
tells his workers to make things easier for her and
make sure that she's taken care of. What's wild to
me is that Ruth didn't go looking for Boaz. She
didn't have a dating profile or a meet cute plan.
Ruth was working. She wasn't looking for a man to
be with for life. She was just looking for a
(24:16):
meal to survive the day. Ruth was doing what she
could with what she had. Sometimes we think we have
to manifest a blessing, but Ruth's story reminds us that
faithfulness in the ordinary moments puts us in position for
divine appointments. Here's the takeaway for all of us. Don't
(24:38):
underestimate the power of showing up. Jesus talks a little
about this in one of his parables. He says this
in Matthew twenty five twenty three, Well done, good and
faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things.
I will put you in charge of many things. Come
(24:59):
and share your mass happiness. Don't underestimate the power of
being faithful in every moment, whether it's on the mountaintop
or in the valley. Ruth didn't know how her story
would unfold, but she knew that she had work to do.
Speaker 5 (25:15):
For me.
Speaker 3 (25:16):
That meant staying faithful to my family, work, advocacy projects,
and mental health. It's about showing up daily and trusting
that God's got the bigger picture in mind. That brings
us to the prelude on today's episode. Before chapter two
of Ruth, we were introduced to a story from Jeremiah
(25:38):
twenty nine. So many Christians know about Jeremiah twenty nine
to eleven.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
Do you know it?
Speaker 3 (25:44):
For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. This was
God's comfort to the people of Israel when they were
being taken away from their homes to Babylon. We can
apply this verse to our difficult circumstances today. We find
(26:05):
comfort and knowing that God has a plan for all
of us, But so many people miss the context surrounding
Jeremiah twenty nine to eleven. Before making his promises, God
tells the people of Israel that life will most definitely
get more brutal, but while going through these trials, they
(26:26):
should work hard to make the best of it. That's
what Ruth did, and that's what you can do. And listen.
Maybe you're waiting on something right now, a breakthrough, a
new job, a relationship. You're doing all the right things,
but it feels like nothing's happening. Let me remind you
(26:49):
Ruth didn't see bo Az coming, but God did. Her
faithfulness put her in the right field at the right time.
So don't give up, keep work, keep being faithful.
Speaker 5 (27:02):
God's got a.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
Way of bringing boas Is into your story just when
you need them, whether that's a person, an opportunity, or
a breakthrough. God sees you, just like Boas saw Ruth.
God sees you. Next time, we'll see how Ruth's relationship
with Boas deepens and what that means for her and Naomi.
(27:25):
Their future is about to change. And I'll just say this,
when God's favor shows up, everything shifts. Thanks for joining me, y'all,
subscribe and follow this show and share this episode with
someone who needs it. If you enjoyed it, leave us
a review and for a lot more inspiring devotionals and
(27:47):
resources to grow your faith. Download Theprey dot Com app
today and remember keep showing up. God's got a bo
as on the way for you.
Host
Dr. Tony Evans
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