Read Ruth 2:14–16
KINDNESS AROUND THE TABLE
The Christmas meal table has always been a powerful symbol of love and
kindness. Think of that famous scene in Dickens’s Christmas Carol, where
Bob Cratchit invites Scrooge into his family home. Think of the scramble to
fit extra chairs around a jam-packed table as family and friends gather
together. Think of church members and charities opening their doors on
Christmas Day to cook for strangers, such as the homeless, lonely
neighbours, or international students away from home. Maybe you have
lasting memories of being warmly welcomed into someone’s home at
Christmas?
In today’s passage, a few hours have passed since Boaz was first introduced
to Ruth. Presumably, since then Ruth has continued to work hard, gleaning
in Boaz’s field alongside his workers (v. 7), all the while safe in the
knowledge that he has promised her protection.
But now, it is time for all the workers to pause and have refreshment. And
whilst the work has halted, we’re about to see that the kindness of God
certainly hasn’t.
KINDNESS WITH LEFTOVERS
Ruth has no expectation of eating with the others at this point. After all, she
isn’t an employee.
And yet Boaz welcomes Ruth: ‘Come over here...’ (v. 14). Rather than being
left on the outside, she has been welcomed to the table. There is bread and
wine vinegar available, and then she is offered roasted grain too. Who knows
when Ruth last had a meal of this quality or quantity!
The narrator tells us that Ruth ‘ate all she wanted and had some left over’
(v. 14). It’s a spectacular display of abundance: far more than Ruth needed
and could have imagined.
We’ve already seen how Boaz’s provision and protection gives us a glimpse
of Jesus Christ. As we read of the ample leftovers here, though, our minds
might recall the abundant surplus when Jesus miraculously fed thousands
(see, for example, Matthew 14:20; 15:37).
KINDNESS OVERFLOWS
Then, just as Ruth prepares to get back to work, Boaz says three things that
should bowl us over in amazement. Firstly, he orders his men to allow Ruth
to gather from the prime spot in his field (‘among the sheaves’); secondly, he
warns anyone against mistreating her; and thirdly, he even tells his men to
‘pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick
up’ (v. 16).
It’s an almost comical scene! Boaz’s men would have been literally
dropping their harvest on to the ground, with Ruth following behind
picking it up!
Kindness is a recurring theme in this little book – demonstrated especially
through Boaz and Ruth. And as we see such kindness in action, it’s meant to
wake up our hearts to the kindness of the Lord.
REFLECTION
As we appreciate someone’s kindness, it begins to soften and captivate us. In
future reflections, we’ll consider how we can be intentional with kindness. But
first we need to warm our own hearts at the fire of Jesus’ kindness to us.
Imagine yourself in today’s scene, welcomed to the table to eat and drink until
your heart is full. Jesus welcomes us to himself, giving us his own body and
blood to feed our hearts. This is lavish kindness.
Listen to ‘Gift of Love’ by Melanie Penn.
Discipleship
Discipleship