The Lord Be With You

Boaz answered, “I’ve heard all about what you’ve done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I know your story—how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people and a culture that must seem strange to you. May Yahweh reward you for your sacrifices, and because of what you’ve done, may you have a full and rich reward from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to find shelter!”

— Ruth 2:11-12 (TPT)

Let’s continue with our story in Ruth. Boaz means strength – might, power and stability.  Boaz was a leading man in a leading family in the tribe of Judah.  In fact, you could call him a prince because of his strong family lineage which was of great importance. He was a wealthy man and owned a lot of land. He was also a man of faith who has a strong link in Jesus’ earthly lineage. When he opens his mouth, we hear him blessing his workers, friends and Ruth with “the Lord be with you!”

Ruth goes out to get food for them from the fields while Naomi is wondering what will happen to them after the harvest in the winter months. In her mind, she’s thinking she will have to lease the land. This land God gave her family. So sad! The little bit of money they had is most likely gone, so they will have to lease the land, let it go.

Here comes Ruth back from the fields with joy because of all the grain she brings and the favor she has had. She tells the story of how the owner has favored her by leaving more for her and inviting her to join in their meals. Then Naomi asks her, “who is this man, the one whom you seemed to have been noticed by?”  Ruth replies, “His name is Boaz”. And old Naomi leans back and says, “Hmmm, he is my brother in law and the nearest relative to us”. At that point, the light begins to break through her crowded thoughts and she recognizes the kindness of God. Who else could have arranged these circumstances? In Naomi’s darkness, the beginning of faith and hope arises because there is a custom in Israel that she remembers.

Abba cares about what you are going through right now. He is in your circumstances and is working for your good just as He did for Ruth and Naomi. Expect to have favor, to be blessed, to see good. You are the one Abba loves and He will take care of you beyond anything you can think or imagine. 

“He stepped into my story and became my Kinsman Redeemer. Now His story is my story.”