Hi
The story of Ruth, the migrant-turned-Jewess, is rather interesting. In some ways it reads like a fairy tale; beginning with a variation of once upon a time, and ending with the happily ever after. The knight in shining armor actually saves the migrant damsel in distress, and although there’s no wicked witch; one can’t miss the dramatic movements that, in the most minimalist way, takes us from “Once upon a Time” to “Happily ever After”.
In the middle of the story is a curious, non-fairytale verse, which is today’s Holy Nougat
“Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed of the LORD who has not ceased His kindness to the living and to the dead.” Again Naomi said to her, “The man is one of our closest relatives, one who has the right to redeem us.”” Ruth 2:20 AMP
Commentary writers are not all agreed on who the source of the kindness is intended to be. In the Amplified version, the Lord is the One Who is kind. If Naomi is truly referencing God, and not Boaz, it makes sense – God is kind to us all, always. It’s a testament to God’s ‘hesed’ the loving kindness, for which God is renowned.
But what about reading the source as Boaz – it changes the entire nuancing of the verse. For now we are hearing about Boaz, the ‘Near but Distant’ family; who seems interested in honoring the memory of Naomi’s husband Elkanah. In that case, Boaz is presented as kind above and beyond the call of duty (Naomi is a widow and Ruth is a stranger). And for me, that’s the real lesson for us all.
In our relations with others, especially in times of hardship (such as the season of pandemic); God calls us to practice unusual generosity. If only for the sake-memory of another. We are also called to remember to extend unusual generosity to the poor, widowed and orphaned around us; giving of our surplus, instead of hoarding and filling our granaries. As I read and ponder, especially in our current contexts; I cannot help but wonder; ‘have we lost that sense of community?’
I think not. Even among secular groups there have been reports of Good Samaritans who’ve rescued-assisted total strangers during the pandemic. (Dig deep, the stories are there, and if not prove me right by being the one to do so!!!) And that’s the reason Naomi’s blesses Boaz – in her destitution and distress; he rescued her!
Are there Ruth’s and Naomi’s in our contexts who need a reminder of God’s love for them? Are we the one God is calling to remind Naomi of who and whose She is in Christ? Yes, the book of Ruth is a ‘fairy tale’ in its presentation; but it is also about reality and generosity and God’s love for each of us – even the migrant. May we be found faithful and blessed in our contexts.
p.s if you happen to be a Naomi trying to figure out how to navigate your way through this pandemic and bitterness or depression has become your portion; I pray you can see that our God has made provision for you through Boaz. Get ready, it may soon be time for the harvest
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
