Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband’s side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, October 17, 2023
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Boaz: A Glimmer of Hope and Grace in Hard Times
In this chapter, we meet Boaz, a relative of Naomi who owns a field where Ruth goes to glean. Boaz is not just any landowner; he's a man of integrity and kindness. When he notices Ruth, he doesn't see her as a foreigner or a burden but as someone deserving of respect and dignity.
Boaz's actions toward Ruth are a beautiful example of grace in action. He ensures her safety, provides her with food, and even instructs his workers to leave extra grain for her. In a society where widows and foreigners were often marginalized, Boaz's kindness stands out like a beacon of hope.
This story is a reminder that grace often comes to us in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. Whether it's a kind word from a stranger, a helping hand in a time of need, or a moment of unexpected generosity, these are the instances where we encounter the divine in the mundane.
In our own lives, we may not own fields or have the opportunity to provide for someone in the way Boaz did, but we all have our own "fields" of influence. It could be our workplace, our community, or even our social media platforms. And in these spaces, we have the opportunity to be agents of grace, offering kindness and hope to those who cross our paths.
