Thursday, August 2

Boaz Protects Ruth

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

Boaz's admiration for Ruth is not simply internal anymore. He has opened the door for others to learn of his interest. He told his reapers not only to let Ruth glean without reproach, but also that they should throw a little of the good grain they've harvested once in a while. It was a way for Boaz to ensure that Ruth and Naomi would both be fed, especially since their prospects for long-term prosperity were limited. This says a lot, not only about Boaz, but about the integrity of his workers. As far as we know, Ruth never had any troubles with any of Boaz's reapers or the women who worked for him. For a leader to exude such uprightness is a testament to Boaz.

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Narrative Lectionary Text: Ruth 2:15-16

When she got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, “Let her glean even among the standing sheaves, and do not reproach her. You must also pull out some handfuls for her from the bundles, and leave them for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”