Boaz gave orders to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don’t embarrass her. Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16

The rules for the poor were clear: they could gather only what fell to the ground. The sheaves, bundled and heavy with grain, were forbidden. Imagine how tempting it must have been for those hungry and impoverished to steal when no one was looking. A rich supply of grain was just within their grasp, yet they couldn’t touch it. It seems Boaz understood the quiet torment of the needy heart, the tension between reverence and desperation.

Quietly, behind the scenes, he made provision for Ruth to touch what was previously forbidden. He opened his heart to her need and gave her permission to gather food from the best of his
land. She had passed the test. Her character had been revealed by her life’s story. She hadn’t performed to become credible. She hadn’t performed at all. Her character proved sterling without an awareness of the watchful eyes of spectators. Ruth had been faithful with little. Because of that, Boaz knew he was free to entrust Ruth with more.

So he intervened. Quietly, behind the scenes, Boaz ordered his men to bend the rules in her favor. He turned restriction into invitation. Ruth, who had labored faithfully within her limits, suddenly found the boundaries moved, not by her striving, but by grace. What she had done in secret, anonymously, proved to construct a platform of credibility.

Her character had already told her story. She had been faithful in obscurity, kind when no one was watching, steadfast in grief. She did not perform; she lived truthfully. Boaz saw what God had long seen—a woman who could be trusted with more. Faithfulness in little had prepared her for abundance.

I often think that no one is watching me. However, I am not an island and Ruth’s story reinforces that truth. The sacrifices I’ve made, the decisions for righteousness made in the dark, the encouragement given to the weak, all leave impressions.  The quality of a person’s heart is not hidden for long. I wear my history like a garment around my shoulders for all to see. Character always rises to the surface; it cannot remain buried forever.

In Your kingdom, there are already NO restrictions. You have made all Your resources available to me because of Your mercy, not my goodness. Amen