The Book of Ruth ~ Devotion Ten

"Choose Your Attitude"

In Devotion Nine we learned about Ruth going to glean the leftover barley in the fields to get food for her and Naomi. What a humbling thing to do. I can’t imagine having to feed my family that way. They had no other choice but to take this humble position.

The act of picking up grain causes not only a physical bowing, but a mental one as well. It reflects the spiritual humility God requires of us. The position of true humility is having an understanding of our true identity as it relates to God.

I'm sure there are things in your life, as well as in mine, that I have to do even though we don't want to. How we respond to the work ahead of us is the issue. How is our attitude toward it? Take time to think about the task that faces you today? What is your true attitude?

1 Peter 5:5b-7 (NLT) And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud
but favors the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Peter writes about being a servant. He relates to us that God doesn't like proud hearts. In that, it means our attitude toward the task ahead or people we encounter. What's cool about God is that He supplies us with the right attitude when we ask Him. We don't have to worry about what lies ahead when we give it to our God, because He really cares for us. He is compassionate towards us when we turn to Him with humble hearts.

Ruth humbled herself and look what happened:

Ruth 2:4-10 (NLT) While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied. Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?” And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi.  She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.” Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

So as we go further into the story, let’s humble ourselves before the Lord with prayer:

"Dear Lord,  I want nothing more than to serve You. Help me learn more about Your wonderful plans through this story found in Ruth. It is rich with Your love and faithfulness. I pray that I will discover how You answer prayers in ways Naomi and Ruth could never have imagined. May I see and experience the same wonder. It is in Jesus’ Name I pray ~ Amen."

We determine from Boaz’s greeting of the workers that he is a godly man and his workers responded in kind. Such a greeting is practically unheard of in today’s society, at least in western society. This closet we get is saying, “Have a nice day.”

The priests of the time were required by God to give a blessing to the Israelites. It was a way of putting God’s name on them to reflect that they were His chosen people. The priests were calling God’s blessing to be on His people. Boaz was blessing those who worked for him in his greeting. Boaz started the day with a good attitude.

Below is the blessing he gave:

Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you
 and protect you. May the Lord smile on you
 and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor
 and give you His peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in My name, I Myself will bless them.”

With Boaz’s greeting to his fellow workers, he was acknowledging God and simply asking God’s blessing on them and their work. With this “hello” he was calling on God for protection, God’s delight and grace, His favor and peace. The workers responded with the same. Their response was the “amen” to the blessing.

How do you greet others? What attitude do you have when you approach someone? Does it depend on who it is? Are you kind or rude? Gentle or forceful? Considerate or selfish?

After greeting his men, he asked about the Ruth. Boaz didn’t waste time in approaching her. Not only that, he made sure that she felt welcome to continue with her work. He wasn’t required to offer her any more than being able to pick up the left-over grain, but he went beyond the requirement. He offered her water and protection as well.

Boaz reminds me of God’s grace to those who humble themselves before Him. He doesn’t have to give us anything, but He does. His biggest gift of grace to us is found in His Son Jesus. We don’t deserve anything from Him. Because the Lord loves us, He gave His best for us. (See John 3:16-17)

God knows who you are. He doesn’t have to ask anyone. He provides for us, for His people. He’s concerned with our welfare. He doesn’t want us to go anywhere else to find provision for our needs. He’s all we need. Rest in Him and take part in the provision He has for you.

Ruth's response to Boaz was one of great humility and gratitude. We must examine our response to God’s wonderful gifts to us. We don’t deserve the favor we find in Him, but because of His great love for us, He gives freely.

As you go about your day today ask God for His help in the duties of life. Choose the joy He willingly provides for those who decide to humble themselves before Him.