July 21, 2008
Boaz' Care for Ruth
Read Ruth 2:4-16
Perhaps the hardest thing is life is to be so desperate that your life depends on what
has been called the kindness of strangers.
Years ago an inner city ministry advertised a training program for clergy who were
interested in caring for the poor in their area. When the clergy arrived, they were given
old clothes to wear, had to relinquish their wallets and watches, were handed a couple
of dollars, and with no further instruction, were sent out to survive for two days on the
street. The only rules: they could not identify themselves nor call anyone they knew for
help. They learned more than they bargained for.
Boaz sees the desperate situation of Ruth and Naomi and takes pity on them. Rather
than judging them for their need, he makes sure their need is met and that Ruth is
protected in the process. He even protects her dignity, making sure she is not
embarrassed.
It has been said that those in need are not failures in need of punishment but tests for
others to demonstrate selfishness or generosity. Boaz passed his test. Pray for the
poor, and pray that we would pass the tests, too.
Neil Lebhar
