1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:04,760 Speaker 1: Prelude to chapter two. The prophet's hands trembled as he 2 00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:08,799 Speaker 1: dipped the quill into ink, the weight of divine words 3 00:00:08,840 --> 00:00:14,160 Speaker 1: pressing heavy on his spirit. Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet, sat 4 00:00:14,240 --> 00:00:17,360 Speaker 1: alone in the dim glow of the evening, a lone 5 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:22,680 Speaker 1: candle flickering against the encroaching darkness. Before him lay a 6 00:00:22,720 --> 00:00:26,200 Speaker 1: blank scroll. But his heart was already full with the 7 00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:30,319 Speaker 1: burden of a message from the Lord of Hosts. This 8 00:00:30,520 --> 00:00:34,000 Speaker 1: was not a message of judgment, but of hope, an 9 00:00:34,040 --> 00:00:38,640 Speaker 1: ember of light for a broken and scattered people. The 10 00:00:38,720 --> 00:00:42,720 Speaker 1: exiles of Jerusalem had been dragged in chained to Babylon, 11 00:00:43,240 --> 00:00:47,839 Speaker 1: their city left in ruins, their temple desecrated. They had 12 00:00:47,920 --> 00:00:54,560 Speaker 1: known suffering, humiliation and despair. But now amidst their captivity, 13 00:00:55,080 --> 00:01:00,120 Speaker 1: the voice of God was breaking through. Jeremiah's quill scratched 14 00:01:00,160 --> 00:01:05,120 Speaker 1: against the parchment, every stroke deliberate, every word carrying the 15 00:01:05,160 --> 00:01:05,959 Speaker 1: weight of. 16 00:01:05,959 --> 00:01:10,840 Speaker 2: Eternity, loss, says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel. 17 00:01:11,200 --> 00:01:16,600 Speaker 1: He wrote, his lips moving in quiet reverence as he transcribed. 18 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:19,600 Speaker 2: To the exiles, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon. 19 00:01:20,200 --> 00:01:24,840 Speaker 2: Build houses and dwell in them, plant gardens and eat 20 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:30,360 Speaker 2: their fruits, take wives, and have sons and daughters, multiply, 21 00:01:31,120 --> 00:01:32,680 Speaker 2: and do not decrease. 22 00:01:33,240 --> 00:01:38,119 Speaker 1: Jeremiah paused, his hand, shaking as tears blurred his vision. 23 00:01:39,040 --> 00:01:43,039 Speaker 1: This was no ordinary command. It was a call to life, 24 00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:48,560 Speaker 1: an invitation to hope in the face of despair. God 25 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:52,120 Speaker 1: was asking his people to bloom in the midst of 26 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:56,720 Speaker 1: their exile, to thrive even in the land of their captors. 27 00:01:57,520 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 2: Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent 28 00:02:00,440 --> 00:02:03,720 Speaker 2: you into exile. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, 29 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:07,080 Speaker 2: for in its welfare you will find your own. 30 00:02:07,640 --> 00:02:12,080 Speaker 1: Jeremiah could feel the people's anguish as he roped. Their 31 00:02:12,120 --> 00:02:17,280 Speaker 1: hearts were shattered, and their identity as gods chosen seemed lost. 32 00:02:18,040 --> 00:02:22,760 Speaker 1: Yet here was the Lord calling them to an audacious hope. 33 00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:28,160 Speaker 1: The prophet pressed on, his tears falling freely, now smudging 34 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:29,320 Speaker 1: the edges of the ink. 35 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:33,320 Speaker 2: Or thus is the Lord. When the seventy years are 36 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:37,399 Speaker 2: completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will 37 00:02:37,440 --> 00:02:40,280 Speaker 2: fulfill my promise to bring you back to this place. 38 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:44,800 Speaker 1: Jeremiah's voice broke as he whispered the next words aloud, 39 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:47,440 Speaker 1: his heart aching with their beauty. 40 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:50,280 Speaker 2: For I know the plans I have for you to clearse, 41 00:02:50,320 --> 00:02:54,480 Speaker 2: the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to 42 00:02:54,520 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 2: give you a future and to hope. 43 00:02:57,120 --> 00:03:00,240 Speaker 1: The scroll seemed to glow in the candle light. The 44 00:03:00,240 --> 00:03:01,600 Speaker 1: words spilled forth. 45 00:03:01,919 --> 00:03:04,280 Speaker 2: Then you will call upon me and come and pray 46 00:03:04,360 --> 00:03:07,600 Speaker 2: to me, and I will hear you. It will seek 47 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:10,040 Speaker 2: me and find me. When you seek me with all 48 00:03:10,120 --> 00:03:13,640 Speaker 2: your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord. 49 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:18,320 Speaker 2: And I will restore your fortunes greater. Gather you from 50 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:21,480 Speaker 2: all the nations and all the places where I have 51 00:03:21,639 --> 00:03:24,960 Speaker 2: driven you. I will bring you back to the place. 52 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:29,080 Speaker 1: From which I send you into exile. Jeremiah set the 53 00:03:29,120 --> 00:03:33,520 Speaker 1: quill down, his fingers smudged with ink and trembling with 54 00:03:33,600 --> 00:03:37,480 Speaker 1: the intensity of the moment. It was a promise etched 55 00:03:37,520 --> 00:03:43,240 Speaker 1: into eternity, a vow of redemption, restoration, and unyielding love. 56 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:48,680 Speaker 1: The God of Israel had not abandoned them. He was working, 57 00:03:49,040 --> 00:03:53,800 Speaker 1: weaving a plan beyond their comprehension. For though they were exiled, 58 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:59,000 Speaker 1: they were not forgotten. They were broken, but not forsaken. 59 00:04:00,160 --> 00:04:03,720 Speaker 1: One day, at the appointed time, the God of all 60 00:04:03,840 --> 00:04:08,640 Speaker 1: creation would bring them out of Babylon. He would be 61 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:09,760 Speaker 1: their Redeemer. 62 00:04:16,120 --> 00:04:19,720 Speaker 3: Hey, y'all, welcome back to pray dot COM's Heroes in 63 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:24,200 Speaker 3: the Bible, Ruth. I'm your host, Savannah Chrisly, and I'm 64 00:04:24,279 --> 00:04:27,559 Speaker 3: so glad you're here with me today. We're moving in 65 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:30,960 Speaker 3: to Ruth chapter two, and let me tell you, this 66 00:04:31,000 --> 00:04:34,520 Speaker 3: is one of my favorite parts of Ruth's story. If 67 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:37,359 Speaker 3: you've ever had to step up and handle things that 68 00:04:37,440 --> 00:04:40,560 Speaker 3: you weren't ready for, you'll see yourself in this story. 69 00:04:41,240 --> 00:04:44,640 Speaker 3: If you haven't yet subscribed to this channel or followed 70 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:48,279 Speaker 3: the podcast, take a moment now to do so. And 71 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:52,360 Speaker 3: for more inspiring devotionals and resources to grow your faith, 72 00:04:52,800 --> 00:04:56,680 Speaker 3: download the prey dot com app today and if something 73 00:04:56,720 --> 00:04:59,880 Speaker 3: I say speaks to you, leave a review or share 74 00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:04,640 Speaker 3: with a friend. We're all on this journey together. We 75 00:05:04,760 --> 00:05:08,760 Speaker 3: began this episode with another prelude, a story from another 76 00:05:08,800 --> 00:05:13,159 Speaker 3: place in the Bible. We heard from the prophet Jeremiah. 77 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:17,560 Speaker 3: God told his people to be faithful despite their suffering. 78 00:05:18,200 --> 00:05:21,840 Speaker 3: He wanted them to thrive in the hardship instead of shrink. 79 00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:26,000 Speaker 3: Back in chapter two of Ruth, we see a similar calling. 80 00:05:26,680 --> 00:05:31,159 Speaker 3: She's going to be faithful even when all seems lost. 81 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:36,919 Speaker 1: Ruth stepped outside and was greeted by the sharp, clean 82 00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:41,240 Speaker 1: scent of barley and rain soaked earth. The sun had 83 00:05:41,320 --> 00:05:45,159 Speaker 1: begun its slow, aescent, painting the sky with vivid colors. 84 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:50,719 Speaker 1: Clouds drifted lazily, catching the dawn's light like wisps of ember. 85 00:05:51,680 --> 00:05:55,160 Speaker 1: Ruth turned her face toward the warmth, letting it soothe 86 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:58,880 Speaker 1: the chill of a long and restless night. For a 87 00:05:58,920 --> 00:06:02,599 Speaker 1: fleeting moment, her heart felt light, but the weight of 88 00:06:02,640 --> 00:06:06,040 Speaker 1: her circumstances quickly settled back into place. 89 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:11,400 Speaker 4: I'll search for food. Maybe I can forage for something 90 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 4: in the hills. 91 00:06:13,160 --> 00:06:17,320 Speaker 1: Naomi hunched over a steaming cup of water, her bitterness 92 00:06:17,520 --> 00:06:20,080 Speaker 1: still covered her face like a thick veil. 93 00:06:20,839 --> 00:06:24,000 Speaker 5: There's no need for that. The Law of Moses allows 94 00:06:24,040 --> 00:06:26,960 Speaker 5: the poor to glean from the fields during harvest. You 95 00:06:27,040 --> 00:06:28,280 Speaker 5: can work for what we need. 96 00:06:29,560 --> 00:06:33,240 Speaker 4: There's a law that cares for the poor. Well, a 97 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:35,719 Speaker 4: foreigner like me be able to gather food. 98 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:40,919 Speaker 5: The law of the Lord is kind, kinder than the 99 00:06:40,920 --> 00:06:45,360 Speaker 5: world it governs. Go, you may find kindness. 100 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:50,400 Speaker 1: Yet, Ruth ventured into town. The marketplace buzzed with life, 101 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:54,680 Speaker 1: though it's warmth felt distant. When she inquired about a 102 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:58,680 Speaker 1: field to glean from, a kindly basket weaver pointed her 103 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:02,400 Speaker 1: toward a property near the ill country. Ruth nodded her 104 00:07:02,440 --> 00:07:05,960 Speaker 1: thanks and made her way to the field. It stretched 105 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:10,920 Speaker 1: wide and golden, sloping gently down into the valley. Reapers 106 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:15,680 Speaker 1: moved rhythmically, their sickles flashing in the morning light. The 107 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:19,520 Speaker 1: air was filled with the rustle of grain and occasional laughter. 108 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:24,040 Speaker 1: Ruth approached a group of men handing out tools and baskets. 109 00:07:24,760 --> 00:07:27,400 Speaker 1: She lowered her head and introduced herself. 110 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:32,080 Speaker 4: Hello, is there any work at the edges of the field. 111 00:07:33,320 --> 00:07:36,840 Speaker 1: One of the young men smirked his gaze, lingering too long. 112 00:07:37,560 --> 00:07:41,200 Speaker 6: Are you sure, lovely? Such a flower shouldn't wilt. 113 00:07:40,920 --> 00:07:41,440 Speaker 7: In the sun. 114 00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:46,800 Speaker 1: The young man laughed and reached out to touch Ruth's face. 115 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:51,240 Speaker 1: Ruth jerked back, her voice firm, I'm. 116 00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:55,160 Speaker 4: Here to work, not to amuse you. If there's no 117 00:07:55,280 --> 00:07:55,800 Speaker 4: place for. 118 00:07:55,840 --> 00:07:56,840 Speaker 5: Me, I'll leave. 119 00:07:57,400 --> 00:07:59,000 Speaker 6: No need to leave, little flower. 120 00:07:59,440 --> 00:08:01,040 Speaker 1: The edge of the field is yours. 121 00:08:01,720 --> 00:08:02,760 Speaker 2: Take what you can kill. 122 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:08,240 Speaker 1: His grin lingered, but Ruth ignored him, gripping her tools 123 00:08:08,320 --> 00:08:12,520 Speaker 1: tightly as she found a quiet spot to begin. The 124 00:08:12,600 --> 00:08:18,360 Speaker 1: work was monotonous but relentless, grain by grain, stalk by stalk, 125 00:08:18,680 --> 00:08:22,960 Speaker 1: Ruth filled her basket. Under the punishing sun. She ignored 126 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:27,080 Speaker 1: the young men's distant taunts, focusing on the task before her. 127 00:08:27,960 --> 00:08:32,600 Speaker 1: Her hands, raw from the sickle, trembled with fatigue. As 128 00:08:32,640 --> 00:08:37,280 Speaker 1: the sun climbed higher, the oppressive heat bore down. Ruth's 129 00:08:37,280 --> 00:08:41,559 Speaker 1: determination began to falter, the weight of her grief and exhaustion, 130 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:45,960 Speaker 1: pressing harder than the day's labor. A careless slip of 131 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:50,240 Speaker 1: her sickle sliced her hand, and pain flared through her palm. 132 00:08:50,880 --> 00:08:53,800 Speaker 1: She dropped the grain and fell to her knees, her 133 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:58,400 Speaker 1: breath hitching in frustration, Ruth let her head fall, tears 134 00:08:58,640 --> 00:09:03,880 Speaker 1: darkening the soil beneath. Then a cool and fleeting breeze stirred, 135 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:08,760 Speaker 1: brushing her cheek like a whisper. She paused inhaling deeply. 136 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:13,599 Speaker 1: It was enough to quiet the storm inside her. 137 00:09:16,120 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 2: You can do this, Ruth. 138 00:09:18,240 --> 00:09:20,840 Speaker 1: Wiping her tears with a torn piece of her dress, 139 00:09:21,360 --> 00:09:25,720 Speaker 1: Ruth steadied herself. She picked up her tools and began again. 140 00:09:26,679 --> 00:09:31,240 Speaker 1: The battle she fought was not against enemies, but against despair. 141 00:09:32,240 --> 00:09:36,560 Speaker 1: Ruth's weapon was hope. Though it felt fragile, she held 142 00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:41,080 Speaker 1: it fiercely, pressing forward with quiet courage. She did not 143 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:44,840 Speaker 1: yet see it, but God was already weaving a story 144 00:09:44,920 --> 00:09:52,760 Speaker 1: of redemption through her faithfulness. The day began to wane. 145 00:09:53,400 --> 00:09:57,640 Speaker 1: Workers loaded sheaves into carts bound for the silos, while 146 00:09:57,679 --> 00:10:01,480 Speaker 1: others prepared a simple meal near the whe Laughter and 147 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:06,000 Speaker 1: songs filled the air. Then from the road, a booming 148 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:08,199 Speaker 1: voice carried across the fields. 149 00:10:08,760 --> 00:10:11,040 Speaker 7: The Lord be wave you, faithful men and women. 150 00:10:11,840 --> 00:10:16,120 Speaker 1: Heads turned and a cheer erupted as the workers recognized 151 00:10:16,160 --> 00:10:20,199 Speaker 1: the voice and the Lord bless you. It was Boaz, 152 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:23,640 Speaker 1: the master of the field. He rode forward on a 153 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:27,400 Speaker 1: sturdy horse, his light curly hair pulled back into a 154 00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:32,160 Speaker 1: neat bun. His broad shoulders and upright posture commanded attention. 155 00:10:32,800 --> 00:10:36,120 Speaker 1: But it was his kind eyes and easy smile that 156 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:37,679 Speaker 1: endeared him to all. 157 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:39,319 Speaker 8: Who worked for him. 158 00:10:39,360 --> 00:10:43,480 Speaker 1: Dismounting, Boaz handed out dried figs with a cheerful grin. 159 00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:49,880 Speaker 7: Take a moment, my friends, heath be refreshed. 160 00:10:50,760 --> 00:10:55,800 Speaker 1: The workers crowded around, grateful for the unexpected treat. Boaz 161 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:59,520 Speaker 1: chatted with them briefly, then cast his gaze over the fields, 162 00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:04,720 Speaker 1: his practiced eyes surveying the day's progress. He stopped short 163 00:11:05,320 --> 00:11:07,800 Speaker 1: at the far edge of the field, a woman was 164 00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:13,280 Speaker 1: working alone. Something about her caught his attention, the quiet 165 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:17,240 Speaker 1: determination and her posture, the way she labored without pause. 166 00:11:17,920 --> 00:11:22,080 Speaker 1: He gestured to the foreman, whose young woman is that? Ah, Yes, 167 00:11:22,360 --> 00:11:26,760 Speaker 1: the young flower. The foreman smirked, but it vanished under 168 00:11:26,800 --> 00:11:28,440 Speaker 1: beau as his shock gaze. 169 00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:33,240 Speaker 6: That's Ruth, the moabid widow daughter in love of Naomi. 170 00:11:33,920 --> 00:11:37,320 Speaker 6: She followed her here after her husband's death. Seems she's 171 00:11:37,440 --> 00:11:40,640 Speaker 6: taken upon herself to care for the old woman Moorland. 172 00:11:41,720 --> 00:11:45,120 Speaker 7: And she stayed with Naomi when she could have remarried 173 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:46,000 Speaker 7: in her own lad. 174 00:11:46,360 --> 00:11:49,960 Speaker 6: That's the word going around. They say she's loyal to Naomi. 175 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:53,800 Speaker 6: The why she'd sacrifice her own future for a bag 176 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:54,400 Speaker 6: of boones? 177 00:11:55,280 --> 00:11:55,920 Speaker 2: Who knows? 178 00:11:57,200 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 1: Boaz nodded thoughtfully, his gaze feting back to Ruth. Beau 179 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:03,680 Speaker 1: has called the men together. 180 00:12:04,240 --> 00:12:08,680 Speaker 7: You've done well today, gentlemen. Your work is honorable and 181 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:10,120 Speaker 7: pleasing to the Lord. 182 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:15,000 Speaker 1: The men grinned and exchanged to glances, but their smiles 183 00:12:15,040 --> 00:12:18,959 Speaker 1: faltered when bo As his tone grew stern. He pointed 184 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:19,640 Speaker 1: toward Ruth. 185 00:12:20,040 --> 00:12:25,840 Speaker 7: Now, listen carefully, I know that some of you find 186 00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:31,679 Speaker 7: amusement in teasing the women let me be clear. These 187 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:35,079 Speaker 7: daughters of the Lord are not here for your entertainment. 188 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:40,760 Speaker 7: They are worthy of respent. Any man who harasses them 189 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:43,760 Speaker 7: will answer to me. Am I understood. 190 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:48,199 Speaker 1: The men nodded. He singled out the group. Nearest Ruth 191 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:54,080 Speaker 1: especially heard. If she speaks, you listen. If she needs Philip, 192 00:12:54,320 --> 00:12:59,920 Speaker 1: you offer it. If I hear otherwise, there will be consequences. 193 00:13:00,920 --> 00:13:04,600 Speaker 1: The tension broke as Boaz's face softened into a smile. 194 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:09,680 Speaker 7: Now let's finish so we can eat, drink, and enjoy 195 00:13:09,760 --> 00:13:10,960 Speaker 7: the fruits of our labor. 196 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:15,760 Speaker 1: As the men dispersed, Boaz lingered, his eyes drifting back 197 00:13:15,800 --> 00:13:20,120 Speaker 1: to Ruth. There was something about her, something beyond her beauty. 198 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:24,400 Speaker 1: He didn't know her story in full, but Boaz resolved 199 00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:28,160 Speaker 1: to learn more. The Lord had brought her here, and 200 00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:34,960 Speaker 1: he intended to find out why. Ruth's blistered hands trembled 201 00:13:35,160 --> 00:13:37,960 Speaker 1: as she packed the last of the grain into her basket. 202 00:13:38,480 --> 00:13:42,120 Speaker 1: She adjusted her shawl against the cooling air, ignoring the 203 00:13:42,160 --> 00:13:45,360 Speaker 1: throbbing in her hands. She would work until she could 204 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:51,480 Speaker 1: no longer stand for Naomi. When footsteps approached, her body tensed, 205 00:13:51,640 --> 00:13:52,400 Speaker 1: ready to flee. 206 00:13:53,040 --> 00:13:55,199 Speaker 7: God be with you, thought of Mowan. 207 00:13:55,760 --> 00:13:59,960 Speaker 1: Ruth hesitated, her fists unclenching as she studied the strange. 208 00:14:00,400 --> 00:14:02,920 Speaker 1: She had been taunted too many times to count by 209 00:14:02,920 --> 00:14:03,480 Speaker 1: the young men. 210 00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:06,120 Speaker 4: What do you want? 211 00:14:06,600 --> 00:14:10,600 Speaker 7: Oh ah, oh, I don't want anything. I'm just here 212 00:14:10,640 --> 00:14:14,720 Speaker 7: to introduce myself. I'm Boaz, son of Samon. 213 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:16,520 Speaker 4: This is my field. 214 00:14:17,400 --> 00:14:21,080 Speaker 1: Ruth's eyes widened in embarrassment, and she bowed her head 215 00:14:21,120 --> 00:14:21,760 Speaker 1: in respect. 216 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:27,479 Speaker 4: Oh, my lord, a thousand apologies for my shortness. 217 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:32,520 Speaker 7: I please, no need for formalities. You've worked hard today. 218 00:14:33,200 --> 00:14:33,840 Speaker 2: Let me help you. 219 00:14:34,800 --> 00:14:37,400 Speaker 7: There's a warm meal waiting by the silos. 220 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:41,440 Speaker 1: Boaz took two of Ruth's baskets and hoisted them onto 221 00:14:41,440 --> 00:14:45,000 Speaker 1: his shoulders. He smiled and gestured for her to follow. 222 00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:49,760 Speaker 1: Ruth hesitated but nodded, picking up the third basket and 223 00:14:49,880 --> 00:14:53,920 Speaker 1: following him up the trail. Boaz whistled a lighthearted tune 224 00:14:53,960 --> 00:14:57,920 Speaker 1: as they walked. The path wound upward, offering a stunning 225 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:01,120 Speaker 1: view of the fields below bathe in the soft glow 226 00:15:01,160 --> 00:15:01,840 Speaker 1: of sunset. 227 00:15:02,320 --> 00:15:05,960 Speaker 7: You should stay with the women tomorrow. You'll glean more 228 00:15:05,960 --> 00:15:10,200 Speaker 7: that way, and it's safer. I've spoken with the young men, though, 229 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:13,560 Speaker 7: and they won't bother you again. You have my word. 230 00:15:14,600 --> 00:15:18,760 Speaker 1: Ruth paused, dropping her basket. Grain spilled onto the ground, 231 00:15:18,840 --> 00:15:22,520 Speaker 1: but she barely noticed. Tears welled in her eyes as 232 00:15:22,560 --> 00:15:26,160 Speaker 1: she dropped to her knees. For months, she had borne 233 00:15:26,160 --> 00:15:30,520 Speaker 1: the weight of survival, caring for her dying husband, then Naomi, 234 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:35,800 Speaker 1: with no thought for herself. Now someone was finally looking 235 00:15:35,800 --> 00:15:36,480 Speaker 1: out for her. 236 00:15:37,040 --> 00:15:39,520 Speaker 8: Why why, what, Ruth? 237 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:45,120 Speaker 4: Why are you being so kind to me. I'm a foreigner, 238 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:47,520 Speaker 4: I'm nothing to you. 239 00:15:48,320 --> 00:15:52,480 Speaker 1: Boaz knelt beside her, carefully scooping the spilled grain back 240 00:15:52,560 --> 00:15:56,200 Speaker 1: into the basket. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder. 241 00:15:56,800 --> 00:16:01,720 Speaker 8: His touch was unthreatening. I've heard of your loyalty to Naomi. 242 00:16:02,920 --> 00:16:07,360 Speaker 8: What you've done for hers is extraordinary. You deserve honor 243 00:16:07,440 --> 00:16:12,240 Speaker 8: and respect. The Lord sees you, Ruth. He is with you. 244 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:16,080 Speaker 1: Ruth lifted her tears streaked face to meet his gaze. 245 00:16:16,680 --> 00:16:20,840 Speaker 1: For the first time in months, she felt seen. She 246 00:16:20,880 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 1: wiped her cheeks and managed a small, shaky smile. 247 00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:25,640 Speaker 5: In bots. 248 00:16:27,280 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 4: I thought the Lord had forgotten me. 249 00:16:31,360 --> 00:16:35,040 Speaker 7: You're in the land of God, Ruth. It's under his wings. 250 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:36,359 Speaker 8: You've come for refuge. 251 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:39,600 Speaker 1: He offered her, his hand helping her to her feet. 252 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:45,160 Speaker 8: Now, come, let's eat. 253 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:48,400 Speaker 1: They continued, to the silos, where a fire crackled and 254 00:16:48,520 --> 00:16:53,120 Speaker 1: laughter filled the air. The workers sat together, sharing roasted 255 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:57,960 Speaker 1: barley and hearty stew. Bo Az served each person, even 256 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:02,560 Speaker 1: though he was their master. He served, then Ruth watched 257 00:17:02,640 --> 00:17:06,320 Speaker 1: him in quiet amazement. The children danced about the tables 258 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,800 Speaker 1: under the lamplight. For the first time in a long while, 259 00:17:10,400 --> 00:17:15,159 Speaker 1: Ruth allowed herself to feel anything but desperation. Something akin 260 00:17:15,320 --> 00:17:20,840 Speaker 1: to joy welled within her. Before Ruth left, she overheard 261 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:23,159 Speaker 1: Boaz speaking to the head reaper. 262 00:17:23,359 --> 00:17:25,359 Speaker 7: Pull out some of the stored bundles for Ruth to 263 00:17:25,440 --> 00:17:28,240 Speaker 7: glean and make sure no one troubles her. 264 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:32,680 Speaker 1: Ruth pretended not to hear, but a small smile spread 265 00:17:32,720 --> 00:17:37,000 Speaker 1: across her face. Perhaps she thought God had not forgotten 266 00:17:37,040 --> 00:17:41,600 Speaker 1: her or Naomi. Perhaps redemption was closer than she had 267 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:48,159 Speaker 1: dared to believe. The twilight deepened as Ruth pulled the 268 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:51,760 Speaker 1: small cart up the path to Naomi's house. She had 269 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:55,440 Speaker 1: worked herself to exhaustion, yet the thought of Naomi's reaction 270 00:17:55,600 --> 00:18:00,240 Speaker 1: to the grain filled her with anticipation. Pushing the door open, 271 00:18:00,560 --> 00:18:03,080 Speaker 1: Ruth was greeted by the warm glow of the fire. 272 00:18:03,960 --> 00:18:08,440 Speaker 1: Naomi sat beside it, tending to a pot. Naomi looked up, 273 00:18:08,840 --> 00:18:11,879 Speaker 1: her tired eyes widening at the sight of the baskets. 274 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:15,679 Speaker 5: Where have you been gleaning to bring back this much food? 275 00:18:16,880 --> 00:18:21,560 Speaker 4: The Lord has blessed us today. This will last us weeks. 276 00:18:22,400 --> 00:18:25,199 Speaker 4: And look, I brought bread from the meal they gave me. 277 00:18:25,800 --> 00:18:28,560 Speaker 1: She pulled the loaves from her shawl and handed them 278 00:18:28,600 --> 00:18:29,200 Speaker 1: to Naomi. 279 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:33,720 Speaker 5: What did you have to do for all this, Ruth? 280 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:36,320 Speaker 5: Did the young men ask anything from you? 281 00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:37,280 Speaker 1: No? 282 00:18:38,359 --> 00:18:43,639 Speaker 4: Nothing was required of me except sweat and determination. The 283 00:18:43,680 --> 00:18:47,080 Speaker 4: master of the field even gave me extra out of generosity. 284 00:18:48,440 --> 00:18:51,760 Speaker 5: Blessed is the man who allowed you to glean so much? 285 00:18:52,080 --> 00:18:52,679 Speaker 5: Who was he? 286 00:18:53,640 --> 00:18:57,080 Speaker 1: Ruth leaned back against the wall, her smile softening at 287 00:18:57,119 --> 00:18:57,840 Speaker 1: the thought of him. 288 00:18:58,640 --> 00:19:04,879 Speaker 4: His name is Boaz. He was kind, Naomi. He protected 289 00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:07,920 Speaker 4: me from the younger men and insured I had enough 290 00:19:07,960 --> 00:19:12,240 Speaker 4: to bring home. There was no pretense, no hidden motive, 291 00:19:12,560 --> 00:19:19,520 Speaker 4: just goodness, so rare in a man his age, especially. 292 00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:23,760 Speaker 1: Where I'm from. Naomi froze, her eyes widening as the 293 00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:26,320 Speaker 1: name seemed to echo in her mind. 294 00:19:26,720 --> 00:19:27,880 Speaker 6: Bow wows. 295 00:19:29,520 --> 00:19:31,640 Speaker 5: Boaz, son of Salmon. 296 00:19:32,640 --> 00:19:36,400 Speaker 1: Naomi rose and moved to the baskets, running her fingers 297 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:40,720 Speaker 1: through the barley as if to ground herself in reality. Slowly, 298 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:44,480 Speaker 1: a genuine grin spread across her face, the first Ruth 299 00:19:44,520 --> 00:19:46,400 Speaker 1: had seen in what felt like years. 300 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:52,280 Speaker 5: Bo As, son of Salmon. Oh, may he be blessed 301 00:19:52,320 --> 00:19:55,200 Speaker 5: by the Lord whose kindness has not forsaken the living 302 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:55,760 Speaker 5: or the dead. 303 00:19:56,600 --> 00:19:59,879 Speaker 1: Naomi spun in place, her hands lifted to the heavens. 304 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:05,200 Speaker 5: Oh, Ruth, do you understand what this means? What does 305 00:20:05,240 --> 00:20:05,760 Speaker 5: it mean? 306 00:20:06,640 --> 00:20:07,920 Speaker 4: Who is beau As to you? 307 00:20:08,480 --> 00:20:12,560 Speaker 5: Baas is a kinsman redeemer? Do you know what that is? 308 00:20:12,640 --> 00:20:13,320 Speaker 5: My child? 309 00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:16,760 Speaker 4: No? What is a kinsman redeemer? 310 00:20:17,480 --> 00:20:21,480 Speaker 1: Naomi took Ruth's hands, her touch gentle on the blisters. 311 00:20:22,040 --> 00:20:25,720 Speaker 5: A kinsman redeemer is a man appointed within the family 312 00:20:25,840 --> 00:20:30,600 Speaker 5: to rescue and restore. He redeems lost property, frees family 313 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:37,520 Speaker 5: members from slavery, avenges wrongs, and on occasion, a redeemer 314 00:20:37,560 --> 00:20:40,720 Speaker 5: will marry a widow to protect and provide for her. 315 00:20:41,520 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 4: You're not suggesting Boas would marry me? Are you? 316 00:20:48,520 --> 00:20:51,000 Speaker 5: Do not fret over what may be? You are a 317 00:20:51,040 --> 00:20:54,600 Speaker 5: woman of courage and virtue. Continue to glean be the 318 00:20:54,640 --> 00:20:57,200 Speaker 5: woman God has called you to be, and we will 319 00:20:57,240 --> 00:20:59,880 Speaker 5: see how the Lord moves in his perfect time. 320 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:05,119 Speaker 1: Ruth nodded her thoughts a storm of emotions, gratitude, hope, 321 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:10,000 Speaker 1: and a flicker of something she dared not name. That night, 322 00:21:10,359 --> 00:21:13,520 Speaker 1: as they shared a meal by the fire, Naomi spoke 323 00:21:13,560 --> 00:21:17,160 Speaker 1: with a lightness Ruth hadn't heard in months. They reminisced 324 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:22,480 Speaker 1: about Moab, Marlon, Killian, and Orpha. Their laughter filled the 325 00:21:22,560 --> 00:21:26,000 Speaker 1: small house for the first time since they had buried 326 00:21:26,040 --> 00:21:30,280 Speaker 1: their husbands. They allowed themselves to dream of a better future. 327 00:21:31,240 --> 00:21:37,080 Speaker 1: God had not abandoned Ruth or Naomi. Somehow, amidst their suffering, 328 00:21:37,720 --> 00:21:41,560 Speaker 1: he was weaving a story of redemption, and Ruth was 329 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:44,760 Speaker 1: beginning to believe she was a part of it. 330 00:21:48,359 --> 00:21:51,439 Speaker 3: You know, when I think about Ruth chapter two, I 331 00:21:51,520 --> 00:21:55,360 Speaker 3: can't help but see so many parallels with my own life. 332 00:21:55,720 --> 00:21:59,040 Speaker 3: If you've been following my story, then you know this 333 00:21:59,119 --> 00:22:03,280 Speaker 3: past season has been a lot. When my parents had 334 00:22:03,280 --> 00:22:08,600 Speaker 3: to go away, everything changed suddenly. I'm not just Savannah Chrisly. 335 00:22:09,200 --> 00:22:11,680 Speaker 3: I'm also a full time guardian for my little brother 336 00:22:11,720 --> 00:22:15,400 Speaker 3: Grayson and my sister Chloe. I had to step up 337 00:22:15,440 --> 00:22:19,959 Speaker 3: in ways I never expected. It's funny though I always 338 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:24,320 Speaker 3: thought I'd arrive in life and be settled. But life 339 00:22:24,320 --> 00:22:27,160 Speaker 3: has a way of throwing curveballs that force you out 340 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:30,560 Speaker 3: of that settled mentality. That's what I see in Ruth. 341 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:35,000 Speaker 3: This young woman didn't have a safety net. Her husband 342 00:22:35,040 --> 00:22:38,000 Speaker 3: had died, her father in law was gone, and she 343 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:41,639 Speaker 3: was in a foreign land. But instead of sitting around 344 00:22:41,720 --> 00:22:45,760 Speaker 3: and feeling sorry for herself, she says, I'm going to 345 00:22:45,880 --> 00:22:49,119 Speaker 3: do something about it. She tells Naomi, let me go 346 00:22:49,200 --> 00:22:52,440 Speaker 3: to the fields and pick up the leftover grain. She's 347 00:22:52,480 --> 00:22:55,639 Speaker 3: not waiting for someone to hand her a blessing. She's 348 00:22:55,680 --> 00:22:58,959 Speaker 3: going out to look for it. And man, did this 349 00:22:59,080 --> 00:23:02,200 Speaker 3: hit me hard Because I've been there. There were days 350 00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:04,879 Speaker 3: when I had to figure out how to keep everything together, 351 00:23:05,560 --> 00:23:08,960 Speaker 3: taking kids to school, running a business, managing my own 352 00:23:09,000 --> 00:23:14,960 Speaker 3: mental health. And it's easy to wonder, does anyone see me? Ruth, 353 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:19,199 Speaker 3: no doubt had moments like those moments of I'm caring 354 00:23:19,200 --> 00:23:23,680 Speaker 3: for everybody else, but does anybody care about me? Maybe 355 00:23:23,720 --> 00:23:26,719 Speaker 3: you're feeling that way right now. You're doing all this 356 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:30,800 Speaker 3: work behind the scenes, and it feels like nobody notices. 357 00:23:31,480 --> 00:23:35,360 Speaker 3: But guess what. Bo As noticed Ruth, and God notices 358 00:23:35,400 --> 00:23:39,280 Speaker 3: you and Ruth. Chapter two, bo As steps into the story. 359 00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:42,120 Speaker 3: He's the owner of the field, Ruth is working in. 360 00:23:42,680 --> 00:23:46,639 Speaker 3: Bo As obviously notices how pretty Ruth is, but that's 361 00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:51,000 Speaker 3: not what intrigues him. Bo As is stirred by Ruth's loyalty. 362 00:23:51,520 --> 00:23:56,439 Speaker 3: He notices her integrity. He's kind, protective, and generous. He 363 00:23:56,520 --> 00:23:59,760 Speaker 3: tells his workers to make things easier for her and 364 00:23:59,800 --> 00:24:03,520 Speaker 3: make sure that she's taken care of. What's wild to 365 00:24:03,640 --> 00:24:06,800 Speaker 3: me is that Ruth didn't go looking for Boaz. She 366 00:24:06,920 --> 00:24:10,440 Speaker 3: didn't have a dating profile or a meet cute plan. 367 00:24:10,920 --> 00:24:13,919 Speaker 3: Ruth was working. She wasn't looking for a man to 368 00:24:14,000 --> 00:24:16,479 Speaker 3: be with for life. She was just looking for a 369 00:24:16,560 --> 00:24:20,520 Speaker 3: meal to survive the day. Ruth was doing what she 370 00:24:20,680 --> 00:24:24,800 Speaker 3: could with what she had. Sometimes we think we have 371 00:24:24,880 --> 00:24:29,200 Speaker 3: to manifest a blessing, but Ruth's story reminds us that 372 00:24:29,400 --> 00:24:34,080 Speaker 3: faithfulness in the ordinary moments puts us in position for 373 00:24:34,160 --> 00:24:38,640 Speaker 3: divine appointments. Here's the takeaway for all of us. Don't 374 00:24:38,760 --> 00:24:43,560 Speaker 3: underestimate the power of showing up. Jesus talks a little 375 00:24:43,600 --> 00:24:47,440 Speaker 3: about this in one of his parables. He says this 376 00:24:47,560 --> 00:24:51,840 Speaker 3: in Matthew twenty five twenty three, Well done, good and 377 00:24:51,920 --> 00:24:55,680 Speaker 3: faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things. 378 00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:59,080 Speaker 3: I will put you in charge of many things. Come 379 00:24:59,119 --> 00:25:04,040 Speaker 3: and share your mass happiness. Don't underestimate the power of 380 00:25:04,080 --> 00:25:08,240 Speaker 3: being faithful in every moment, whether it's on the mountaintop 381 00:25:08,320 --> 00:25:11,479 Speaker 3: or in the valley. Ruth didn't know how her story 382 00:25:11,480 --> 00:25:15,320 Speaker 3: would unfold, but she knew that she had work to do. 383 00:25:15,920 --> 00:25:16,240 Speaker 5: For me. 384 00:25:16,800 --> 00:25:21,680 Speaker 3: That meant staying faithful to my family, work, advocacy projects, 385 00:25:21,840 --> 00:25:26,399 Speaker 3: and mental health. It's about showing up daily and trusting 386 00:25:26,760 --> 00:25:30,399 Speaker 3: that God's got the bigger picture in mind. That brings 387 00:25:30,520 --> 00:25:34,560 Speaker 3: us to the prelude on today's episode. Before chapter two 388 00:25:34,600 --> 00:25:38,160 Speaker 3: of Ruth, we were introduced to a story from Jeremiah 389 00:25:38,160 --> 00:25:42,119 Speaker 3: twenty nine. So many Christians know about Jeremiah twenty nine 390 00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:42,640 Speaker 3: to eleven. 391 00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:43,800 Speaker 5: Do you know it? 392 00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:47,200 Speaker 3: For I know the plans I have for you, declares 393 00:25:47,240 --> 00:25:50,439 Speaker 3: the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 394 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:54,359 Speaker 3: plans to give you hope and a future. This was 395 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:56,960 Speaker 3: God's comfort to the people of Israel when they were 396 00:25:56,960 --> 00:26:01,440 Speaker 3: being taken away from their homes to Babylon. We can 397 00:26:01,480 --> 00:26:05,600 Speaker 3: apply this verse to our difficult circumstances today. We find 398 00:26:05,680 --> 00:26:08,920 Speaker 3: comfort and knowing that God has a plan for all 399 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:13,920 Speaker 3: of us, But so many people miss the context surrounding 400 00:26:14,040 --> 00:26:18,680 Speaker 3: Jeremiah twenty nine to eleven. Before making his promises, God 401 00:26:18,720 --> 00:26:22,560 Speaker 3: tells the people of Israel that life will most definitely 402 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:26,719 Speaker 3: get more brutal, but while going through these trials, they 403 00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:29,880 Speaker 3: should work hard to make the best of it. That's 404 00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:34,160 Speaker 3: what Ruth did, and that's what you can do. And listen. 405 00:26:34,680 --> 00:26:38,800 Speaker 3: Maybe you're waiting on something right now, a breakthrough, a 406 00:26:38,840 --> 00:26:43,840 Speaker 3: new job, a relationship. You're doing all the right things, 407 00:26:44,200 --> 00:26:48,520 Speaker 3: but it feels like nothing's happening. Let me remind you 408 00:26:49,320 --> 00:26:53,920 Speaker 3: Ruth didn't see bo Az coming, but God did. Her 409 00:26:54,040 --> 00:26:57,639 Speaker 3: faithfulness put her in the right field at the right time. 410 00:26:58,119 --> 00:27:02,000 Speaker 3: So don't give up, keep work, keep being faithful. 411 00:27:02,840 --> 00:27:03,520 Speaker 5: God's got a. 412 00:27:03,520 --> 00:27:07,160 Speaker 3: Way of bringing boas Is into your story just when 413 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:11,159 Speaker 3: you need them, whether that's a person, an opportunity, or 414 00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:15,680 Speaker 3: a breakthrough. God sees you, just like Boas saw Ruth. 415 00:27:16,160 --> 00:27:20,920 Speaker 3: God sees you. Next time, we'll see how Ruth's relationship 416 00:27:20,960 --> 00:27:24,919 Speaker 3: with Boas deepens and what that means for her and Naomi. 417 00:27:25,480 --> 00:27:28,960 Speaker 3: Their future is about to change. And I'll just say this, 418 00:27:29,600 --> 00:27:36,520 Speaker 3: when God's favor shows up, everything shifts. Thanks for joining me, y'all, 419 00:27:36,560 --> 00:27:40,080 Speaker 3: subscribe and follow this show and share this episode with 420 00:27:40,200 --> 00:27:43,600 Speaker 3: someone who needs it. If you enjoyed it, leave us 421 00:27:43,600 --> 00:27:47,639 Speaker 3: a review and for a lot more inspiring devotionals and 422 00:27:47,680 --> 00:27:51,480 Speaker 3: resources to grow your faith. Download Theprey dot Com app 423 00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:56,520 Speaker 3: today and remember keep showing up. God's got a bo 424 00:27:56,640 --> 00:27:57,800 Speaker 3: as on the way for you.