[I’ve adapted this devotional from a portion of my sermon that I will preach this Sunday, May 12, 2024, as an encouraging foretaste of what is to come.]

 

At DGCC, we have just begun a sermon series focused on the book of Ruth. When we engage the OT, it is vital for us, the new covenant people of God, to recognize that the OT was written for us (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1–11; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12). So when we see characters in the OT, we should see them in two ways: as examples for us to emulate or not emulate and as pointers to Jesus, who fulfills all the OT. Well, in this short book of Ruth, we get to know two great historical figures that we cannot help but love in Ruth and Boaz. And when we look at Ruth, we see a person of great faith that we would do well to imitate. Let’s consider her faith.

 

The Starting Place and Context of Ruth’s Faith

The starting place of Ruth’s faith is this: she seeks refuge in the Lord, Yahweh (Ruth 1:16; 2:12). Ruth was not of Yahweh’s people. In fact, she was a Moabite, a people who, according to Scripture, were perpetually cursed (Deuteronomy 23:3). However, Ruth in faith forsook her people, forsook her mother and father, forsook her gods, and sought refuge in Yahweh (Ruth 1:15; 2:11–12). Here, Ruth is a great example of faith for us. The starting place for authentic faith is seeking refuge in Yahweh. And as we will see from Ruth, it is in this context—refuge in Yahweh—that we actively exercise our faith in him.

 

Ruth’s Active Faith

It doesn’t take long in the narrative for Ruth to begin to actively exercise her faith in Yahweh, which we see in Ruth 2:2—

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”

Let’s make some observations about Ruth’s faith here…

 

Ruth’s Faith Initiates

Ruth’s faith initiates action. Here in verse 2, we first see Ruth’s faith initiates going to glean. We say, how is this an example of Ruth exercising faith in Yahweh? Well, because Yahweh built this provision into his law.

In both Leviticus 19:9–10 and Leviticus 23:22 we read this: 

Leviticus 19:9–10—“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

And

Leviticus 23:22—“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

God has built into his law a means by which the poor—often widows—and sojourners from other nations (à la Ruth the Moabite who has sought refuge in Yahweh) would be able to have food to survive. And Ruth in faith intends to take advantage of this provision. Why? Because Ruth’s faith to glean banks on something. This leads to our second observation of Ruth’s faith.

 

Ruth’s Faith Banks on Yahweh

Ruth’s faith banks on Yahweh and his word. The reason Ruth exercises faith to glean is because her faith rests on Yahweh in whom she has sought refuge. It rests on his character, his promises, and his ability to deliver on those promises. Yahweh has made a provision in his Law (Lev 19:9–10; 23:22), and Ruth’s faith to find refuge in Yahweh now says, “Okay, I have sought refuge in you. Now let me put my faith in you to work because of who you are and what you have said in your Word. Ruth’s faith banks on Yahweh and his word. Because Ruth banks her faith on Yahweh, her faith also takes on another characteristic.

 

Ruth’s Faith Is Bold

Ruth’s faith is bold. How do we come to this conclusion. Well, for one, Ruth is a woman. And for two, she is a Moabite. Both factors work against her in this context. Indeed, we will see Boaz feel the need to command his young men not to touch her, reproach her, or rebuke her (Ruth 2:9, 15–16). And Naomi confirms later that the danger of assault exists (Ruth 2:22). But Ruth, with faith banking on Yahweh, despite inevitable prejudice and inherent risk based on the fact that she is a Moabite woman, boldly goes to glean anyway. This is because Ruth in faith expects something.

 

Ruth’s Faith Looks For and Expects Yahweh’s Grace

Ruth’s faith looks for and expects Yahweh’s grace. You say, “Where do you see grace here.” Look at what Ruth says again in verse 2. She says she will glean “after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” The word for favor in verse 2 is the same Hebrew word for grace. When God gives unmerited grace, we experience it as favor. Ruth’s faith hopes for and anticipates that she will find Yahweh’s grace coming through the farmer or owner of the field she ends up working behind.

 

Ruth’s Faith, an Example for Us

In sum, Ruth’s faith to first seek refuge in Yahweh is, in that context of refuge, an active faith that (1) initiates, (2) banks on Yahweh, (3) is bold, and (4) looks for and expects Yahweh’s grace. Ruth is an example of faith for us. Our faith should move us to always be seeking refuge in Yahweh, and it should be an active faith that initiates action, rests completely on Yahweh and his Word, is bold and risk-taking for his glory, and looks for him to give grace upon grace.

 

Conclusion

As the story goes, Ruth’s active faith ends up being rewarded. Yahweh gives her grace upon grace through her redeemer, Boaz, who prefigures Jesus. Thus, we, with full knowledge and assurance of God’s grace—which is his kindness to redeem us through Jesus—should have an active faith that matches and even surpasses Ruth. Thank God for giving us Ruth as an example to us. But thank God even more for Jesus our redeemer who ensures that our active faith is not in vain.