Handfuls of Purpose
Today's Verse:
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. ~Ruth 2:16
Do you rejoice when others succeed and do well? Are you encouraged by the sight of progress in the life of another believer? All too often, some of us become suspicious when we see signs of life, progress, or change in another Christian, the church, or a ministry. As a result, we tend to have a wait-and-see attitude, or we see ourselves as barriers and gatekeepers to the other person. This is also true when it comes to parenting. In our devotion this morning, we need to consider if we are barriers or builders when it comes to the development of other people.
We see gracious consent.
Ruth the Moabitess returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. As a descendant of the Moabites, God commanded that a Moabite could not enter among the Jews for up to ten generations. However, Boaz graciously allowed her to glean in his field with his other reapers. Boaz gave her permission to eat with the other maidens. He commanded his young men to not hurt or intimidate her. He graciously allowed her to glean whatever she is able to gather among the sheaves. Boaz is a blessed picture of our Lord Jesus Christ Who accepts us and gives us grace that we may grow. Were it not for the grace of God, all of us would be in trouble. Ruth was allowed to gather for herself and Naomi. What could have been a disastrous situation for her turned out to be a special blessing.
We see a godly caution.
After Boaz gave her elevated permission, he turned to the young men who were reapers and specifically told them to not rebuke or reproach her. In effect, he was commanding them to not be a hindrance or discouragement to her. He was telling them, "Don't be a barrier to her because she was different. Don’t be a barrier to her because she was diligent. Don’t be a barrier to her because of her desire. Don’t be a barrier to her because of devotion." What a word of caution for us! We must be careful that we are not acting like spiritual policemen who discourage other believers who are really trying to serve Him. We must be careful that new believers are not discouraged from making mistakes and trying to grow. We must be careful not to discourage people from showing their love for the Lord through their giving and acts of service. We must be careful that we do not make it hard for anyone to serve the Lord or to grow in their faith. When Mary of Bethany poured the entire contents of sweet ointment from an alabaster box on Jesus, she was criticized by His disciples. Immediately, Jesus told them, “Leave her alone.” Boaz told these reapers, “Rebuke her not.”
We see a genial cooperation.
Boaz told his servants, “Let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them.” We must always remember that God places us in the life of another person to help them grow and succeed. Be happy when other people succeed. Rejoice in every spiritual victory. When someone does something good, give them a compliment. Give your children a compliment when they do well. Give them encouragement to do more. Help a new believer to learn the ropes of the Christian life by taking them with you. Stand with others. Serve with others. Sweat it out with others.
Are you a barrier or a builder? Are you in the way of progress or leading the way for progress? Take some time today to think about some people for whom you need to drop some handfuls of purpose to glean. Be an encourager!
Have an encouraging God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 1-2