The Mighty Man of Wealth
Today’s Verse:
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. ~Ruth 2:1
One of the most encouraging characters of the Bible is Boaz. Boaz is a stirring picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is introduced to us as a kinsman redeemer. A kinsman redeemer was a person nearest of kin to a deceased male relative who would be required to redeem the property of his deceased relative. The purpose of redeeming the property was not only to keep it within the family, but to also provide support to the deceased man’s surviving relatives. Boaz pictures for us the love and concern that the Lord Jesus has for every one of us.
The fame of Boaz.
The first description of him after being called a kinsman of Naomi is that he was a mighty man of wealth. He owned a substantial amount of land, crops, livestock, and many servants. Boaz pictures the greatness of the Lord Jesus in His heavenly glory. Jesus is described by Paul as He Who was rich. Jesus is the Lord over all creation. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Jesus has wealth that will never run out.
The field of Boaz.
Ruth sought to glean in the field of this mighty man. His request to her was not to glean in another field, but to stay in his fields by his servants. The fields of Boaz had crops in abundance and were more than sufficient for gleaning. Jesus makes a similar request to each of us. Don’t glean in the field of the world where the gleanings are lean and disappointing. Glean where your soul will be fed! Glean where there is a predictable provision! Glean where those who serve with you have the same interests and desires!
The favor of Boaz.
Most secular employers are known for their harshness. Boaz, on the other hand, extended his favor and grace to Ruth. “Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” Ruth experienced his personal favor towards her. Each of us finds favor in the eyes of the Lord Jesus. He extends His grace to us when we are weak. His grace is extended to us during our trials and difficulties. When we feel like everyone else has bailed on us, Jesus is there at the right time and place. Oh, what love from this mighty Man of wealth!
The fellowship of Boaz.
Boaz spoke to Ruth. Boaz listened to Ruth. Boaz was friendly to Ruth! Boaz spoke to her about her good report. Boaz is just like Jesus desiring to fellowship with us. Jesus wants us to draw close to Him! Jesus does not want us to be shy of Him! Jesus wants us to speak with Him often! Fellowship with Jesus should be the highlight of our mornings and evenings. We can only become more like Him as we spend more time with Him!
The family of Boaz.
Boaz knew of Ruth’s predicament. He would redeem all that Elimelech and his sons owned and purchase to himself Ruth the Moabitess to be his wife. What a touching picture of what Jesus did when He died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. A Moabite could not enter into the congregation of Israel on her own merit. When Boaz purchased Ruth, he bought her to him and she became his wife. The church has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus and has become the bride of Christ. Ruth was brought into Boaz's family. Every person who, by faith, accepts Christ as his Savior enters into the family of God. Ruth's security was guaranteed by Boaz's action. Our security is guaranteed by the action of Christ.
What a mighty Man of wealth! Take some time to reflect on the goodness and love of Jesus, the Boaz of our life! Just as Boaz invited Ruth to eat of the bread, come thou and let Jesus feed your hungry soul!
Have a satisfying God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 16-18