Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Singing (10/31/05)
-
TITLE: Sweet Redeemer | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amy Verlennich
11/07/05 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“The Lord bless you!” they replied.
As he watched them in the field, he noticed a woman he’d not seen before. He asked his servant in charge of the harvesters, who the young woman was.
“She is the Moabitess who traveled back with Naomi from Moab. She asked if she could glean and gather what was left behind from the harvesters. She’s an extremely hard worker, for she’s stopped only once for a short break.”
He admired such diligence. He went to her saying, “Don’t go and glean in any other field. Stay here in mine with my servant girls and follow along after them. I have told the men not to bother you, and whenever you are thirsty, please get a drink from the water jars.”
She bowed her face to the ground and asked, “Why have you found such favor in your eyes that you notice me… a foreigner?”
His heart was struck by her humbleness.
“I've heard the honor you have brought to your mother-in-law, despite the death of your husband and coming to a land where the people were strangers. I also know of their cruelty to you, a woman from Moab, and it grieves me. May the Lord repay you for all you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
As she looked into his eyes for the first time, he caught his breath as he saw her deep brown eyes.
“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord.” Then bowing her head once again, she continued, “You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls.”
“Please stay until the fields have been harvested. No harm will find you here.”
As he turned to walk away, he couldn’t help but notice the thumping in his chest.
Silly old man… such a response to a beautiful young lady…
He thought of how the Lord had so richly blessed him. How could he want for anything more? Yet, as he lay in bed that night, the sweet melody she sang while working in the field filled his head… and he fell asleep with thoughts of sharing his heart with another.
****
He awoke to movement at his feet. Quietly he asked, “Who are you?”
“I am your servant Ruth.”
His breath was taken away at the sound of her voice. Dumbfounded, he listened as she continued,“Take me under your protecting wing. You are a kinsman-redeemer…”
The room spun as Boaz let her words sink into his delighted heart.
Oh Lord, I have found such favor in your eyes already. Could you bless me even more?!
He calmed his heart long enough to reply, “The LORD bless you. I’m touched by your expression of love. You could have had your pick of so many younger men…”
He paused again, as his heart raced. Breathing in deeply he continued, “Don’t worry, for I will take care of everything. I would love nothing more, for everyone speaks of your noble character, however, there is a man that is a closer relative than me. Tomorrow I will ask him. If he is willing, I will let you go. But if he is not, then surely as the Lord lives, I will love you until I die.”
He laid his head back, and silently prayed the Lord would grant his heart’s desire, as he fell asleep dreaming of her sweet singing once more.
****
As he paced, Boaz prayed that the Lord would protect his precious wife and the new life she was bringing into the world. He was still in awe over how greatly the Lord had blessed him. The only one he loved more than Ruth was the Lord himself.
“It’s a boy, Boaz! We have a baby boy!” he heard her voice exclaim, exasperated.
He ran to her side. Tears of joy ran down his face as he saw mother and child.
She has never looked more beautiful… thank you Lord, for allowing me to be the kinsman-redeemer.
And as he gazed upon their newborn, he looked at the next in line… a line who would eventually bring forth the Promised Redeemer of the world.
(Taken from Ruth 2-4 NIV)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.