Christian Living

---

I recently came across a message that has touched my life in a very special way ~ “A woman’s heart should be so lost in God that a man has to seek Him to find her.”

This is SO true! SO ABSOLUTELY TRUE! And it’s evidenced in the lives of every great woman named in God’s Word. They trusted God, let their hearts be led by Him, and as a result they were blessed beyond their wildest dreams and expectations.

The root of this precious message – being lost in God – is especially paralleled between the stories of Rachel and Ruth. We all get lonely at times. Even in the midst of a great multitude of people, a person can feel completely alone. Well, imagine the life of Rachel – a shepherdess – spending her days alone in the vast emptiness of an open pasture, and only a flock of sheep with which to communicate. Then imagine the life of Ruth. Having been married, but watching her husband die before she could have children, then moving with her widowed mother-in-law to a land where she knew no one, and knew nothing about the culture. These two women seem to have been alone – as alone as a woman can be – but they actually weren’t alone at all. God was with them, and He had a major plan for their lives. I believe their hearts were completely lost in God, and because of that He was able to use them, and bless them.

Let’s take a look at the story of Rachel (Genesis 29.1-20). There she was, taking care of her father’s business by tending his flock of sheep. Every day she woke before dawn, prepared herself, took care of her household duties, and then gathered her sheep and led them to the pasture to graze upon the abundance of God’s provision. While her sheep were busy grazing I believe Rachel kept busy pondering her life, pondering God, spending time with Him, and talking to Him about her life, her wishes, her dreams.

Each day as the sun rose to the highest point of the sky, she would once again gather her flock then lead them to the community well for their mid-day watering. On this particular day she was running late, and the other shepherds and flocks had been waiting for her arrival before opening the well. While they were waiting, a stranger joined them. A stranger in the flesh, but not in the spirit, for this stranger was actually a relative of Rachel’s family. As they waited, they became acquainted with this stranger, and the community told him about the shepherdess for which they were waiting.

To Rachel, this day was no different than any other. How could she have known that within a matter of moments her life was about to change forever? As she ascended the hill with her flock, and the well became visible in the distance, I’m sure she noticed someone new in the crowd. She probably even felt a bit of the crowd’s excitement as she approached.

Then it happened – Jacob saw Rachel, and his heart leaped within him. Even though Rachel had been working all day and was tired, hot and sweaty, dirty, and even a bit dusty, Jacob fell in love at first sight! Jacob, this mighty man of God – the one chosen by God to be the father of the twelve tribes of the Nation of Israel – saw Rachel and her flock, and immediately stepped forward to serve her by rolling the stone away from the well and watering her flock. Having done this, he then proclaimed to her his love and dedication with a kiss, after which he “lifted up his voice and wept.” (Genesis 29.11)

The story then goes on to tell us, “Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told her father, ‘I will work for you for seven years, if you’ll give me Rachel, your younger daughter, as my wife.’…So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed but a few days.” (Genesis 29.18,20)

As a matter of fact, Jacob wound up working for Rachel’s father for fourteen years in order to purchase Rachel, the reason for which is a completely different message. The point of this message is not the circumstances – but the fact that Jacob didn’t just want someone to tend to his house and raise his children, he wanted the woman he loved, and he was willing to do whatever it took to get her. Rachel, on the other hand, was just going about her day, taking care of her father’s business, and God brought forth her blessing, literally laying that blessing it at her feet. One of the most important men in history – now that’s a blessing that can only be described as exceedingly abundantly above and beyond anything Rachel could have hoped for or imagined.

The same thing happened in the life of Ruth. As a young widow, she pledged her allegiance to her widowed mother-in-law and her mother-in-law’s God. Ruth left her own family and moved with her mother-in-law to a land she knew absolutely nothing about (Ruth 1.15-18).

As widows in a “new” land, Naomi and Ruth were poor. They had no man to care for them. There was no welfare program, no unemployment insurance, no widow’s pension, no Social Security, and no food stamps. You might even consider this poorer than poor. But the Word doesn’t say that Naomi and Ruth were homeless. Quite the contrary. Later in the story we see that the family had land, and as a result of Ruth’s faithfulness – as the only remaining “child” - she alone was entitled to the entire estate. Aside from that, I truly doubt that Naomi had returned to her homeland completely empty handed. Obviously they had a roof over their heads and sandals on their feet, but that was about it. As far as their everyday needs – oil for their lamps, soap to wash themselves and their clothing, food for their table – well, in these things they were relying completely on the kindness of strangers.

Sure, they could have sold their land and their possessions, but the proceeds of such a sale would have dried up quickly, and then they would have been even worse off than when they started. As an attractive, young, healthy female, Ruth could have decided to go out and find a husband to take care of them. Instead she listened to the voice of God, and heard Him calling, “Come, Ruth. Follow me. I will show you a better way. I will not only take care of you, but I will also bless you for your faithfulness.” You see, God had led Naomi back to her homeland, Bethlehem, right at the start of the harvest season (Ruth 1.22), and He was about to change Ruth’s life forever.

Ruth answered God’s call, and He lead her to a particular field to glean – to pick up the scraps left behind by the paid harvesters. Despite how bad this may look to us, it was treasure to her. A treasure which she received with joy. She worked her little heart out that first day, only resting in the shade a few moments and taking a little water.

Then it happened! The owner of the field, Boaz, came by to check on his workers. In the distance he saw a beautiful young woman. She had been working all day. She was tired, hot and sweaty, dirty, and probably a bit dusty, but she attracted his attention anyway. He inquired of her, and the Chief of the Harvesters gave Boaz an excellent report about her.

Now, Boaz was not just a mighty man of God. He was a man of great compassion, especially for those who worked for him. He looked passed Ruth’s circumstances and saw right into her heart. He took her aside and told her that if she stayed in his field with his maidservants he would care for her and protect her. At first Ruth was amazed, not understanding why this great man had singled her out from all the others gleaning in his field. She fell at his feet, thanking him, blessing him, and honoring him. Soon she would find out that God was actually thanking, blessing, and honoring HER through Boaz.

As this beautiful story unfolds, we see that Ruth heeded the council of Boaz. She stayed with his maidservants, and followed his workers as they reaped the harvest. At the same time, Boaz advised his workers to leave this beautiful young woman alone. He further instructed them to purposely drop portions of the good grain in her path in order to sweeten her reward. At meal time, he even invited her to his table and shared his meal with her. She ate until she was satisfied – no more – and took the remnants home to share with Naomi.

When Naomi heard all that had happened that day, and whose field Ruth had happened into, she rejoiced greatly and praised God for His goodness. You see, Ruth hadn’t stumbled into just anyone’s field. God had led her to the field of a close relative. A relative that was second in line to be her “kinsman redeemer.” In biblical times, and in some cultures today, if a man dies before his wife has given him children – it falls upon the next brother in line to take the widow as his bride. This insures not only that the dead man’s inheritance remains in the family, but also that the man’s sir name continues.

With this in mind, Naomi advised Ruth to honor Boaz by offering herself to him. In chapter three, Naomi instructs Ruth “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself know to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.” (Ruth 3.1-3) Naomi, in the wisdom only maturity and faith in God can bring, was advising Ruth to “prepare for the blessing, but don’t chase after it”. That evening Ruth did exactly as Naomi had advised. She waited quietly in the shadows at the threshing floor until Boaz had finished his business and went to lie down at the end of a heap of grain to sleep. She then “came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.” (Ruth 3.7b).

At midnight, Boaz was startled out of his sleep and found Ruth laying at his feet. When he saw who was there he proclaimed, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now my daughter, do not fear, I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” (Ruth 3.10-11). Boaz then discussed with Ruth her situation, and invited her to stay there until the morning. Ruth arose “before one could recognize another” and once again heeded Boaz’s council by not letting anyone know that she had been there.

When Ruth returned home and told Naomi of everything that had happened, Naomi advised her to “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” (Ruth 3.18) You see, Boaz was not the first in line to be Ruth’s kinsman redeemer. He was second in line. Thus, the custom demanded that the first in line make the decision whether or not to take Ruth into his home. Boaz, being a righteous man, but also a very shrewd business man, called the first in line before an assembly of their peers and asked him if he would like to “purchase the land belonging to Naomi the widow”, and along with it the young widow Ruth. Not willing to give his first born the name of another, the first in line declined – opening the door of blessing for not only Ruth and Boaz, but also for Naomi – who was able to finally see her family name continue. And that name continued right down through King David, who is Ruth and Boaz’s great-grandchild, to Jesus Christ Himself. Life just doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

Earlier I spoke of the parallels between the stories of Rachel and Ruth. Have you seen them? Well, let me point them out.
1) Both Rachel and Ruth were servants of God. Rachel, a Shepherdess - “tending to her father’s business.” Ruth, a Widow in a strange land - “gleaning in the fields of harvest;”
2) Both women were just going about their business serving God when He brought great and mighty men into their lives. They had prepared for the blessing by spending time with God – but neither was actually looking for or chasing after that blessing;
3) Both women received a good introductory report from those whom they either knew very well, or served;
4) Both men were attracted to these women by their service to God. Regardless of their “natural” appearance, the men saw their hearts and loved them just as they were;
5) Neither man would rest until he had won the right to possess the heart of the woman he desired;
6) God saw the hearts of both women, fellowshipped with them, and rewarded their faithfulness and dedication by blessing them far beyond their wildest dreams or expectations:
a. Rachel became the wife of the man who fathered the twelve tribes of the Nation of Israel,
b. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, and a direct ancestor of Christ Jesus through his mother, Mary.

Although my spiritual – or heart – walk through the stories of Rachel and Ruth will continue forever, I feel that my natural – or head – walk with these great women is coming to a close. I know I will continue to fellowship with them and glean even deeper understanding as I mature, but for now I feel God calling me to the next level. My final task was to share with you the sweetness of a life lost in God. To share the unfaltering knowledge that no matter how alone you may be, you are always in the presence of the three most powerful people in the universe – God - the Father, Jesus Christ - the Son, and the Holy Spirit. With these three “dudes” in your corner – how could anyone ever stand against you? How could you ever be alone?

But most importantly, God wanted to me share with you the undeniable fact that He loves you – ladies and men alike – and He wants to bless you beyond your wildest dreams and expectations. I can share this with you in all honesty, because God has given me some really big promises, and every time I start to wonder, or doubt, or get impatient or anxious, He steps right in and confirms His promise – whether it be through His Word (the Bible), or the words of my friends and loved ones. The one thing I know as fact is that my heart is completely lost in Him. I also know, without a doubt, that He has already chosen my Boaz, and God’s chosen one is seeking Him right this moment in order to find my heart.

Ladies, prepare for God’s blessing, but don’t chase after it. God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what you like, He knows what you want – but more importantly He knows what you NEED. God didn’t sacrifice His Son on the cross just so you could say “Here I am Lord, bless me.” No, with every act of deliverance and salvation comes a call to share the Good News of your deliverance and salvation. When you love someone, you talk about that person all the time. Well, if you truly love Jesus Christ, you will talk about Him every chance you get. I’m not saying you need to stand on the street corner and declare God’s love for the world (unless that’s what you feel led to do), but use your life as a witness. Be a shepherdess to those you come into contact with on a daily basis. Live a life that speaks of the faithfulness and love of God. Most of all, spend as much time as possible gleaning in the field of God’s Word. Because God’s Word is where you will find all the answers – even answers to questions you haven’t yet asked.

And you men out there … if you’re just looking for someone to cook your meals, clean your house, and iron your shirts – then get a catalog, because you can purchase that kind of a woman on the internet. If, however, you want a true friend, a help mate, a ministry partner, a life long companion, someone who will stimulate your intellect as well as your emotions, and especially if you want to raise children who love and obey the Lord with all their hearts, then start plowing God’s field. Plant the seed of God’s Word in the good soil around you, and tend the land. Start taking care of your spiritual Father’s business. Then, and only then, will you see that when the harvest is full God will send a worthy Shepherdess to glean in your fields. God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what you like, He knows what you want – but more importantly, He knows what you NEED. Seek God, and He will guide you to the heart of the woman He has chosen to meet your every need and desire.

Solomon, the wisest man in all of history, tells us in the book of Proverbs: “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; for it is better that he say to you ‘Come up here,’ than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen…A man’s gifts makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” (Proverbs 25.6-7;18.16). Prepare for your blessing by stirring up, nourishing, and training the gifts that God has given you. He's given you those gifts and talents for a purpose – to magnify and glorify HIM. Yes, prepare for the blessing, but don’t chase after it. Let the blessing chase after you. Then – when it finally catches up with you, you will have no doubt that it is a blessing direct from God Himself!

“The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:12

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE