In the Lord's Field

Bible marking is a pretty popular topic these days.  There are also plenty of ways to approach it as it evidenced by the numerous examples on Pinterest.  A few years ago, I bought a bible specifically for the purposes of bible marking.  When I finally got around to using it, I began with a pretty straightforward book - Ruth.  The most common lesson of the book of Ruth centers on the Jewish law of the kinsman-redeemer - Boaz being an archetype of Christ.  There is also, of course, the example of God’s command for harvesters to “leave” some grain for the poor to gather.  Because of these circumstances we find Ruth gleaning grain in Boaz’s field.  

Ruth chapter two offers us insight into three of the blessings found for those who stay in the master’s field.  If Boaz is a foreshadowing of Christ, then his fields can be viewed as the kingdom of God.  In Ruth 2: 8-9, Boaz gives Ruth specific instructions regarding where and how she should glean.  Like Ruth, those who remain in the folds of the brethren are assured companionship, protection, and refreshment. 

Companionship

“Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘You will listen, my daughter, will you not?  Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women.’”  At the time Boaz sought her out, Ruth would have been gleaning in the back of the field alone.  The young women Boaz refers to were responsible for tying the stalks of grain.  Boaz offers Ruth a place among the harvesters.  Here she would find companionship with other young women and would also be one of the first to glean from the harvest.  No longer would she, a stranger, be alone.

From the beginning, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18).  Scripture has much to say on the importance of those we choose as our companions.  In correcting a false teaching, Paul reminds the Christians at Corinth that “evil company corrupts good habits” (I Corinthians 15:33). This, of course, echoes the teaching of Proverbs 12:26: “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.”  Solomon also extols the virtues of friendship in Ecclesiastes 4: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. . . . Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (9 & 12).  As Christians we are called to community.  And, it is when we remain with our fellow harvesters that we find companionship in Christ.

Protection

Further, Boaz instructs Ruth, “Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you?”.  Along with companionship, Boaz’ instructions provide protection for the young widow.  We find in verse 11 that Boaz is already aware of Ruth’s circumstances.  Even before he dons the mantle of kinsman-redeemer, Boaz seeks to lighten Ruth’s load.  Among the other young women, Ruth is allowed to glean in peace, unharassed by young men who might seek her favor.  Like Boaz, God provides protection for his people.

Psalm 91 tells us that we can find shelter under the wings of God.  And Psalm 34:7 reads, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”  As members of the body of Christ we are called to “bear one another’s burdens” and restore those who have fallen from grace.  This goes back to what was mentioned earlier from the book of Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  The first century Christians were together on a daily basis.  Consistent fellowship with members of the body of Christ affords protection against Satan’s temptations.

Refreshment

Lastly, Boaz instructs Ruth, “And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.”  If she had been gleaning alone, Ruth would have been responsible for drawing her own water.  She would have possibly been exposed to unwanted attention.  It would also have taken more time to draw her own water, leaving less time for the actual gleaning.  As Christians we must find our refreshment in Christ and his church.

While the fields may be ripe for gleaning, life takes its toll on everyone.  It can be hard tiring work.  Therefore, the importance of Christian refreshment should not be underestimated.  Jesus commands in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Barnabas, known as the Son of Encouragment,  was also encouraged during his visit to Antioch (Acts 11:22-23).  After being released from prison, Paul and Silas visited the house of Lydia and encouraged the brethren there.  And, Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica instructing them “to comfort one another” (I Thessalonians 5:11).  Refreshment is an integral part of the Christian walk.  But, it is only available to those within the kingdom.


It is interesting that the number three often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the scriptures.  Boaz issues Ruth three instructions.  He first offers her companionship, a place among his workers.  He grants her protection from those who might disrupt her work.  And finally, Boaz offers Ruth physical refreshment from the hot sweaty work of gleaning.  As in Acts 2:47, God gives those who are saved a place in His fields.  He promises us protection in II Thessalonians 3:3.  Lastly, though physical water will quench our thirst but for a moment, Christ offers us refreshment that will be “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4: 14).