So yesterday during my extended study/lax/reading time before Bible study I went to a familiar text to review…Ruth.
Now, I have read this book many times. Two years ago I taught a Bible study at my house with Ruth and Esther as the foundation. I even juxtaposed the preparation difference between the two thinking Ruth’s was significantly short. YESTERDAY I was corrected. She gleaned for the REST of Barley season. When I started looking at information that gave way to the length of this season…I gathered at least 5-6 months. Why is this significant? Glad you ask… I am a woman. Most women anticipate relationships or connections..and we get nervous if we don’t know anything definitive. I am also VERY honest. One thing being single taught me was to glean. Garner wisdom and knowledge from viable sources and respect time. God set time in motion and it doesn’t go backward or bend to human will. Ruth gleaned in this field at the instruction of Boaz and her mother-in-law Naomi. She FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS. She was PATIENT. She didn’t know Naomi was going to suggest Boaz redeem her, until she suggested it.
I kind of POPPED UP out of my comfortable reading position when things began to click. Often times, when we don’t follow the wisdom available to us, we move out of turn. We anticipate moves before it’s time. When we do this, we destroy order. (or we make emotional decisions and ignore wisdom)
The last thing I will leave you with is this: twice I can point out the fact that Ruth’s character preceded her. The people around her knew of her. They had nothing negative to say. Are we living in a way that people have nothing negative to say about our character? As a single woman, it doesn’t behove me to have a bunch of people doubting my character, suitors or not. I am not referring to those who are just malicious and vindictive. Boaz mentioned her character TWO significant times for good reason(s).
I have more reading to do…I will continue to share as I read. Growth is a process. I see growth in my life, but I’m not close to the pinnacle.
Ivy Out
Andonnia's Truth 
One reply on “familiar text”
Those that doubt are good for you. They build perserverence and alot of times provide true proof as to being headed in the correct direction. Things that move towards God are actually against the grain from a worldly aspect. Obedience put into action is in fact the key in a man choosing his life partner. Gleaning is something that most are not willing to do, but it shows a sense of humility which reveals true character. This is what Boaz received. Based on her actions of revealed humility triggered the attention of Boaz.
Great example.
,Tez