Each town, city, state or country has local customs or traditions and new residents should learn what they are. Festivals, parades, “˜get downs’, Octoberfest’s, football mania, and the lists go on. It is important to learn what is celebrated.
Naomi knew the local customs and would make wise use of that knowledge for Ruth’s best good.
(NASB) Ruth 3:1 “THEN NAOMI her mother-in-law said to her, “˜My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?”
***What shines bright concerning Naomi’s character? Naomi’s love for Ruth wanted the best for her well-being. She had made the turning point from bitterness to hope. She wanted Ruth to be secure. Her love was focused on Ruth and not on her own losses.
Mature love does that – it looks for ways for others to be blessed.
Do you and I look for ways which will be best for our extended family, our spouse, our children, grandchildren, and friends?
How did Naomi’s love for Ruth reveal itself? She saw the need and thought through how to fulfill that need as far as she was capable. She thought about the customs and then would use them for Ruth’s benefit.
(NASB) Ruth 3:2a “Now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were?”
***Naomi’s plan involved Boaz and Ruth. Ruth had already had been introduced to Boaz and his workers. She had already established her willingness to work and had a reputation for caring for Naomi. By working in Boaz’ fields she had a reputation upon which others could know her for themselves. She was not a stranger to Boaz.
(NASB) Ruth 3:2b “Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight.”
***Barley harvest was over; it was time to separate the grain from the chaff. Boaz and other men would sleep there as a deterrent to thieves stealing the grain, and to celebrate the end of the barley harvest. And Naomi knew this…
How should you and I be involved with the customs and traditions of where we now live? When we honor God by our conduct, interaction with others will mean getting involved in ways that will bring Him glory and establish good relationships with those in our community.
Naomi used circumstances to advantage, yet it was in an orderly manner. She didn’t rush in or wait too long. She waited for the right timing, and Ruth agreed with her. What a testimony of Ruth’s faith. Remember what she had committed to before she had come with Naomi to Bethlehem:
(Amplified) Ruth 1:16-17 “And Ruth said, “˜Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried’…”
***Ruth’s commitment to God and Naomi was for life.
To whom are you committed? Is it to the living God of the Bible and His ways?
