TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” Ruth 2:8-9
Read: Ruth 2:1-9
Listen: Ruth 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Ruth travels to Bethlehem with Naomi after the loss of her husband. Arriving in the city, Ruth goes to find food for them. God provides for Ruth and Naomi but not through manna from heaven or Boaz handing Ruth and Naomi food. Instead, Boaz gives Ruth instructions to gather grain from his field. Such initiative affirms Ruth’s dignity and ability to collect for herself and her close relative.
When caring for others, sometimes we look for the easiest or quickest rather than the best route. We can learn from the biblical example of Boaz when he allows Ruth to glean from his field. Like Boaz, we can devote ourselves to honoring God and the biblical command to care for the poor and widows. And, also like Boaz, we do it in a way to affirm the dignity of those we care for. This might mean not doing for others what they can do for themselves. God has blessed every person with gifts and abilities. Caring for others should involve encouraging their abilities to provide for themselves.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend some time reflecting on how you help others. How can you help in a way to affirm a person’s dignity and abilities? If you are a parent, consider ways to equip your children (of all ages) better to provide for themselves. Maybe you encourage age-appropriate responsibilities for your children (such as doing the laundry, dishes, yard work, helping run errands, paying back debt, housesitting, etc.) that support them to grow into better adults. Journal about precise ways your help assists others while affirming dignity and personhood.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
August is PRAYER. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
