Ruth 2:15-16 – “And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.” NKJV

  The story of Ruth, who is incorporated into the lineage of our Lord Jesus, is a most interesting one.  After the death of her father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband, her mother-in-law Naomi decided to return to Israel this Moabite committed to going with her.  She told her mother-in-law “your people are my people” demonstrating amazing loyalty. 

Upon arrival in Israel, she and Naomi were struggling to survive.  Naomi sent her to the fields to gather grain so that they could live.  When the owner of the fields Boaz saw her, God touched his heart and after talking with her instructed his laborers to ‘purposefully leave handfuls’ of grain for her.  It was a custom in those days to leave the corners of the field for the hungry and needy but Boaz went far beyond that custom and his instruction while missed by Ruth was not to Naomi.

It was this act of kindness and godliness that prompted the counsel of Naomi to send Ruth to Boaz which would lead to her becoming his wife and from there the rest is history as she is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.  Matthew lists Jesus as the son of David although Abraham is listed as the first in the line.  It appears that Matthew wanted to introduce Jesus as the coming King.  Luke takes a little different approach and seems to have been prompted to show Jesus as both King and Priest and took his genealogy back to Adam. 

Matthew lists six very significant women in Jesus’ mother’s lineage. They were Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary all-powerful women that had an incredible influence on those of their generation and their children.  But the thing I want to focus on is the kindness of Boaz and the provision of God for us.

If we allow ‘handfuls on purpose’ to be distributed to the needy, God will open the door for an incredible return to us in the natural and spiritual.  If loyally serve those that God has placed in our lives He will open doors and bring to pass divine encounters that will position us for greatness in the kingdom.  Both are important!  Both require commitment, obedience, and faith.

If it is in your hand to leave ‘handfuls on purpose’ for the needy do so.  If you are the recipient of ‘handfuls on purpose’ realize that it is the hand of God that has engineered your situation to provide for you.  In both cases allow rejoicing to be the rule of your life and if you are the needy one, remember this when you become prosperous and do the same for others.  The principle or law of reciprocity comes to mind as I write.

Blessings as you go through your day!