“Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.’ Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, ‘Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?’ Boaz answered her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!’ Then she said, ‘I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.'” Ruth 2:8-13
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Ruth, a young widow displaced (by choice) in a foreign land, set to industry by gleaning in her mother-in-law’s relative’s field. Moved by the heart of God, the owner brought this notable stranger palpable comfort in ways only his Lord would have known were meaningful. He noticed her hard work and kindness, and was attentive to the unusual faith she exhibited as a Moabite drawn to her husband’s family’s God. As God’s vessel of blessing to her, he provided for her practical needs with protection, ample sustenance, and specific instructions. (Ruth 1:1-18,22; 2:2-7)
We, too, can extend meaningful comfort to those among us. We likely live or work with people who are unsettled, lonely, lacking, or carry unspoken heartache. Keeping our ears and sensitivities open to the Lord and eyes open to individuals will direct us when and how to meet specific needs.
How intent are we on looking for opportunity to extend God’s comfort and blessing? Who is lonely in a new or strange place? Who needs to understand how things work, an unknown process or cultural distinction? Who is burdened by a troubled child, demanding family member, deep grief? What are we doing to supply for practical needs and palpable care among those in our family, church, or community?
How will we grant the favor and blessing of God on loved ones this day? How can we name the Lord and encourage people spiritually, bolster them in the truth of God’s promises, remind them of His attributes? A word of benediction and a moment of help are graces to bestow with joy. (Proverbs 10:21; 16:24)
Father, keep me keen to the plights of others, ready and generous always to comfort and bless for Your sake.
As the rain and snow 