No story on housewives would be complete without the concept of rumors and gossip! Rumors have the power to break anything and anyone! In an instant a reputation can be brought down. In Ruth's case, gossip and rumors became her saving grace. Word had gotten out in Bethlehem about Naomi and her companion Ruth. People were talking! They were talking about the tragedy the women had suffered, but they were also talking about Ruth's extraordinary loyalty. Not only had she stayed with her mother-in-law, but she had denied her god for Israel's God.
Can you imagine? Once they got through talking about the death's of Naomi's husband and sons, they would then go on to talk about Ruth. Who was she? Why did she stay with Naomi? Didn't she know that it was not a smart thing to do? Didn't she realize that she had given up her future, not to mention the danger she was putting her self in. Now she was gleaning from the left-overs of the harvest in order for her and Naomi to have work. A young women, with no male protection.
There was one man, Boaz, who was deeply touched by the rumor. He knew what a remarkable thing it had been for Ruth to remain loyal to the family she had married into and to forsake her people's god. Her story touched him deeply and it moved him to action. He decided that a loyalty like this should be acknowledge and he offered Ruth the ability to gleen in his fields and provide her protection.
Our reputations are more than who we are, they are also how we reflect Christ in our lives! Are people talking about the light in your life? Or, are they talking about he darkness in your life?
Ruth's reputation for sacrifice and loyalty continue. It is a way of being. It is who she is. When Naomi hears of Boaz offer, she send Ruth to sleep at the foot of his bed. Ruth's response is automatic compliance. She doesn't stop to think, "What will this do to my reputation." She doesn't question Naomi's intentions. Rather she trusts Naomi. And, she is trusting Naomi's God.
How often do we look at our circumstances and look at those who have "control" in our life and questions them? How often do we grumble at our circumstances? How often do we pay attention to the gossip and rumors being spread about us and try to defend ourselves?
Ruth stayed true to who she was! She continued to do the right thing, regardless of how difficult the circumstances were. Regardless of how difficult the request was! And, with this God opened the flood gates of blessing!
Remember, a Wolf's self-absorption may infact be a circumstance that God is divinely orchestrating to bring about His purpose in your life!
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