Acts of Kindness: Ruth & Boaz

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men to be seen by them, or else you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Matthew six. One, Dear Lord, we come before you with a desire for authenticity in our faith. Strip away any pretense from our actions, and purify our motives. When we serve, give, or pray. We once sincere devotion to you, not in pursuit of approval. Teach us the quiet strength of humility, that we may find joy and unseen sacrifices and secret acts of kindness. Knowing that you see all and reward what is done in secret. Help us to cherish the approval that comes from You more than the accolades that the world can offer. Remind us that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, cultivated under the watchful eyes of you alone. Grant us the wisdom to navigate the fine line between living as a light in the world and seeking attention for our deeds. May our lives be transparent reflections of your love and grace, influencing others not by our glory, but by yours, visible in the humble, genuine expressions of our faith in the pursuit of a life lived well for your glory. Help us remember that we seek not the applause of men, but the quiet affirmation of our Father, who sees in secret. In the name of Jesus, we pray Amen. Thank you for prayer with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a story of humble devotion and pure love inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. If you're wondering how to partner with us in this series, you can share, rate, and review this podcast. These small steps go a long way. Thank you for making the mission possible. Jesus continued to preach on the Mount. People were enraptured by the way he preached with authority, but didn't come off as arrogant or pompous. He had a gentle spirit, but power behind every word. Turned his head to some of the temple leaders. They were artists of religious flare. He held up a finger and warning. 00:02:57 Speaker 2: Be mindful friends to righteous deeds or offer gifts of charity. 00:03:03 Speaker 3: To be seen by men. 00:03:05 Speaker 2: You may lose your reward from your Father in heaven when you do merciful deeds or acts of kindness. Don't make it a performance. Don't sound the trumpet when you give your offering and don't advertise your good deeds after doing them. If you seek glory from men, you'll get it, but it will come at the cost of God's favor. And you do good deeds, don't let your right hand know what your left is doing. Practice kindness and mercy in secret. Your heavenly father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly. 00:03:43 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing, It's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer, switch to Gediphi shoes with patentive Verso shock technology, which aligns your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. Gdiphi offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on the go, Gdiphi shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your fee crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit gdiphi dot com and get twenty dollars off your order of one hundred dollars or more with code Prey. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with Gediphi Shoes. Visit g d e f y dot com Today. 00:04:42 Speaker 3: Kindness begets kindness. Generosity opens doors that would have been locked before. When you choose the Way of Jesus, you'll find that more paths to piece open up to you. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with pray dot Com. Join us as we continue our miniseries through the Sermon on the Mount. We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. To day, we delve into a profound teaching from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapter six, verses one through four. This passage addresses the importance of practicing kindness and generosity in a way that honors God rather than seeking human recognition. We'll connect this teaching to the story of Oaz's generosity to Ruth in Ruth Chapter two, highlighting how kindness and generosity multiply when given freely and without expectation of return. Together, we'll explore how to embody these values in our own lives. Ruth stepped outside and breathed in the cool autumn air. The morning invited her with the smell of barley and fresh fallen rain. The sun was rising over the fields in the distance, splashing the sky with hues of orange and yellow. Each cloud that passed captured the sunrise within itself. They were like floating wisps of flame, lighting up the morning sky. The side warmed Ruth's heart. For a brief moment, she turned her cheek to the light and closed her eyes. The warmth of the sun's rays was a pleasant respite after a cold and unforgiving night. She had spent most of the night covering Naomi with blankets and stoking the fire. It was a never ending fight to keep her hope alive. Ruth had lost everything, her home, her husband, her future, but she remained devoted to her mother in law, Naomi. Her loyalty to Naomi was like an ember of optimism. All it needed was a little wind to make it rise. Yet, despite all the tragedy Ruth had endured, she tried to approach each day with quiet optimism. As the light appeared over the horizon, so did new opportunities. 00:07:31 Speaker 5: I'm going out to search for food. Perhaps there are some roots I can dig up in the hills. 00:07:36 Speaker 1: Naomi wasn't quite as chipper that morning. She quietly sipped a cup of hot water and peered up at Ruth. 00:07:44 Speaker 5: Come here, child. 00:07:46 Speaker 1: Ruth sat at her side, and the two stared blankly at the fire. Naomi squeezed Ruth's hand in appreciation. 00:07:55 Speaker 5: There is a custom here in Israel, established by the law of Moses, must allow the poor and needy to reap from the corners of their fields. Since it is harvest time, you will be allowed to work for your food. 00:08:09 Speaker 1: Ruth was shocked by the mere idea. In Moab, the concept of poor people receiving that type of generosity was unheard of. 00:08:18 Speaker 5: What kind of law is that? The law of the Lord. There are many laws protecting orphans, widows, the poor, and foreigners. I suppose laws like these may be the only light source in my otherwise dark existence. 00:08:34 Speaker 1: Naomi's heart had become calloused. The law established by God through Moses was intricately designed to protect and preserve the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor. When obeyed correctly, everyone was supposed to live together in unity and safety. However, not everybody obeyed God or law. They strayed and sought after the self indulgent practices of foreign gods. That is why they found themselves in trouble so often. Nevertheless, Ruth was excited about earning food for her and Naomi. She kissed her mother in law on the cheek and ventured out into town. The vast barley field stretched down the slope toward the hill country. The sun peeked over the hills, revealing dozens of reapers already hard at work. Ruth ventured down the hill towards the edge of the field. A group of young men stood by, handing tools and baskets out to the edge reapers. Ruth approached them timidly and bowed her head. 00:09:52 Speaker 5: Hello. My name is Ruth. My mother in law is Naomi, wife of Elimelech. I was told I could glean at the air to the field for food. 00:10:01 Speaker 1: The young men smirked at one another when they saw Ruth. They looked her up and down and chuckled. 00:10:07 Speaker 3: Shame, shame, Such a beautiful flower can wilt if left in the sun too long. 00:10:14 Speaker 1: Are you sure you want to stay out here? He lifted his hand to touch her face, but Ruth jolted her head back in disgust. 00:10:22 Speaker 5: Ah, I have no choice if you don't have work, I can go somewhere else. 00:10:28 Speaker 3: Of course, there's room here. Having such a beautiful view while we were would be nice. 00:10:35 Speaker 1: Ruth cringed at the man's comments. She was embarrassed and frustrated, but her determination to work the fields kept her from walking away. 00:10:45 Speaker 5: If you could spare a tool in a basket, I would be very grateful. 00:10:49 Speaker 3: Here you are, my sweet flower. 00:10:52 Speaker 1: Ruth tried not to cringe at his words. The young man clearly annoyed that Ruth was not playing his game his float, and gave her some tools. 00:11:02 Speaker 3: You may glean at the edges of the fields. We'll reap and leave bundles of barley on the floor. You're free to keep whatever you can glean from the bundles, but that is the master's policy. Whatever you can carry you can leave with. And stood yes. 00:11:19 Speaker 1: Ruth took her supplies and found a space to gleam at the edge of the field. Dozens of young men were out in the fields, chopping away at the barley and building the sheaves. It was a beautiful operation to behold, the rudeness of the young men aside, the entire system was well run and enjoyable. The men sang. The women laughed, and a few children also helped. Ruth knelt and watched from a distance. She meticulously sorted the bundles and placed the grain into a large basket. It was monotonous work, a perfect opportunity for Ruth to let her mind wander. She thought about Malone, the farm in Moab, and the future that was taken from her. It was a continual fight for her to remain hopeful. Sweat dripped steadily from Ruth's brow, and the sun seemed to remain in the sky forever. The monotonous work became intense as the heat of the day increased. All the optimism in Ruth seemed to be melting away slowly. For months, she had taken care of her sick husband and now her mother in law. The whole time she had been steady and unwavering. However, as she worked in the dirt under the hot sun, she couldn't help but feel sorry for herself. Ruth thought about God. She he recalled the stories of redemption that Naomi had told her. It was said that God heroically saved Israel from slavery and kept them safe in the wilderness. He parted seas destroyed armies and sent food from the sky for his people. 00:13:19 Speaker 5: Where is this redemption I've heard of? 00:13:25 Speaker 1: Her head sank and tears began to fall from her dusty cheeks. She could not control her emotions. It had been too much. 00:13:36 Speaker 5: Do you even see me? 00:13:38 Speaker 1: Tears? But the ground underneath her and Ruth clenched her jaw. The wind shifted for a moment, and Ruth felt a gentle breeze against the side of her face. It was a brief breeze, but it was the perfect pause for Ruth. She took a few deep breaths and composed herself. She looked out again at the horizon. The clouds were further away than before, escaping over the hills. She sighed and shook her head. Ruth would not stop praying for a miracle, but she would not stop working either. She wiped her tears and picked up another sheave to continue working. The coolness of the late afternoon was approaching, and the young men picked up the pace to continue their work on the side of the field opposite Ruth. They swung at the barley and bundled everything up tightly. Once the sheaves were tied up, some of the men loaded them into carts to be taken to the silos. Some of the women gleamed near the silos, while others prepared a meal for the rest of the workers. As they worked, a famili voice shouted from the road. 00:15:02 Speaker 3: Will Lord be with you faithful men and women. 00:15:04 Speaker 1: Riding up on a horse was the owner of the field, Boaz. He was a tall and broad man with striking features. His dark, curly hair was held back in a bun, and his beard had slight signs of gray. His most notable features, however, his kind eyes and friendly voice. He was very endearing and had the affection of all the reapers under his care. 00:15:34 Speaker 3: I brought some dried figs for you to eat, take a break and enjoy. 00:15:39 Speaker 1: All the young men flocked to Boaz and shared the figs. They thanked him affectionately and continued with their work. Boaz smiled and scanned the fields. Reapers were scattered across the different sections, and the women sifted together near the silos, except for one. In the distance. A woman was working alone in the corner of the field. She caught Boaz's eye. He peered at her and cocked his head to the side curiously. She was beautiful, but what gripped his attention was the way she worked. He watched her carry three large baskets of barley on her back to each sheath. Clearly she had been working for hours and had concerned Boaz that no one was helping her. He gestured to the young man who was in charge of the reapers. He pointed and asked, whose young woman is this? I do not recognize her. The young man smirked. 00:16:47 Speaker 3: Ah, she's new. 00:16:50 Speaker 1: He said, with a teasing glint in his eye. Boaz gave the young man a harsh look and immediately wiped the inappropriate grin off his face. The young man cleared his throat and said, hahm. 00:17:04 Speaker 3: She is a daughter in law of Naomi and a widow ruma hazard. She followed her all the way here from Moab after their husbands died. 00:17:13 Speaker 1: Boaz stroked his beard and furrowed his brow. 00:17:17 Speaker 3: No, now, why would she do such a thing. A young woman of such beauty should have been able to marry again, especially if Moab people talked. It seems she remained at Naomi's side to care for her. 00:17:31 Speaker 1: Boaz checked in with the rest of his workers while keeping a close eye on the young woman. At the edge of the field. He watched one of the young men stroll to her and kneel beside her. He reached out a hand to stroke her hair, but was quickly rejected. The young man walked away, frustrated. Bo As could see him mouthing curses at her as he left. Many of the young women men in the field liked the attention of the younger men, but Ruth was different. Boaz did his best not to stare. He remained with his men, rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside them. Boaz interrupted the men working for a moment. 00:18:19 Speaker 3: Good work, my friends. Your work is worthy of honor and pleases the Lord. I know you are young and find it amusing to taunt the young women. Some of them may even play along. But let me be clear. You shall not harass these daughters of the Lord. They are not your playthings. They are precious and worthy of honor. I understood. 00:18:43 Speaker 1: The men nodded apologetically. Boaz pointed down the field toward Ruth. 00:18:49 Speaker 3: I command you not to speak to that woman unless it is to help her. 00:18:54 Speaker 1: If you disobey me, there will be a price to pay. The men gulped and nodded again. Boaz demeanor loosened as he smiled, thank you. Ruth's blistered hands trembled as she put the last of the grain in her third basket. The sun was still a few hours from setting, and she was determined to work until she could no longer work. The late afternoon shade was an initial blessing, but it was beginning to get cold. Ruth wrapped herself in her shawl and kept her head down. A few of the young men had come over to make passes at her, but she refused to give them the attention they were after. She loathed their teasing and was afraid that the more she resisted, the more violent they would become. That's why she sprang to her feet when she heard footsteps approaching from behind. She looked to the top of the hill. A man was standing in the distance, smiling. Ruth was ready to flee. She didn't want any more trouble from the young men. The man didn't approach her any further. He remained at a distance and waved. 00:20:13 Speaker 3: To her, God be with you, daughter of Moab. 00:20:16 Speaker 1: His voice was disarming. Ruth unclenched her fists and relaxed her shoulders. 00:20:22 Speaker 5: Hello. 00:20:23 Speaker 1: She was not sure how to respond. She didn't know what this man wanted from her. His kind gaze was alluring to Ruth, and his smile was reassuring. Clearly he meant her no harm. Ruth let her guard down and smiled back. 00:20:41 Speaker 5: Oh, Hello, I'm Ruth. Who are you? 00:20:45 Speaker 3: Shalom Ruth, I am boas the son of Salmon. I own this feeling. 00:20:51 Speaker 1: Ruth's eyes widened. She finally realized who she was speaking to. She bowed to him in embarrassment. Her look of surprise faint Boaz chuckle. He gestured for her to be at ease and smiled. 00:21:07 Speaker 3: Tom, don't worry, Ruth. I know you've had a long day. May I help you with those baskets. It's nearly dusk and you'll have to carry these a long distance. 00:21:18 Speaker 1: Boaz approached softly and slowly. He knew that Ruth was probably skittish from hours of being harassed by the younger men. He lifted two of the baskets with ease, on to his shoulders. 00:21:31 Speaker 3: Come with me, there should be a warm meal waiting for us near the silos. 00:21:35 Speaker 1: Ruth picked up the remaining basket and followed Boaz up the trail. The sun was setting over the hills in the distance, painting the horizon and brilliant shades of purple and pink. Boaz was silent and unthreatening. He whistled while he carried the baskets. Ruth walked beside him, scanning him up and down. Curious what does he want? Ruth thought to herself, it seemed odd that the owner of the field would help one of the poor cleaners. She did not work for him, She was merely taking charity. Boaz, sensing Ruth's distrust, nodded toward the other women working in the field. 00:22:21 Speaker 3: These are some of the women of my household. They work the fields daily. Tomorrow, when you come to glean, do not go to the corner of the field, instead to stay with the women. Follow them and do what they do. You will glean much more and perhaps make some friends in the process. They continued walking and passed the young men. Instead of looking at Ruth and teasing her, they kept their heads down. Ruth noticed this. Boaz gestured to them and said, I told them not to touch or come near you unless it is to help you. You are protected here, Ruth. You've nothing to fear. These young men are foolish and I apologize if they've harassed you. 00:23:07 Speaker 1: Ruth stopped following Boaz and dropped her basket. Some of the grains spilled on to the floor. Ruth stood over it with her head buried in her hands. The kindness of Boaz was disarming. It was the first time in months that she felt like some one was watching out for her instead of the other way around. Like a damn that was breaking. She burst with emotion. Ruth bent down to her knees and put her face in the dirt. Tears wet the earth below her. 00:23:44 Speaker 5: Why are you being so kind to me? You don't know me. I am a foreigner. Why are you treating me like this? 00:23:52 Speaker 1: Boaz didn't say anything initially, He put down the baskets and knelt down beside her. He gently cup the spilled grain in his hand and placed it back in the basket. Ruth's face still buried in the dirt, she was too embarrassed to look up. She could sense that there was no ulterior motive or hidden desire behind his gaze. His kindness existed independently of her. He treated every one with kindness and generosity. He had a rare quality not in many men. He didn't want anything from her. He didn't expect any reciprocity or jesture. He was simply and purely kind. 00:24:44 Speaker 6: I heard about what you sacrificed for your mother in law after your husband died. I'm sure you had an opportunity to return to your family. Instead you remained with her. That type of loyalty is worthy of praise, Ruth. He deserved to be honored for what you've done, not rejected. You deserve treasure, not teasing. The Lord is with you, Ruth. 00:25:08 Speaker 1: BoA's words were like a balm to Ruth's wounded soul. She drew a deep breath and composed herself. 00:25:18 Speaker 5: I was beginning to think the Lord hated me, or maybe he had just forgotten about me. Oh, thank you for helping me. I am just a stranger, but you have treated me like one of your own. 00:25:31 Speaker 3: You are no longer a stranger, Ruth. The Lord will repay you for your kindness. What you have done for Naomi will not go unnoticed. You are an Israel, the land of God. It is under his wings. You have come to take refuge, not mine. 00:25:48 Speaker 1: Boas extended a hand and helped Ruth to her feet. 00:25:52 Speaker 3: Come with me there's a meal prepared for all. The workers. Join us filio belly. 00:25:58 Speaker 1: Ruth nodded and paul her hair behind her head covering. She followed Boaz up the slope to the silos. As he walked before her, Ruth couldn't help but smile. At the top of the hill was a silo. In its shadow were a few fire pits and tables for the reapers to recline and eat. Surrounding the space were torches for when the sun set. At the edge near the silo were a few of the reapers resting on sacks of grain. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves. There was a sense of familial love and safety among them. The men who had teased her all day greeted her politely when she passed, and the women introduced themselves. The smell of roasted barley and freshly cooked stew wafted towards Ruth and surrounded her like a warm hug. She could not remember the last time she ate a decent meal, and her stomach was demanding her to eat. Ruth sat down with the rest of the women. Boaz blessed the Lord and then served the food along with some workers. Although Boaz was the master of the property. He served food to everyone like a servant. He filled up bowls of roasted barley and stew and gave it to each of them. Ruth watched in amazement as he greeted each of them individually. He asked them questions about their days and listened genuinely to their answers. He was a man of the people and did not consider himself greater than them just because he was their master. In a short time, Boaz had managed to captivate Ruth. She didn't pay much attention to her feelings, though she had too much to worry about. But for a brief moment, she allowed herself to feel joy again. She listened to the sound of children laughing and playing near the silos. She laughed alongside the women as they told stories of their childhoods. The pain in the past few months was slowly melting away like ice in the early spring sun. The young men and women rose from the tables to finish their work. They still had to tie up the last sheaves and store them. Ruth stood up and followed the young women, just as Boaz instructed. Before she left, she could hear Boaz talking to the head of the reapers, saying. 00:28:52 Speaker 3: Make sure none of the men harass Ruth. I also want you to pull out some of the stored bundles for her to gleam. 00:28:58 Speaker 1: Ruth smiled, pretended not to hear it. She was grateful beyond words, and a small ember of hope began to burn within her. Perhaps God had not forsaken her in Naomi. Perhaps there was redemption for this poor Moabite widow. 00:29:23 Speaker 3: After all, be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly, I tell you they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Jesus emphasizes the importance of practicing acts of kindness and generosity in secret without seeking attention or praise. From others. True generosity is motivated by a desire to honor God and help others, not by a desire for recognition. When we give in secret, God who sees what is done in secret, will reward us. The story of Boaz and Ruth beautifully illustrates the power of hidden kindness and generosity. Ruth, a morbid widow, showed extraordinary kindness and devotion to her mother in law Naomi, by leaving her own homeland to care for her, and when they returned to Bethlehem, Ruth went to glean in the fields to provide for them. Ruth had radical kindness and devotion, the kind that walked hundreds of miles and endured pressure and discomfort. In Ruth chapter two, we also read about Boas his generosity. Boas His kindness to Ruth was not motivated by a desire for recognition, reward, or some ulterior motive. He saw her need and responded with generosity and protection, ensuring her safety and provision. Their relationship was not romantic at first. Boaz His kindness sprang forth from a place of devotion to his God and a desire to see others thrive. Ruth's own kindness and loyalty to Naomi were similarly selfless, born out of love and devotion. Let's explore a little bit more about what kindness looks like and how its effect multiplies in the lives of others. Ruth's own kindness and loyalty to Naomi were similarly selfless, born out of love and devotion. Let's explore little more about what kindness looks like and how its effect multiplies in the lives of others. First, it looked like selfless acts. Ruth's devotion to Naomi and Boas' generosity to Ruth were selfless acts. They didn't seek anything in return, but were motivated by compassion and love. This kind of kindness reflects the heart of God. Those who live with an I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine mentality may build a large network of people, but when they're unable to bring anything to the table, those friends disappear quickly. Next, it looks like compounding generosity. Boas' kindness had a ripple effect, leading to further blessings. Ruth's hard work and Boas' generosity eventually led to their marriage, securing a future for Naomi and Ruth, and continuing the lineage that would lead to King David and ultimately to Jesus. Kindness and generosity leave a legacy. They multiply beyond us in ways we would have never imagined. Kindness also always honors God. When we practice kindness and generosity in secret, we honor God. Our actions become a reflection of His love and grace, impacting others in profound ways. Finally, kindness and generosity build community. Hidden acts of kindness build trust and strengthen community bonds. Boaz Is generosity created a safe and supportive environment for his workers. Ruth was grafted into that community. Kindness and giving freely foster a sense of belonging and care. So what are some practical ways we can cultivate kindness and generosity in our lives. Like a well tended garden. We can carefully and diligently take care of our hearts to ensure kindness and generosity grow naturally in us. First, practice giving in secret. Follow Jesus's teaching by practicing acts of kindness and generosity with others out seeking attention. Find joy in giving quietly, knowing that God sees and rewards what is done in secret. This is often the hardest step for people. We all want to be recognized for our good deeds. A while ago, people were surveyed and asked if they would rather always do the right thing or simply have people think that they always did the right thing. In this anonymous survey, most people said that they would rather people think they always did the right thing. This shows our hearts. We want to be known as good people more than we want to be good people. That's why we need transformed hearts submitted to Jesus. Willing to embrace humility. Sometimes the only way to cultivate this type of humility is to do it until it no longer becomes uncomfortable. Next, trust God's reward. Believe that God, who sees your hidden acts, will reward you in his time and way. Trust that your selfless acts of kindness will have a lasting impact, even if you don't see immediate results. Don't succumb to impatience and try to speed things up. Like flowers in a garden need time to grow, so do heavenly rewards. Lastly, build a habit of encouraging others. How often do you give unprompted praise for the work someone else is doing? When was the last time you gave someone a compliment with without expecting them to compliment you back. Have you taken time to let your your spouse, your children, your roommate, your parents, or your siblings know how much they mean to you. Be a source of encouragement in people's lives and watch kindness and generosity flow from them to you. As well. As we reflect on Jesus's words in Matthew chapter six, verses one through four, and the story of Boaz's generosity to Ruth, let us be reminded of the power of hidden kindness and generosity. May we strive to practice selfless acts of love, motivated by compassion and by a desire to honor God. Let us trust in the multiplying effect of our generosity, knowing that God sees and rewards what is done in secret. Let us pray for the grace and the wisdom to be true citizens of Heaven, living out the hidden kindness and generosity that Jesus calls us to.