Ruth at the Threshing Floor - Conclusion

 Boaz urged Ruth to lie again and rest until morning was near; then she could slip away unnoticed. He wanted to protect her reputation as well as his own, since people might wrongly assume that something immoral had taken place. Ruth lay ear the man's feet again, perhaps with a mind more at ease after he had responded to her petition so kindly.  Then, while it was dark, she rose. Boaz filled her cloak with generous gift of barley, and she made her way back into Bethlehem. - Read Ruth 3:13-15, 

How satisfying it must have been for Ruth to contemplate what Boaz had said-that she was known among all the people as "ab excellent woman"! No doubt her eagerness to get to know Jehovah and to serve him had much to do with her reputation. She has also shown great kindness and sensitivity toward Naomi and her people, willingly adapting to ways and customs that were surely unfamiliar to her. If we imitate Ruth's faith, we will seek to treat others and their ways and customs with deep respect. If we do, we too may find that we develop a reputation for excellence.

Next time: A Resting-Place for Ruth

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