Thursday's Devotion - Food from the Fields

I went out-of-town yesterday to meet my dear friend, Anna, in the booming metropolis of Antlers, Texas. Population: one Mc Donald's. I had a great time and am now back to study Ruth!
Read Ruth 2:1-14
Naomi's late husband, Elimelech had a relative named Boaz who was very rich. "Boaz" means "in him is strength". Later when they built the temple they named one of the two pillars "Boaz" and the other one "Jachin". Boaz was from the kingly line which Jesus would come from. Jachin was from a priestly tribe. Jesus is both king and priest and his kingdom will be built upon that concept.
Ruth goes out to glean the fields for food. She 'just happened' to go to Boaz's field. Boaz came out to see his workers and the first thing he does is speak a blessing over them. Then he notices Ruth and asked about her. They tell him what a hard worker she is and who she is staying with. Boaz tells Ruth to continue reaping with his maidens and when she gets thirsty to drink the water that he has provided for his workers. He also tells her she is protected there. She is humbled and grateful and wonders why he has singled her out to show such kindness. He tells her he has heard of her story and is impressed. He then gives her a most profound promise. He says in paraphrase: 'May God reward you completely for all you have given up to find refuge in God.' Then he extends an invitation for her to come and eat lunch with him. He says, "come and eat of the bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar." Is that not the cross he was inviting her to?
This is a perfect picture of what salvation looks like. She is a foreigner who has chosen the God of the Hebrews. Boaz, as Jesus, presents himself to her and gives her the invitation to walk with him (reap in his fields). She agrees to do that. He gives her water (the Spirit) and food (the Word) dipped in vinegar (persecution; trouble). But he has promised her protection from her enemies. We are born sinners and foreigners. When we decide to choose God to be our god He introduces us to his Son, Jesus. Jesus offers us the invitation and we accept. He provides us with his Spirit, his Word, protection, and death to this life. It all comes dipped in trouble, persecution, and tribulation. Romans says that we glory in tribulation because it produces patience in our lives. God knows just what we need to make us perfect and complete. Jesus said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but fear not, for I have overcome the world."
At the end of verse 14 it says Ruth ate, was full, and left. Lord, we come to your Word to eat of you because you totally satisfy us. May we be made strong to do the task you have for us to do today. We will be back for more!