Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz (Ruth 2:1 NIV).

In Ruth chapter 2, we get an unusual glimpse of an un-ordinarily godly man at work. Boaz, from the moment he enters the scene in Ruth, proves himself to be a man of character and a man of God. His relationship with his workers, his forman and the poor widow Ruth all point to a man of deep devotion, humility, wisom and compassion.

First, instead of walking past his workers as if they weren't there, he calls out to them and greets them as brothers and sisters. He wasn't a high and mighty man, too impressed with himself for his own good--he was humble. He not only greets his workers, he greets them with a blessing, "The Lord be with you!" Clearly this man is a man of God who brings his faith to the workplace in a positive and uplifting way. He was devoted. How does this compare to your life and heart? Do you greet and bless those whom you perceive to be beneath you? Or are people whom you think are below you invisible to you?

Second, the first thing Boaz does in the morning is to notice a young widow gleaning in the fields. But the story lets us know that there is more to Boaz's attentive eye than a search for a beautiful companion. Nowhere in the passage is her beauty mentioned--though she probably was beautiful. Instead, Boaz notices her diligence, her humility and her faithfulness to Naomi and Naomi's God. Her character echoes Proverbs 31. This man isn't looking for just any woman. He was wise. If you aren't married, what kind of person are you looking for? Is your eye trained to look for diligence, humility and faithfulness to God and humanity? If you are married, which traits of your spouse are you most often praising? Which are most important to you?

Finally, Boaz shows a deep compassion for those in need. He goes beyond the requirement of the law to allow the poor to glean in his field. He commands his workers to drop more than usual to help Ruth without hurting her dignity. He gives her food from his workers' supplies. Pity is concern without action. Compassion is love in action. Suppose someone is without clothes or daily food. If one of you says, "Go, keep warm and well fed" but does nothing about his physical needs, what good it is? (James 2:15). None. Boaz gave compassion. What needs do you see around you? Who in your school needs more than pity, but someone who is willing to be a friend? Who in your workplace is struggling and needs more than kind words? Who in your neighborhood is hurting and needs a neighbor not just a drive-by wave?

-Dave Ward

Learn from Boaz--stand up and be out-of-the-ordinary.