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Day 25: The Redeemer Who Works Through Ordinary Kindness
Scripture:
And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
Ruth 2:19-20
The kind of kindness that touches and changes your life isn’t always the kind that looks big. It’s not always the kindness that pays all your bills, fixes your problems, or does some kind of remarkable event in your life. In many cases, this kindness can look like a meal that someone drops off. It can be a text at the right moment, or a listening ear. This kindness is simple, not complicated. But even these small acts of kindness sure make a difference in our days.
In our story today, Ruth and Naomi’s lives are changing because of the seemingly simple act of letting a woman glean in the field. Naomi’s heart has been hard, but the Lord’s grace is at work thawing it. Now, we see the difference that His grace has made with the change in Naomi’s heart. All day, Naomi has been wondering how Ruth was doing. She was probably filled with worry and concern about how Ruth was treated, and if she was able to obtain any grain. She probably didn’t have very high hopes for how well Ruth was going to do.
Finally, her question is answered as Ruth comes through the door. While Naomi is anticipating a meager amount, it’s not at all what Ruth comes in with. Ruth has a giant pile, one that is far more than any gleaner would normally gather. But then Ruth pulls out another surprise. Wait, how could things get any better? Could there be more kindness shown to her? The answer is a resounding yes as Ruth pulls out the food she brought home from her meal.
Naomi would have been blown away as Ruth feeds her. Who knows how long it’s been since her last good meal? It’s no wonder Naomi is so excited and begins to ask more questions. “Where were you at today? Who gave you this?” It’s clear the Lord’s kindness is breaking down those former walls of bitterness and anger. She can’t wait for Ruth to answer, and she blurts out a blessing upon Boaz.
What a day as Naomi goes from empty and searching to full and satisfied. None of it happened through a miraculous event, a monumental moment, or a great accomplishment on her part. No, all of it happened in the ordinary as the Lord moved through His people showing caring kindness. Undoubtably Boaz didn’t wake up that morning thinking he was going to do some great feat to change the world. He went about his day in a normal way, just like every other day. But when he had the opportunity to do the kind thing, he did it, even if it didn’t seem that big.
Behind the scenes, the Lord has been working. He’s been preparing Boaz for this time. But not only that, He’s been preparing His kindness for you as well. It could be that you are reading this today and aren’t too sure of the Lord’s kindness. His kindness to you is hidden. It’s not coming in the way you hoped, in some big turn of events or a huge blessing. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t there, or isn’t coming.
You see, He often brings it through His ordinary people who live out kindness in ordinary ways. But in His plan and timing, it’s never coming to you randomly or by chance. That check-in that arrives at that same moment you are hurting. Those encouraging words that meet you when you’ve been discouraged or troubled. The Scripture that grounds your heart and mind when you are slipping away. The hug or the card that ministers to your soul just the way you needed. All of these are part of God’s kindness to you in ordinary ways.
Boaz showed kindness by letting Ruth glean and share his meal. Jesus shows greater kindness by inviting us into His life, His family, and His feast. Boaz noticed Ruth’s need after it shows up, but Jesus notices ours before we even ask. Boaz gave Ruth grain for a day, but Jesus gives us daily bread and eternal life that never ends. Boaz’s kindness touched Naomi’s heart, but Jesus’ kindness melts the hardest hearts, turning despair into hope.
Boaz acted in ordinary ways. Jesus works through ordinary people and ordinary means, but His kindness brings extraordinary redemption. Boaz’s kindness pointed forward to Jesus the Redeemer, whose kindness never runs out, whose mercy is new every morning. And while Boaz’s kindness changed Naomi’s day, Jesus’ kindness changes our eternity.
So today, don’t despise ordinary kindness. Don’t overlook the small ways God is caring for you. To the one waiting for a great act, notice the meal, the text, the hug. That’s God’s kindness to you. For you stuck in bitterness, let His ordinary grace thaw your heart. For you who feel unseen, know that Jesus sees you, and He often shows His love through the simple kindness of His people. And for the one who feels like nothing big ever happens remember, God’s greatest work often comes through ordinary means.
Jesus is better. He does not just give kindness for a moment. No, He gives kindness that restores, sustains, and redeems forever. Today, lift your eyes to the Redeemer who works through ordinary kindness. Receive His care today, even in the small things. And let His kindness melt your bitterness and fill you with hope.
Pastor Josh Gerber |
