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Day 28: The Redeemer Who is Always Working Behind the Scenes
Scripture:
So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law. Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
Ruth 2:23-3:5
Sometimes in life you get a behind-the-scenes tour of something. You get to go where the public normally doesn’t go, to learn about all the parts and pieces it takes to pull off that event, show, business, or whatever else it is. You usually come away realizing how much happens that you weren’t aware of.
In our story today, God has been working behind the scenes. His work is about to be revealed. But first, there is a problem that Ruth and Naomi encounter. The harvests have ended, which also means the regular contacts between Ruth and Boaz have ended. They are right back to where they began, without a sustainable pathway for them going forward. It was going to take an act of boldness for things to start moving again.
But behind the scenes, God was honoring Ruth’s faithfulness. He had already made a down payment on her kindness, but the fullness is still to come. He has a better plan for Ruth and Naomi that is about to unfold. But from Ruth and Naomi’s perspective, all of their hopes and dreams have come down to one day. Actually, more like one night, unlike all the previous events. What will happen in the darkness, and how will we see the Redeemer who is working behind the scenes?
Now freed from her bitterness, Naomi is able to move forward in faith. She crafts a plan with the hope that it will secure their future and their line. Looking beyond herself, Naomi wants a permanent home for Ruth. Ruth is family, no longer just a daughter-in-law. Back in chapter one, Naomi had prayed this type of security and rest for Ruth. Now, acting on faith in God’s provision and sovereignty, she is going to act.
She first points out to Ruth that Boaz is going to be alone tonight, in a secluded place where they will be able to speak privately. But keep in mind the threshing floor was often associated with sexual compromise. In her plan, was she going to ask Ruth to compromise in order to secure her future? Or would they both be trusting the Lord to do it as she remains pure? If we don’t know the rest of the story, the next part of Naomi’s plan doesn’t seem too promising.
She tells Ruth to wash herself up, possibly even presenting herself as a bride for Boaz. She was to look and smell the most alluring that she could. Then, she was to wait for Boaz to finish his meal and to be in the best state of mind. This would present the best likelihood the conversation would go well. Next, Ruth was to go to where Boaz lied down (and in case he was not alone, to make sure she picked the right guy!) and lay at his feet.
Naomi’s instructions would have made a lot of people uncomfortable. The language often (but not always) suggests sexual activity that would have been wrong. But is this what Naomi and Ruth are actually going to do? Certainly Naomi is putting Ruth into a situation that could make them both look very bad. Ruth understands the plan, and agrees to it.
This is where we have to understand the descriptions of Scripture differently than the prescriptions. If we treat the Bible as simply a list of do’s and don’ts, we run the risk of making Naomi’s plan sound like the kind of plan every young woman yearning for a husband should take. But if we see that in this particular situation, with this plan, God weaves it for great good, and if we see the true hero not as Ruth, but Jesus, then we can trust that God works even in sketchy plans.
Now, we are going to have to wait to discuss what happens. But one thing is clear, that God is always working behind the scenes. And this is what we must remember about Him, that He is always up to something, and that He is always up to something good. So where are you when it comes to His plan and his goodness? Are you looking only at what you can see, feeling as if nothing good is going to happen?
For those of you waiting in uncertainty like Ruth at the end of harvest, you may feel like the season has closed with no clear path forward. Maybe the job search has stalled, the prayers feel unanswered, or the future looks blank. Trust that God is already preparing the next step, even if you cannot see it yet.
Some of you, like Naomi who thought her story was over, may feel forgotten. Maybe grief has lingered, loneliness has deepened, or suffering has stretched on. But silence is not abandonment as God is working in ways you cannot yet see, preparing comfort and redemption.
Others of you are longing for security and stability in your family, finances, or faith. God’s hidden work is not random as He is weaving your story toward His good purposes, even when the threads look tangled. Remember that the Redeemer’s hidden work is intentional, purposeful, and always good. He is weaving your story even now, and one day you will see how every unseen detail was part of His kindness.
As good as Boaz is, Jesus is better. Boaz was working behind the scenes to protect and provide for Ruth. Jesus is always working behind the scenes to redeem us fully, and not just for one family, but for all who belong to Him. Boaz prepared a way for Ruth’s security but Jesus prepares a way for our eternal rest, not just food for today, but a home forever in His presence.
Boaz acted with integrity in a risky situation. He did what was right even when appearances could have been misunderstood. Jesus acts with perfect righteousness in every circumstance, never compromising, never faltering, and His purity covers our failures. Boaz’s plan unfolded in one night while Christ’s plan unfolds across eternity. His redemption is unstoppable, His providence unshakable, and His promises are unbreakable.
Boaz’s behind‑the‑scenes care was remarkable, but it was only a shadow. Jesus is the greater Redeemer, the One who never stops working, never leaves us alone, and never fails to bring His hidden plan to completion.
So rest in Christ, the greater Redeemer. He is working for you right now as He is preparing provision, shaping your character, and writing a story that will one day make sense in His light.
Lay down your striving and stop rehearsing worst‑case scenarios. Rest in Jesus, who is always working behind the scenes, and who promises that His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.
Pastor Josh Gerber |
