by Cinda Smaagaard

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

The Bible's Book of Ruth teaches us about one woman's extraordinary compassion and patience despite all circumstances and odds against her. It is the heroic tale of a woman who lost her husband, yet faithfully commits to follow her widowed mother-in-law Naomi despite potential misfortunes. Although she is forced to glean from the fields any grain left for the poor, she finds the favor of a distant and rich relative Boaz, who marries her after a most unusual courtship. The best lesson contained within the text of Ruth is that there is a time to simply sit and wait on God. When our prayers are not answered immediately, we have a tendency to rush to act. But God may not be responding right away because 1) the answer is obvious; or 2) the time is not ripe for reply yet. We would do well to practice the patience of Ruth.

The modern-day term "ruth" means compassion for the misery of another. It is how the word "ruthless" came into being, for example, describing someone who lacks compassion. Ruth had extraordinary compassion for her mother-in-law and in return Naomi gave her daughter-in-law the best sound advice. When they both did not know what direction Boaz would take to help them, Naomi told Ruth, "Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall; for the man will not rest until he have finished the thing this day." (Ruth 3:18). This admonition is God's way of telling us that there is a time to simply wait on the Lord for an answer.

Isaiah 30:7-15 tells us that it is in "returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." So often we are quick to act or find a solution to our problems, but we do not know what life will bring next and God wants us to be within a divine perfect plan. God may very well help those who help themselves and it is important to step out in faith on many occasions, but there is also a time to sit idle like the fields when they need time to refresh and regroup and revitalize. Since we all act within the frame-work of free will, God must take the time to access everyone's potential actions and intentions before the best course of action can be decided. The safest course of action while waiting on the Lord is of course to act in accordance with God's word, which means love, compassion, generosity, patience, gentleness and to do so while being unafraid or anxious. We need to trust that God will advise and act when the time is right or ripe. Like fruit on the tree, if picked too early, the flavor and benefit will be lost. Too late and the fruit will simply rot away.

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still [cease striving] and know that I am God." [New American Standard Edition] The ways of God cannot be rushed. Like great counselors and judges, any weightier matters must be thought through with diligence and expertise understanding all the facts and players in the case. God wants to take into account the needs and desires of everyone involved while at the same time adhering to any laws or ethical codes. Ruth stayed close to the maids of Boaz so that others did not fall upon her in another field. Boaz actually had to command his servants to allow her to glean and to not insult her (Ruth 2:15). Boaz had to go before the elders in order to redeem Ruth's inheritance and claim any right of redemption and exchange of land. Not only did they act in accordance with custom, but had to confirm the matter by attestation (Ruth 4:7). All of this took time.

Ruth and Boaz eventually became the parents of Obed, the father of Jesse who was the father of the infamous King David. Ruth is considered one of the Bible's greatest heroines for nothing more than being a mother, a compassionate daughter and a patient wife.

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