16 Jun 2011; Ruth 2

Ruth 2
What do we invest in?

The company GIC (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation) make investment using the surplus of the country reserves. What then do we invest our time, our wealth, our knowledge .. in the kingdom of God.

reading Ruth 2 give me 3 points G(lean), I(nteraction) and C(ommunity), even as I give thoughts for what to do for II.

G lean
The concept of gleaning is about God's provision. During harvest, the harvester will leave the borders or some corners of the field unharvest or left some remnant harvest fall to the ground unpick. The intent is for the widows and orpahans to pick them up.

We are bless with plenty. Often the way to opening an investment of a soul for the kingdom of God is about starting a small blessing on others. It can be it our wealth, our time and our small acts of love.

It just happened, that Ruth glean in the field of Boaz. v3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.

I nteraction
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women.

Boaz has the opportunity to speak to Ruth and interact with her. Boaz must have done his homework about Ruth. Ruth on the other hand was hardworking and Boaz took notice of that. Ruth probably knew that the field belong to Boaz, but who is Boaz to her and what is kinsman redemeer concept to Ruth who is a Moab? It was later v20 Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”

Our interaction allow us to break ice and thus build a confidence trust with the non-believer. Because of Boaz, Ruth with Noami encouragment dare to approach Boaz later.

C ommunity
Boaz don't work alone. v15 Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her.

If we have 24hrs, there is a limit in the amount of work we can do. Jesus did the right things about discipleship. It is about grooming yourself and cloning yourself on others. Imagine Boaz servant did not think like Boaz and act in a different way Boaz had instructed, Ruth may be turned away.

The Application
Lord use the gifts, the wealth, the abilities, the time that you have bless my hands, for your kingdom.

Let me build relationship with people and allow me to get into their lifes and theirs into mine. God's business is in the heart and soul of man.

Let me build a community in alignment and for the extension of your kingdom. Bless my family. Amen