9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”
Boaz urged the men to abstain from any acts of unkindness towards Ruth. He encouraged them to work alongside women and treat them with respect. He specifically instructed the men to fill water jars for the women workers to drink from. Ruth, being single was advised to follow along after the women and to interact with women. Boaz established a certain dynamic among his workers when Ruth became part of the group, ensuring her safety and setting boundaries for the men working with her. This truth about Boaz deepens the admiration and reverence for him as a leader. He paves the way for Ruth to find her place and establishes her boundaries. By following his wise counsel, she could thrive day by day without lacking anything.
Furthermore, Boaz exhibits similar qualities and attributes to Jesus Christ. Just like Jesus, Boaz genuinely cared for others and understood their cares and concerns. Through the Holy Spirit and by the grace of Jesus Christ, you can have hope for the future.
8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me.
Will someone extend kindness to a widowed woman with an unfamiliar voice? Boaz exemplified grace by extending his kindness to a complete stranger. In a world that seemed devoid of hope, he spoke words that breathed hope into her soul. He provided guidance emphasizing the path to receiving goodness and genuine contentment which is essential for everyday life.
Initially, she may have felt excluded among the workers, but his words spoke of inclusion in a diverse world. He called her like a caring father. He offered a helping hand to ensure a bright future for her and provided counsel for her safety. He didn’t leave her feeling isolated and lonely but instead placed her in the company of other women. This showcases the beautiful mind of Boaz, the reflection of Jesus Christ.
Such is the true essence of loveliness of mind of Christ.
We have beautiful eyes gazing the earth, wandering around the world to never give up on the lost and the lonely.
It is the beauty of the Lord to remember the lonely, to bring to an environment of glad tidings, laughter and communion. He knows that two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. If two lie down together, they will keep warm.
The Spiritual truth is our Heavenly Father loves mankind. He makes way to enjoy their lives with the joy of companionship, family and community. It is not good for man to be alone, He said; so, He created a right companion, a woman.
God places the lonely in families; Psalm 68:6
That draws a boundary. He sets them in a place of love, comfort & joy and His saving grace is their only source of victorious lives.
Taking delight at the thoughts of our future is an attribute of mind of Christ.
If you are building a house, do you take delight in the thoughts of a housewarming party? Do you imagine your neighbors joining in and kids playing around? Or if you are engaged: do you take delight at the thought of togetherness, love, having abundance & increase in health & wealth? Or do you feel anxious and worry?
You can be still, take delight, be thoughtful and rejoice. Jesus rejoiced at the thought of saving mankind of their sins, rebelliousness and its consequences.
Hebrews 12:2
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Happy Friday, courteous readers! I’m sharing my reflection on the mind of Christ Jesus. I encourage readers to dig in, try and savour the loveliness of His mind.
Mind of Christ is incredibly strong willed, good willed, focussed and joyous, as I see it in below scripture.
Days relentlessly waiting for vacation was soon fulfilled and our souls were truly satisfied. God made perfect everything that concerned me over our vacation period. Our scenery shifted from Australian outback to lushful & cool landscapes in South-India.
Ice-cold waterfalls showering on warm & sunny days at Courtrallam & Gundaru dam-Gopal private waterfalls with families, followed by dining our favourite parotta at Border Rahmath. Well-known Boat-house at Allepey backwaters with superb hospitality & serving those native Karimeen fried fish; speed boating with our families, bought fresh catch of the day “yabbies”, followed by music & games with families. Cool air & unforgettable fresh new mornings at the resort, beautiful misty mountains at Munnar hillstation, nature’s rich bounty with tasty palm fruits & fresh coconuts, visited Mattupatty dam, boating & safari to Eravikulam National Park, watched beautiful native species Tahr goats and relaxed at serene resorts, explored Tea Factory. We celebrated the oneness with lots of native food & thanksgiving, sneaked into Cowboy Adventure Park (loads of fun there!). We embraced long awaited family get-togethers (yearning for each other for years since Covid lock-down); not to miss the hustle & bustle of Bangalore city, heart-warming hospitality & food, fun filled barbeque at twilight with dear family, memorable days at Bannerghata National park & safari; watched celestial objects at sky theatre at Jawaharlal Nehru planetarium, good load of family meals, shared cooking, nanna co-sleeping, shared valuable & favourite childhood nibbles, shared “nephews” proud moments, heavy purchases, made into heavy laden travel bags, meet up with close friends & mentors, packed our bags and flew back to Australia.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, James 1:17
Fried Karimeen at Boat House, Allepey Boat-House, Allepey backwaters
Boating – Mattupatty dam
Lushful Munnar
Niligris Tahr at Eravikulam National Park
This vacation as a period of rest & enjoyment was a gift from God.
Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for his words spoken over my life.
If God had not been on my side, I would have had nervous breakdown by now.
His peace prevailed over the storm.
His grace kept me going.
His thunderous silence calmed me down.
His still voice still speaks in my deepest of heart.
Thank you Heavenly Father for your kindness & goodness.
Your love reaches down to the depth of my heart where many sorrows are buried.
Because of your unfailing grace, I have not been wandering with a broken heart.
Truly my Heavenly Father cares for me! Grateful for the rest which I received from Jesus Christ.
..destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. Joshua 7:12
You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it. Joshua 7:13
We can see the thoughts of God clearly in these Scripture verses. There is something in your midst that eats you up. It keeps you occupied. Your focus shifts and it aims at your well-being and harmony. It targets your growth. It can only bring you down but never build you up. God says destroy whatever among you that is devoted to destruction. Put an end to it.
“I have loved you…with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”
Jeremiah 31:3 NLT
Almighty God loved you with an everlasting love. He loved you first and drawn you close to him. His bond of love can never break. His love will never fail. For your sake, he sent His son Jesus Christ to bear your sins so you can live free.
His love is genuine. He demonstrated his love and compassion for you. No one can love more than God. You can love him back. You can depend on His true love. May you be blessed through Jesus Christ!
Enchantments of a beautiful mind 