Lessons on Living from Ruth

REAL RICHES

RUTH 2:1

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech; his name was Boaz.

John Jacob Astor one of the world’s richest men, was a passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. When the ship hit the iceberg and it turned out that there was a shortage of lifeboats, the multimillionaire gave up his chance for safety and went down with the ship.

His body was eventually found dressed in a blue suit, with $2,500 in his pocket. But on that fateful night, as he faced eternity. It mattered little what he possessed.

God provided a rich relative for Ruth who had more than possessions; Boaz had honor as well. The word translated “wealth” in Ruth 2: 1 is often translated “might” or “valor” in the Bible. It reflects Boaz’s strength of character as much as his financial portfolio.

He not only had land and houses, but he also was a man of spiritual valor, a mighty man of integrity, an upright man who had placed his trust in God. God wants all His children to be rich but not necessarily in material possessions.

When the apostle Paul reached the end of his life, all he owned was an extra cloak and some books (2 Tim. 4:13). Barnabas sold his land and gave the money to the needy (Acts 4:34-37). But these men weren’t really paupers. In their poverty, they had a richness of peace and joy that many who are wealthy only dream about.

What keeps you up at night? Worry over your stocks and bonds, or agonizing over the souls of those who are lost? What are you striving for? Material wealth that will one day be left behind, or a spiritual wealth that will last for eternity? Make the right choice and then set the right priorities.

IF ALL YOU HAVE IS MONEY, THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING AT ALL.

WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in