Boaz makes an excellent type, picture, shadow and representative of Jesus. First he took notice of her, then he counselled her to work only in his field and with his workers, promised her protection, and provided her with drinking water. In fact, with every encounter she has with him, he gives her something, and the gifts get bigger and bigger: a shared meal; sheaths of barley dropped accidently-on-purpose producing about 25 kg of grain; and then a further 50 kg of grain already threshed.

Jesus noticed us! We did not choose him. He chose us. Every encounter with us gives him an opportunity to give us more! In truth, we already have it all, but we fall woefully short of living in the good of even a fraction of it! At least I know I do.

And how did Boaz treat her? He showed heart-felt interest in her and in the details of her life and took steps to care for her. He spoke lovingly and encouragingly to her, letting her know he knew all about her and all she had done for Naomi, and spoke a blessing over her: "May the Lord reward you for what you have done. May you have a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, to whom you have come for protection."

She bowed down before him and said: "Why should you be so concerned about me? Why should you be so kind to a foreigner? … You are very kind to me, sir. You have made me feel better by speaking gently to me, even though I am not the equal of one of your servants." Her humility and gratitude was genuine and winsome.

Jesus knows all the details of our lives because we love him and belong to him. He values all we do for him; even the smallest thing. He looks on the heart and appreciates the sacrifices we make and knows our true desires. He overlooks our weakness and searches for the gold. Even our rebellion and sin draws out his sympathy as our Priest and the Shepherd of our souls. And what should be our response? Thankfulness, gratitude, adoration, worship, appreciation and humility. Ruth sets us a great example in this. The Lord says: "I dwell in the high and lofty place and also with the one who has a contrite and lowly spirit" (Isa. 57:15).