Exclusive Comfort in the Cross

The Holy Spirit drew together in this chapter statements from Boaz and Naomi that underscore the narrow way that leads to salvation, and the faithfulness of God to His covenant people in that way. As Boaz emphasized that Ruth should not go to glean in any other field, the Spirit made it plain that Ruth's need for deliverance could not be met anywhere else. So it is with the cross of Christ. There is no other way in which to find peace of heart and ease of conscience than in the work of Christ on the cross. Naomi's statement emphasized that God, having promised salvation to His people through the work of Christ, will not abandon them short of the goal, but that, even after their lives in this world come to an end, He will continue to show His kindness to them forevermore.