Who do you belong to?

Preaching Outline on Ruth 2:5 – “And Boaz said unto his servant, which was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?”

Introduction to Ruth 2:5

This passage from Ruth presents us with a simple scene, but one full of meaning. When Boaz asks his servant, “Whose girl is this?” he doesn’t just want to know her name or her origin. He’s asking something much bigger: “Who is she in relation to the fields where she’s working? Who does she belong to?”

This question still echoes in our lives today. God also looks at us and asks us the same question: “Who do you belong to?” It’s not an accusatory question, but a revealing one. It invites us to reflect on our spiritual identity, our choices and our relationship with Him.

Today we’re going to explore this story of Ruth and apply it to our walk with God. Get ready to dive deep into this word!

Development

1.”She is a Moabite” – Our story before we met Jesus

The young man begins by answering: “This is the Moabite girl.” He identifies Ruth by her cultural, spiritual and political background. Moab was a people marked by idolatry, sin and hostility towards Israel. This detail reminds us of where we came from before we met Jesus.

Many of us grew up far from God, living in the “fields of Moab”. Perhaps we were slaves to addictions, bitterness, fears or false beliefs. But here’s the important point: our origin does not define our destiny. God doesn’t reject us where we start; he is more concerned with the direction we are taking.

Ruth left Moab to follow Naomi and the God of Israel. Like her, we need to make a conscious decision to abandon everything that keeps us from God and run to him.

2.”He returned with Naomi from the fields of Moab” – Someone brought us to the house of the Lord.

The next part of the answer says: “She returned with Naomi from the fields of Moab.” Naomi represents someone who, filled with the Holy Spirit, was used by God to bring Ruth to faith.

Stop and think: who was the “Naomi” in your life? Who took you by the arms to Jesus? Perhaps it was a pastor, a friend, a family member or even a stranger who said something that changed your perspective.

But here’s the amazing thing: nobody comes to church by chance. It is the Holy Spirit who prepares people’s hearts and leads them to the right moment to meet Jesus. When we come to the house of the Lord, we are already known to him. He knows exactly where we came from, what our pain was and why we are there.

3. “He asked me to pick ears of corn” – Recognizing our need

The servant explains that Ruth asked for permission to gather ears of corn. This shows that she recognized her needy condition. She wasn’t ashamed to admit that she needed help.

Like Ruth, we all came into God’s presence because our souls were hungry. We were tired of trying to fill our lives with fleeting things: money, success, relationships, pleasures… but none of it satisfied. It was only when we met Jesus that we tasted the true bread of life (John 6:35).

In the house of the Lord, we find more than material food. We find peace, healing, purpose and a family that embraces us. And this is because the Holy Spirit Himself welcomes us, guides us and teaches us how to reap the blessings that God has in store for us.

4.”Arrived early and is working until now” – Our commitment to God

The answer continues: “She arrived early and is working until now.” This reveals Ruth’s attitude. She was neither lazy nor unmotivated. Even though she was a foreigner and faced difficulties, she was determined to do what needed to be done.

This challenges us to think: how are we acting in the Lord’s work? Are we committed or just showing up when it suits us? God doesn’t expect perfection, but a willing heart. He values those who dedicate themselves, even in the little things.

Remember: the field where Ruth worked belonged to Boaz, just as everything we have today belongs to Jesus. We are called to be good stewards of what he has entrusted to us – be it time, talents or resources.

5.”He only stopped for a while to rest” – Finding refuge in the Lord

Finally, the servant says: “She only stopped for a while to rest.” Here we see that Ruth was neither stagnant nor too comfortable. She knew there was still work to do, but she also knew how to take advantage of moments of rest.

This reminds us that, in the Christian journey, it is important to find balance. We can’t wear ourselves out excessively, but we can’t become complacent either. God gives us moments of refreshment to renew our strength and keep moving forward.

In the house of the Lord, we find this rest. He invites us to cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and promises to keep our minds in peace (Philippians 4:7).

Conclusion of Ruth 2:5

Boaz asked a simple question: “Whose girl is this?” Today, God asks the same question of each of us: “Who do you belong to?”

Do you belong to the world, to its distractions and traps? Or do you belong to the Lord, who bought you with the price of Jesus’ blood (1 Corinthians 6:20)?
Does your life reflect gratitude for what He has done for you? Or do you still live as if you were in the fields of Moab?

If you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus, today could be the day to change. Come to the fields of the Lord, where there is provision, love and purpose.

If you’re already in the house of the Lord, remember: the Holy Spirit knows everything about you. He knows where you come from, your struggles, your dreams and even your sins. But He also knows how precious you are in God’s eyes.

So I ask you again: To whom do you belong? May your answer be clear: “I belong to the Lord!”

Preaching Outline on Ruth 2:5 – “And Boaz said unto his servant, which was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?”

Who do you belong to? – Ruth 2:5