In Chapter 3, we see Ruth getting all “gussied up” to go to Boaz on the threshing floor after he had some supper and fell asleep. Now, don’t get it twisted…she wasn’t throwing herself at this man that she took a liking to. I think our immediate response in today’s world is to say that she went with the intent to lay down with him, but that’s not it at all. There is a clear picture of the the type of people that Ruth and Boaz were in the previous chapters. Remember, Boaz was a godly man and Ruth a godly woman. The customs of this day were quite different than they are today. Two things stood out to me…Ruth laid down at the feet of Boaz. In that day, that was the role of a servant. She was coming humbly to him, saying “she was ready”. It wasn’t a sexual display, but she was basically coming to claim her right. Boaz was her kinsmen-redeemer. This was another custom in that day. Now I will say she was bold and forward about it…but I figure that she had already seen the providence of God (or I know Naomi did) and she was trusting that Boaz would honor her request nobly. Basically she was bowing at his feet, coming to him humbly and saying, “Master, I am at your mercy to take me as your bride…redeem me…I trust you and place the future of my life in your hands”. My heavens, doesn’t remind you of how we come to Jesus?
Now, Boaz being the godly man that he was got pretty startled when he was awakened in the middle of the night by Ruth laying at his feet. Apparently it was typical for him to sleep outside to protect his grain from thieves…so he could have thought she was just that in the dark. When’s she identified herself and told of her desire, he didn’t immediately say, “Let’s lie down together” or “I have right to her, I will take her”. I’m guessing there were some years difference between them because he said to her that she didn’t go seeking younger men. I think Ruth respected Boaz and Boaz admired Ruth for her integrity and strength. It wasn’t a physical desire at all that brought them together. I love this part, because I feel like immediately we focus on the outside of a person, instead of looking to their heart. Attraction should start from the inside. Now, Boaz might have been Bethlehem’s George Clooney for all I know and Ruth could have been a Moab Jennifer Aniston, but I believe their attraction was deeper and they desired to honor God. I know this because there was actually someone else who was closer in relation to Elimelech that could be Ruth’s redeemer…but we close out the chapter with Boaz sending Ruth home with a shawl full of grain and telling her that if the other man did not want to redeem her, he would.
Now, I know this was a lot to read…but I couldn’t help but see the faith of Naomi and Ruth displayed in Chapter 3. We want God to bless us, but we have no faith. Faith is a requirement of God. I believe Naomi and Ruth sought God and trusted in faith for each step to get them where they are at the close of Chapter 3. I know you’ve heard that big risks yield big rewards…well, Ruth took a huge risk and I know it is about to pay off tremendously for her…just you wait and see. There was already reward thus far…but it gets better for my girl, Ruth. Lastly, God will always deliver us from our circumstances, when we choose not to focus on the circumstances, but when we choose to place our attention on faith…great things happen! Ruth is proof!
I heard a statement last night that said, “Circumstances are the ruler of the faithless, but they are the instruments of the faithful.” Faith works! God will take you wherever you want to go in faith. Trust Him to place you in the right places, at the right time, to accomplish His will for your life.
It may require bold moves, but the reward is great. It starts though, with laying at the feet of Jesus for redemption and placing your trust in Him. Ruth didn’t let her circumstances rule her life…neither should we.
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