Ruth 3
Naomi loves her daughter-in-law, Ruth, and wants to take care of her. She instructs Ruth to go to Boaz. Once again, Ruth shows her faithfulness to her mother. Boaz also shows his strong character by telling her that he will redeem her if another gentleman will not.
Ruth returns home and tells Naomi everything that happens. Naomi confirms that Boaz will keep his word and she will know what is to happen by end of day.
I am continually reminded of Ruth’s obedience to her mother in this passage. She is faithful to the letter. I wonder if Naomi demonstrates such a faithful character that Ruth feels compelled to not only love this woman but to be just like her! That would be the perfect picture of living a Christ-centered life. Naomi doesn’t just instruct her daughter — she lives by the same instructions.
Boaz also continues to impress me. He certainly could take advantage of the situation whereby Ruth has shown up late and is laying at his feet. Again, he is a gentleman to Ruth and cares for her. Coming from the previous stories where men wanted to have relations with other men and then raped women, this is such a beautiful picture of a man. I like to think that all men should strive to be the gentleman that Boaz is in this passage. Instead of having thoughts of lust or sin in our (or my) mind, we should be focused on the LORD and the eternity we will spend with Him.
Application: Am I living my life as an example to others? Is Christ on the throne of my life or do I place myself there with Christ at my feet? I want to live a life that people comment on regarding my faithfulness, my strength of character, etc. In my current life, I live three different lifestyles — home, church and work. Home and church is joining much closer, day by day. However, my walk at work is still far from where it should be. Perhaps the LORD will want me to change jobs one day? Perhaps I haven’t accomplished His goals for me in this company? Either way, I have to remember that it is not acceptable as sin to God is repulsive. I don’t want to be repulsive to my best friend. I have to consider that every minute of the day…