Journeying Through Ruth: Part 3

Dear Reader,

Thank you for joining me on my journey through the wonderful book of Ruth. Please endeavor to read through the story in your Bible as we move along. Be blessed!

This is the story of Ruth at the threshing floor of Boaz. She goes there under the instruction of her mother-in-law and Boaz agrees to redeem her and marry her.

This chapter (3) has always been a very intriguing one for me. It is sort of dramatic the way would I say “the engagement between Ruth and Boaz happened. One thing that struck me through this chapter is the purity and respect with which Boaz treated Ruth from beginning to end. In vs 5, Ruth displays the characteristic of submission to Naomi when she takes her advice on how to approach Boaz without complaining. A virtuous and godly woman is submissive to those God has placed her under. In vs 1, Naomi is seen concerned about Ruth’s love life. She recommends Boaz, who is a godly man, to Ruth. Sometimes God can speak through my spiritual leaders concerning my future partner. I must not be resentful when they give counsel over that aspect of my life. In vs 8, I see Boaz’s reaction when he notices a woman at his feet. His reaction reflects integrity and faithfulness. He does not take advantage of the opportunity to misbehave but demanded to know who it was immediately. He didn’t give into any possible temptations. In vs 10, Boaz continues by treating Ruth as family. He praises her for choosing to marry in the family. To me, family means “the family of believers.” As a godly woman, I must marry in the family! I must not marry someone who does not belong to the family of believers. 

In vs 11, Ruth’s reputation is highlighted again! “Everyone in town knows you are an honorable woman...” What do others say about me? Am I an honorable woman? Vs 12 shows Boaz’s integrity when he tells Ruth that he will allow the kinsman redeemer who is before him to decide before he married Ruth. Vs 13 showed his certainty. He was a man who knew what he wanted. He didn’t beat around the bush but was honest with Ruth about his intentions to marry her. When the conversation was over, we still see purity displayed even when the opportunity to defile themselves sexually presented itself.

Both people wanted to preserve their reputation and thus Ruth left the threshing floor before people woke up. If I am in a relationship, are both my partner and I safeguarding our purity and reputations? We are both responsible for this.

Boaz was a generous man. He made sure he sent Ruth away with food for her and Naomi. A godly man is a generous giver. And finally, in vs 18, Naomi’s comment to Ruth, reaffirms the godly reputation of Boaz as a man who knows what he wants and who does not procrastinate or is lazy about getting things done. She knew he would follow through his promise and not disappoint. He was a man of integrity. That’s the kind of man I desire.

Ruth and Boaz both built godly reputations in their separate lives. They protected their purity and were people of integrity. For sure, they were a POWER COUPLE.

#selah

Father Lord,

May my future husband and I be people of integrity. May we not defile ourselves sexually before our wedding night and may we safeguard our purity at all times. Teach me to be submissive. May I not make the mistake of marrying outside the family. My courtship, engagement, and marriage will honor You. Help my husband to be a generous man too.

In Jesus’ name,

AMEN.

I hope you are blessed!

In Christ,

Ishanpepe