December 26, 2023 - Ruth 3:12-18

So, we know how the story of Ruth and Boaz ends but we’re not there just yet.  Boaz acknowledges that he is a redeemer but that there is a closer relative who should marry Ruth.  Boaz shows himself to be a good and faithful man in so many ways.  He has allowed a stranger, Ruth, to glean in his fields and he has even instructed his workers to leave bushels of harvested barley for her.  We continue to see Boaz’s character in that, though he is willing, maybe even desirous of marrying Ruth, he is careful to follow scriptural commandment.  He might wish it to be but it is not his place to redeem Ruth.  There is a closer relative who first must be sought out and encouraged to fulfill his responsibilities.  Naomi must have had good knowledge of Boaz.  After all, she is the one who directed Ruth to his fields.  And, here, she says to Ruth, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today” (3:18).  The man will do what he says he will do, and he will do it quickly.  Oh, and he will do it in line with God’s instruction.  Here is character – obedient, kind, trustworthy, responsible – that we can emulate.  As it was said of another:  “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).  Perhaps, today, we should pray:

Spirit of the living God,

move among us all;

make us one in heart and mind,

make us one in love,

humble, caring,

selfless, sharing.

Spirit of the living God,

fill our lives with love.   -- Michael Baughen (1987)