Scriptures: Ruth 1-4
Reflection Song: “Promises” by Maverick City Music
What Had Happened Was…(the modern summary)
So Boom…(the revelation)
Ruth is historically preached from the general perspective of “finding your Boaz,” saturated with the theme of love. While nothing is wrong with this topic, I want to challenge us to dig deeper into themes of trust, honor, and redemption.
The book of Ruth is filled with rich Levite cultural context. For example, in Levite culture, there is the familial role of the Redeemer, whose position is to step up to ensure the family lineage continues if a male dies before producing an heir. Imagine Ruth not only experiencing the heartbreak of losing her husband young, but also the fear of not continuing his lineage.
Here, a pivotal point in Ruth’s story occurs at the threshing floor, which opened the pathway for Ruth to request that Boaz step into the role of kinsman redeemer, when she performed the threshing ceremony (preparing herself, laying down, and uncovering his feet). I would be remiss to exclude the attraction between Boaz seeing Ruth in the field and making accommodations for her, or Ruth excited to tell Naomi about the kin she just met. But Boaz’s honor in this passage is much more interesting than attraction. The role of kinsman redeemer was not a coveted one. Boaz essentially had to buy any debt that came with taking on the responsibilities of marrying Mahlon’s widow, be willing to marry a woman who had already been with a man, risk marrying a woman who might be infertile, and ultimately accept that the future children he had with Ruth would technically be considered Mahlon’s heirs, though they were biologically his own. That is a lot to redeem and consider. I’d argue that while Boaz was indeed attracted to Ruth, the main quality he displayed was grace and honor toward her.
And Ruth? What a courageous woman during these biblical times to take the path least desirable. The easy path was following Orpah back to her homeland, under the protection of her father, to be remarried. But following God means choosing a path that may not make sense today. Ruth’s unconventional “yes” to follow Naomi sparked the catalyst of redemption through Boaz, which ultimately paved the way to our one true Redeemer—Jesus.
QTNA (Questions That Need Answers)
- Early in this passage, Naomi changes her name to Mara, which means bitter. Words matter. Even if we don’t audibly speak of negativity over our lives, how many times have we quietly spoken death over ourselves in those still, internal moments? What are some ways we can practice self-love when our environment is speaking the opposite?
- Scripture Recharge: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)
- This passage of Boaz redeeming Ruth mirrors Christ redeeming us when He died for our sins. In Hebrew, redeemer carries the meaning of legally taking on responsibility. What is something you’ve been holding onto that you haven’t yet allowed God to redeem on your behalf?
- Scripture Recharge: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14, ESV)
- Ruth’s courage to say “yes” and follow Naomi that day had a lasting impact on her tomorrow. What might be holding you back today from saying “yes” in your walk with God?
- Scripture Recharge: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
- The story of Ruth and Boaz is also a story of second chances and love. What qualities do you look for in a “Boaz,” and why?
- Scripture Recharge: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25, ESV)
- Trusting God later in the story can feel difficult to accept. But it is never too late for God to meet you—after a divorce, after a death, after a failed career, or after feeling abandoned. What makes it hard to trust God when we feel like our story is already over?
- Scripture Recharge: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV)
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