Last night we continued our look at God’s wisdom in our relationships by studying through chapter 3. Here are the notes:
3:1-6 About three months pass… Naomi/Ruth take initiative. Ruth listens to her mother-in-law. Ruth puts Naomi’s need for an heir first. Ruth makes her move
Note, though we live believing God is sovereign, we can still plan and act. In fact, we should…
3:7-8 Something Culturally unique, but relatable… Ruth is working within: 1. God’s provision (the Goel) 2. Her Parents/community’s council
3:9 Ruth’s offer… She asks him to “redeem” her – that is, marry her to raise up an heir to her dead husband/father-in-law. “Spread your garment/ wings” – “Did I read you right?–become the answer to your prayer in 2:12”
Note: There were negatives that could have ruined this relationship.(He is older than her (3:10). Would she be interested?; She is a Moabite. She is a widow. She is poor. Would he be interested?)
But they were open to God’s leading and made themselves available.
Boaz – by communicating his affection in the way he could… (kindness, thoughtfulness, honoring)
Ruth – by picking up clues and showing herself to be available…
Both – by demonstrating godliness in observable ways… (Ch. 2; 3:11)
In other words, they had both shown that they were the kind of person a godly person would want to marry.
3:10-11 Boaz Responds… She could have gone after “young men” (Ps 34:10) but instead she makes her choice based on greater good. She shows hesed to Naomi and Boaz. Larger concerns in life can shape who you love…
3:12-13 Acting…while leaving it in God’s hands. At this point, they could have taken matters into their own hands. But they leave it in God’s hands, so that righteousness can be worked out. This is how you know you’re really trusting God, even while you do things.
The model they present for us: Daily godliness, trusting God’s governing of their lives, while do what needs to be done, and leaving the results in His hands by prioritizing righteousness in everything.