Ruth had found herself gleaning in the field of the righteous, wealthy, and powerful Boaz. Of course, the fact of her gleaning in the field of a stranger meant that her condition was a desperate one. She was relying on the mercy and charity of the owner of the land. And seeing Ruth, Boaz saw in her a simple and guileless piety, a woman of loyalty (to her mother-in-law), and a woman who was diligent in her labors. He protected her and provided for her, and he blesses her for her character. Naomi then recognizes in the person of Boaz the potential of finding "rest" for her daughter-in-law. In Boaz, Naomi finds the smiling face behind the frowning providence. All that remains is for Boaz to take Ruth as his wife and all will be well. So in one of the most tender passages of the Scriptures, Ruth asks Boaz to, "spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." The parallels to our redemption are glorious. The poor, defenseless, and pitiful Ruth finds civic and economic salvation in righteous Boaz. We, poor, defenseless, and pitiful find redemption from the bondage of sin as we plead for the Savior to spread his skirt over us – to take us unto Himself, protect us, and provide for us as only he can do as our near kinsman. – Pastor Schlegel |
