In this conclusion of a three part series on Ruth, we see: 1) Although the story of Ruth and Boaz has provided fodder for romantic historical novels, romance in this story is conspicuous by its absence. Ruth offered herself as a wife to Boaz out of respect for and submission to Naomi, and the laws God gave His people, NOT because her eyes met his some enchanted evening across a crowded threshing floor. If physical attraction, romantic impulses and a desire for personal satisfaction had been Ruth's primary motivations, she would probably have, as Boaz said, "gone after young men." God instituted marriage for support, help and companionship; for the propagation of the human race; to allow for the raising of godly children; and that we may avoid sexual immorality. Is it not striking to consider: that which seems to be the primary, if not the sole reason that the average American believes you should marry, namely, "because you're in love," does not even appear among the many reasons that God gives us for marrying. What is most troubling is that even Christians, who have been warned by God to not be conformed to this world, to not adopt its philosophies and traditions, seem to have swallowed Cupid's message, arrowhead, shaft and feathers. 2)We see again the wonderful hand of providence in the lives of Ruth and Naomi and Boaz. 3)We see the Lord's reward of Ruth's humility and faith. 4)We see the blessing that came upon Boaz. 5)We see Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, as a picture of the Lord Jesus, who redeemed us when we were poor, despised and apparently without hope. |
