July 30, 2008

The Character of Ruth

Read Ruth 3:10-18 and Proverbs 31:10-31

Boaz's words to Ruth here tell us a great deal about her character, and about what

kind of decisions the Lord blesses. Boaz speaks of two ways in which Ruth has

been kind. Her "earlier" kindness probably refers to Ruth's kindness to Naomi

(see 2:11-12), specifically her decision to accompany Naomi back to Israel - a

place where Ruth probably thought she had no shot at personal happiness, success,

or marriage. The second kindness is even greater, according to Boaz. Ruth hasn't

chosen a marriage partner among the eligible, dashing, young bachelors; instead she

is deciding to put the needs of Naomi and Elimelech's family first, by marrying one

of their "kinsman-redeemers" in order to preserve the family line. Ruth's selfless

kindness in this decision is striking.

Boaz also says that everyone in town knows Ruth as a "woman of noble character."

As such, she is a perfect match for Boaz, who is described as a "man of noble

character" in 2:1 (this is sometimes translated differently in English, but the Hebrew

phrase is the same). Like the "woman of noble character" in Proverbs 31:10-31,

Ruth has shown herself to be a gutsy, generous woman who works hard for the

good of her family. Perhaps most importantly, she is clearly a "woman who fears

the Lord." Boaz recognizes her as a rare treasure (cf. Proverbs 31:10-12) and

jumps at the chance to marry her.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about this match is what it shows us of the

Lord's character. He has answered two people's prayers for Ruth. Naomi prayed:

"May the Lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me.

May the Lord grant that -- you will find rest in the home of another husband." (1:8-9)

Boaz had earlier prayed for Ruth: "May the Lord repay you for what you have done.

May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you

have come to take refuge." (2:12) The Lord was at work to answer their prayers -

to provide a husband, and a future, for Ruth. In the meantime, Ruth simply showed

kindness to the people around her, and took refuge under the Lord's wings.  

I find Ruth's approach really challenging. When stuck in a painful and difficult situation

in life, she didn't chase down solutions or strategize about how to make herself happier.

She committed herself to loving and serving the people who were in her life, and she

entrusted her future to the Lord. Too often when I'm in a hard place, I spin my wheels

and try to make things better for myself. I want to learn to live differently - to focus

instead on the needs of the people around me, to tuck up under the Lord's wings for

cover, and to leave the rest to him. He is good at everything!  Including matchmaking.

That's something that I can personally attest to with all my heart.