Day 112 - Lessons on Love from Boaz and Ruth...

Today's Reading: Ruth 3-4 and Psalms 45

In today's reading, we see the beautiful story of the "Kinsman Redeemer," and the culmination of the love story between Boaz and Ruth.

As custom went in those days, when a man died, the nearest relative (brother) was suppose to take that man's widow as wife and raise up seed (children) so that the deceased man's name would not be lost. I find this concept first introduced in Deuteronomy 25. Let's read what it says:

"If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel." (Deut. 25:5-6)

So Ruth goes by night to Boaz to ask him to be her kinsmen redeemer... which it seems that Boaz is more than eager to do. In fact, very first thing the next morning, he goes to the gate of the city to meet with the Elders and discuss this business. Unfortunately, he has one obstacle. There's one man that is a closer relative, and so actually this other man has first dibs on Ruth and the family property. Thankfully, when Boaz shares the situation, this man recognizes that he cannot fulfill the duty by marrying Ruth, so he gives the rights of kinsman-ship to Boaz, and he signifies this by giving Boaz his sandal. "Whew!" I can just imagine that Boaz breathed a great sigh of relief.

So God provided a way... and Boaz took Ruth as his wife! What a happy ending to what had been a tragic story for Ruth. The gleaner need never again tread the fields, following the reaper’s footsteps. All the broad acres were now hers, since she had become one with the owner. When we are one with Christ, we no longer worry about redemption; but being redeemed, we bring forth fruit unto God (Rom 7:4). Not long after they marry, Ruth bears a child (who is to be the grandfather of King David, and in the royal line of the Messiah). Can you imagine the joy when Naomi finally takes that tiny baby Obed in her arms? Naomi and Ruth had gone together through the valley of the shadow of death. Now they stand together in the light of the mountain-top. Once again God has turned the mourning into gladness (Psa 30:11).

Oh yes... and one more thing... did you notice the parallel once again between the chapters in Ruth and those of Ps. 45. Psalms 45 is titled in my Bible, The Glories of the Messiah and His bride. How fitting that these two readings are aligned together here.

[Note: By the way... regarding how this love story transpires... especially the part where Ruth seems to initiate things by going to Boaz and sleeping at his feet... I've seen and heard so many woman use this story to justify the right to become the initiators in romantic relationships. I've even had people tell me that I should follow Ruth's example. "It's okay to put yourself out there, to take the lead, to ask him out, etc! After all, look at the story of Ruth and Boaz!" they say. But I don't think this is the lesson that God wants us single women to get from this story. Obviously, this was an accepted custom in the culture of that day, and Boaz even refers to Ruth (when she comes to him at night) as being a "virtuous woman," so there was nothing shady going on here. But if you notice, Boaz is still the ONE that initially took the lead in reaching out to Ruth in the fields. He's the one that invited her to his table. He's the one that instructed his reapers to allow extra grain to fall for her. He gave her special privileges above the other woman. He's also the one who took the lead in working for the right to become Ruth's husband as he met with the Elders at the gate. While he was doing this, Ruth was waiting quietly at home with Naomi. It was possible that it would not be Boaz who would become her husband, it was possible that this other "closer relative" might decide to make her his wife, and she must submit to that. So, rather than becoming "take charge woman in pursuit of our man," I think the greater lesson here is, are we willing to trust the Lord, and place ourselves in a place of quiet surrender and submission at HIS FEET? Will we make ourselves available to the Lord's agenda and His leading? Will we give Him our heart? If so, then HE can be our kinsmen redeemer. In fact we are told, "It was to redeem us that He became our kinsman. Closer than father, mother, brother, friend, or lover is the Lord our Savior. "Fear not," He says, "For I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine." (Isa. 43:1) Desire of Ages, p. 327. Remember it was Christ who came in search of His bride... it is Christ who fights for the love of His bride. The same order, I believe, will be seen in Godly relationships. Perhaps I am outdated and old fashion, but I believe this is the safest model. So rather than taking our life, our romance, or our plans and future, into our own hands, let's allow the Savior to lead the way. As my dad always tells me, "God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him!"]

By the way... if you are interested in the topic of love, you might appreciate my post "Three-Faulty-Mate- Selection-Mistakes" from a few days earlier!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Sam. 1-3 and Mark 9