Two Good People Meet
Today I will summarize the second of four chapters of Ruth. This is Part 9 in the mini-series.
Here is my up-front bold statement.
To the extent we find the behavior of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz strange, unusual, or foreign compared with our own thinking on the subjects of dating, courtship, and interpersonal relationships in general, is the extent to which we do not understand what goodness really is.
The culture we swim in rates potential spouses as either desirable or undesirable based mostly on looks and wealth. We believe, especially when growing up, that our future happiness will be primarily based on who finds us desirable to marry. We hope this person will be good looking and wealthy enough to support us in a manner we dream to grow accustomed to. And this thinking goes for both men and women. What is missing in all of this is an understanding of the importance of goodness which I believe, when you boil it all down, is what this story is all about.
Take a few minutes and read Ruth Chapter 2. I’ll wait.
Here I believe are the big takeaways.
What we learn about Ruth.
By happy coincidence Ruth finds herself in the field owned by Boaz.
It is not beneath her to glean grain.
The young man in charge of Boaz’s field tells Boaz that she is respectful and a hard worker.
What we learn about Boaz.
Boaz lives in Bethlehem and comes out to check on his workers and how the harvest is going.
Boaz is respectful to those who work for him. This demonstrates to us readers that he is not proud or arrogant.
Boaz notices Ruth as a young woman.
It is safe to say that Boaz is not a young man.
Boaz does not demonstrate an interest in Ruth as a potential spouse. He treats her like a daughter and even addresses her with this label. He gives her fatherly advice and wants her to glean in his field only in order to protect her.
Boaz blesses Ruth with his words and tells her he is aware of what she is doing for Naomi. Because he is of the same clan as Naomi’s husband he knew Naomi before she moved to Moab. I think Boaz was closer in age to Naomi than he was to Ruth.
Boaz is a great example of a godly man.
Then Ruth responds to Boaz.
Ruth is not intimidated by who Boaz is with regards to his wealth and position, but she responds to him with gratitude and bows to his goodness. He is enabling her to care for Naomi which continues to be her chief focus and concern. This is consistent with her good heart.
In Conclusion
This is not your normal love story. It is the story of Gods grace and goodness to those who, like him, behave with grace and goodness. So, even though it is not a typical love story, it is still one of great wonder. And like all meaningful stories, it is building to a delightful and satisfying ending.
God richly rewards those who are good to others.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)