“Guardian-Redeemer”
One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.
When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet!
“Who are you?” he asked.
“I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.
Ruth 3:1-11
Widows in biblical times often faced a life of poverty. That is the situation Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were in after each woman lost their husbands. But God had a plan for providing security for them, while involving Ruth as an integral part of a much bigger plan.
Boaz was a wealth land-owner and he had admired Ruth, but he was surprised one night when he awoke to see her laying at his feet.
She was asking for more than protection, she was asking him to marry her, and he did.
From Ruth’s marriage to Boaz came a son (Obed). Obed was the eventual grandfather of King David.
Generations later, Joseph was born to the family and he became the “legal father” of Mary’s child – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ruth trusted God and followed Naomi’s instructions even though the ending was uncertain.
We too can count on God to provide for us when life is unsure.
Fear hinders faith, but trust kindles confidence.
Our
Daily Bread –