TEXT: Ruth 3:1-18; 4:1-22

MEMORY VERSE: “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:11).

Ruth was a young widow from a Gentile nation – Moab. However, she shines as a star that dispels darkness. She had consecration, courage and commitment to serve the Lord at all costs. She was patient till God changed her situation for good. She was a woman of chastity. In our text, the Lord was about using Naomi to give her “rest” in a family. Marriage brings rest thus, it must be approached with great care, seriousness and earnest prayers for divine direction and blessings.

The love between Naomi and Ruth had grown deep for each other. For example, Naomi does not see Ruth as her daughter-in-law anymore, but rather refers to her as her own daughter. “And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her” (Ruth 3:16).

Though Naomi could not give birth to a son again to marry her, she guided her, according to the tradition of the Jew at the time. Naomi expressed her concern and care thus: “Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?” (Ruth 3:1).

As Ruth followed the instructions of her mentor and mother-in-law, she found favour before Boaz who was ready to marry her. Today, anyone who surrenders his life to God and serves Him faithfully will find favour with Him (Isaiah 51:1,2). See also: How to Walk Daily in God’s Will.

Chapter four is the climax of the story in the book of Ruth. Boaz took steps according to the custom in Israel. Through this, the redemptive right was transferred to him, including the right to marry Ruth. This was witnessed by the elders in Israel. The elders prayed for them to be fruitful and famous in the land of Israel. Hence, the Lord who blesses the marriage union blessed them with a male child through which the lineage of Jesus Christ can be traced.

As youths, your decision for Christ today will be rewarded here and in eternity. Your effort to study hard to pass your examinations without cheating will be crowned with good grades tomorrow. Therefore, do not be lazy in whatever good things you are doing now (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Examples of youths that were rewarded for their decisions for the Lord include Joseph, Esther, Samuel, David, Daniel and his friends, Timothy, Philip’s daughters, etc. It is your turn to decide for the Lord so that He can bless you too.

See: The Power of Confession and God’s Forgiveness and What True Repentance Looks Like.

NAOMI’S INSTRUCTIONS TO RUTH

(Ruth 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Philippians 2:19-24; Ecclesiastes 9:8; Luke 6:46; 2 Corinthians 7:14-18)

Naomi had concern, compassion and care for Ruth to help her settle down in her matrimonial home. On the other hand, Ruth did not put pressure on her mother-in-law. How caring are we to our converts and brethren?

Question 1: In what areas should we show concern and care to converts and new members?

“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state” (Philippians 2:19,20).

We should care for converts’ spiritual, social, moral and academic pursuits. It is important for everyone to know that God is interested in every area of our lives. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18).

Boaz was to have a function in bringing God’s plan of redemption to earth.

Internal link: How to Serve God After Failure.

Question 2: What were the instructions Naomi gave Ruth?

“Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking” (verse 3).

Naomi instructed Ruth to wash herself, be presentable and get ready for Boaz’s programme. She further instructed her to mark where Boaz would sleep, stay near him presentable at all times. It is not a mark of spirituality to be dirty or dress shabbily or untidily.

Also, it is necessary for us to note that the process Naomi used was free of immoral tendencies according to the laws and customs of the Jews which gave Ruth, who was now fully integrated among them, a legal claim to Boaz or the nearest kinsman (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). However, this is not a standard for New Testament believers.

The believer must be careful not to import unscriptural customs and practices into Christian marriage. God frowns at any carnal methods used in selecting a life partner or involvement in immoral practices before necessary steps and processes approved by the church are completed.

“And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do” (Ruth 3:5).

Ruth patiently followed and willingly obeyed and did all that Naomi instructed her (Isaiah 28:16). “His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5).

Parents should carefully guide their children to obey the Lord and follow laid-down procedures for marriage in the church. Obedience is the hallmark of a Christian life. Ruth did exactly as she was instructed (verse 7).

Read also: How to Return to God After Falling into Sin.

BOAZ’S READINESS AND NAOMI’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO RUTH

(Ruth 3:8-18; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Proverbs 31:10-31)

Boaz was a man that feared God. A man that fears God does not commit evil, even if there is opportunity. “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6).

As Boaz enquired whom she was, Ruth declared herself and made her request known to him. “And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman” (verse 9).

“And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman” (verses 10,11).

Boaz’s response was encouraging. He was a man that knew the Old Testament Scriptures. He therefore blessed her and was ready to follow the commandment of the Lord (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). He also commended her for not going after young men whether poor or rich, calling her a virtuous woman.

Question 3: What lessons can be learnt from Ruth and Boaz’s virtuous attitude?

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman” (verse 11).

Boaz exercised a sense of maturity and submission to God’s will. He allowed God to have His way; he did not use any carnal means to lure her to himself. Moreover, he was willing to allow a closer kinsman to play his part before he took action (verse 13).

Lessons for Christian youths:

– Christian girls should not flaunt themselves around boys; they should wait on God for His timing.

– Christian youths should emulate Boaz in doing things orderly.

– They must avoid impatience in relationships.

– Discipline and purity should govern all courtship interactions.

Early in the morning, Boaz sent Ruth away with six measures of barley. It is important to know that throughout the night, there was no evil act between them. “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).

Impatience has destroyed many young people preparing for marriage. The only solution is repentance and restitution.

“And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her” (verse 16). “Then said she, Sit still, my daughter… for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day” (verse 18).

Read Also: How to Walk Daily in God’s Will.

BOAZ MARRIES RUTH WITH GREAT REWARD

(Ruth 4:1-22; 3:11,12; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Genesis 38:8,9; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Chronicles 2:4; Psalm 128:1-6)

“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by…” (verse 1).

Boaz was a wise man. He did all things properly and in order.

Question 4: Why is wisdom necessary in life and how can we get it?

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

Wisdom gives direction, strength, and helps us to use resources properly. God gives wisdom freely to those who ask (James 1:5). He gave Daniel and his friends wisdom and they excelled (Daniel 1:17).

Another lesson for Christian youths: Boaz honoured his kinsman by giving him the first right of acceptance (Romans 12:10).

The shoe-removal custom (verses 7–8) symbolized the transfer of the redemptive right. This practice is not required today.

After the kinsman declined, Boaz accepted the full responsibility. The elders prayed for:

1. Fruitfulness

2. Prosperity

3. Fame

4. A blessed lineage like Pharez

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22).

“So Boaz took Ruth… the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son” (verse 13).

Ruth’s commitment, Naomi’s mentorship, and Boaz’s obedience brought divine reward.

Internal link: How to Serve God After Failure.

Question 5: What was the reward God gave Boaz and his wife?

The Lord blessed them with a son, Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David, through whom Jesus Christ came.

Naomi was also blessed. Her grandson became a “restorer of life” and a nourisher in her old age. She must have rejoiced greatly to see Ruth honoured and settled by God.