Today’s reading – Ruth 3
Which human weakness highlights God’s faithfulness?
Let’s cut to the chase and answer this question first, then we can discuss further. What human weakness best highlights God’s faithfulness?? It is the inability to keep promises! At first, I wasn’t sure what the appropriate answer was. In 2 Timothy, chapter 2:13, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful”. So what exactly makes us faithless to Him?? We could go on all day listing out things that can make us faithless to God. But I get it and agree, it’s the empty promises we tell ourselves and share with God.
Let’s get back to the reading, Ruth 3. Naomi knows it is time for Ruth to secure her future, and Naomi has a plan. She sends her off to Boaz to present herself appropriately and let him see her as a potential wife, not just a worker.
Ruth waits until he is asleep and lies down next to him. He wakes up and she explains her being there. None of this was inappropriate but more so the legal and covenant-based way to do things back then.
Boaz praises Ruth for her character and is honored she chose him instead of some younger and richer man. But there is a problem, another man has the legal right to redeem Ruth. In turn, Boaz shows integrity, patience and respect for the law to see that the correct steps are taken and no shortcuts are made.
Boaz sends Ruth back to Naomi but not empty handed. When Ruth returns, Naomi knows that Boaz is a man of action and of his word and will do what is necessary and right.
Let me break down everyone in this story. Ruth is bold, respectful, and intentional. Boaz is honorable and decisive. Naomi is strategic and wise.
How will we respond in trust and obedience?
God is working quietly throughout our lives and with normal decisions and integrity. Ruth chapter 3 is about trusting His timing, doing things the right way, and courageously stepping into our futures without manipulation. How will I respond in trust and obedience in the day to day?? Well…I have an idea how I have been doing it. Half the time I don’t think about it, I just DO. The other half I talk with God and trust that I am making the right decisions, and He will help guide me the rest of the way. The fault in that statement is the word HALF. HALF the time is not how often He wants me to trust and obey Him. He wants ALL of me and you, not just a part, not just 50%, ALL.
The more we could all be like Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz the better. The faith and trust they have in God is what we should desire. The promises that we give Him and the promises that He gives us all we need to help us make sure our footsteps align with His until we see him in Heaven.