The redeemer who was first in line declined to step forward and perform the role because it did not serve his own interest. Caring for his personal needs superseded any generosity or sacrifice to serve the needy widow and her daughter-in-law. Rather than step forward, he passed on the responsibility to Boaz and lost the blessing God had in store for the husband of Ruth.When we see a need, are we m...  Read More

Boaz tells Ruth to lay at his feet, but he never touches her and protects her modesty by cautioning his servants to shield her from shame. Let’s be honest: Boaz shows extreme self-control that is rarely evident among wealthy, powerful men. Ruth was an easy target in a dark room full of men that night, but he championed her purity.Sexual purity is designed by God to protect us from brokenness of bo...  Read More

Luke 1:46-55And Mary said:"My soul exalts the Lord,And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.For the Mighty One has done great things for me;And holy is His name.And His mercy is upon generation after generationToward those who fear Him.He has done mighty deeds with His...  Read More

Boaz is a man of honor, and rather than rashly respond out of emotion, he makes a rational choice that protects Ruth and ensures she will be provided for as God intends. He understands that compromise and cutting corners will not be blessed by God, so he waits until morning and follows the protocols God has outlined for the kinsman redeemer.If we grow impatient with God’s timing and directives, we...  Read More

Ruth was a beautiful woman both in appearance and in character, and this did not escape the notice of Boaz. He commended her for being a woman of courage, strength, and moral integrity. Her reputation as a “good woman” was evident to everyone who had met her since her return with Naomi.When we choose to obey God and live a righteous life, those in our circle of influence will note how the leading ...  Read More

Ruth asks Boaz to protect her and claim her as His wife by spreading his garment over her. She is acknowledging her need and humbly coming to the one who is positioned to provide for her. Her submissive heart is an open invitation for her redeemer.God longs to be our refuge, but just like Boaz, He is a gentleman. He will not come where He is not fully welcomed. We must humbly come to God and ask H...  Read More

Luke 1:67-79And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,And has raised up a horn of salvation for usIn the house of David His servantAs He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old Salvation from our enemies,And from the hand of all who hate us; To show...  Read More

Naomi tells Ruth to go to Boaz and appeal to him as the Kinsman Redeemer. From our perspective, this plan seems a bit risqué, but Naomi is actually counseling Ruth to humble herself and adopt a posture of a servant. Boaz was a man of character, and Ruth was appealing to His integrity by asking him to meet her need.Ruth never questioned Naomi’s instructions. She submitted to the authority over her ...  Read More

Ruth comes home with full hands after a day of gleaning, and Naomi rejoices in the Providential work of God who has orchestrated events to provide for their need. Naomi is teaching Ruth about God’s character – He is kind and provides for His children. Ruth gleaning in the field of Boaz was not a coincidence – God’s redemption was at work in their lives.During difficult times, we must trust that Go...  Read More

God protects His children. Ruth put her faith in God and turned from the pagan gods of her past. As a result, she experienced the Providential care of the Mighty God who covers us with His strength and encircles us with His mercy and love. When we place our full trust in God, we experience the reward of His peace and provision.Boaz speaks a blessing over Ruth, which he is later going to help fulfi...  Read More

God sees our every need and always provides for us. Here the Lord brought hard-working Ruth to the attention of a powerful, wealthy man named Boaz. When we have abundance, we are often used by God to help those who are lacking. Boaz extended kindness to Ruth, rather than hoarding his wealth. The simple obedience of Ruth and Boaz on this ordinary day made room for the extraordinary work that God wa...  Read More

God providentially led Ruth to the fields of Boaz. Some people may call this a coincidence, but the mature believer understands that God is at work in every detail of our lives. Nothing escapes His attention, and our circumstances are never happenstance. He threads grace through every single strand and seams each element together with His redemption.Nothing in our lives is wasted. In God’s economy...  Read More