Ruth 3:1-18

Romance is a very unique aspect in every culture, and there are many things about the “romance” between Ruth and Boaz that do not make any sense in our culture.  However, as we follow this beautiful story there are several things from which we can learn and we ought to seek to imitate in our own relationships.  This, in no way is intended as some sort of manual for dating, but I do believe that this story illustrates some basic character qualities that are essential in any dating or marriage relationship that seeks to please the Lord.

A CLOSE DECLARATION TO LOVE: Naomi seems well aware of the special attention that Ruth is getting from Boaz and decides to help her understand how to approach this situation in a way that was appropriate.  Going to the threshing floor and lying down at the feet of Boaz is not something that I would ever tell one of my daughters to do, but it that culture it was symbolic of placing herself under his authority since he was a close relative that could marry her and raise up children in the place of her husband who had died.  What I think is interesting in this story is that Ruth makes a declaration of her willingness to be “redeemed” by Boaz and Boaz declares his intent to follow the correct procedure  in order to make the relationship official.  The games that young people often play in their relationships tend to be very dangerous and nobody really knows what the other person is thinking.  I don’t believe that this is a good foundation for marriage.  Honest communication is vital to any relationship and I believe it should be that way from the start.

A CLEAN DISCRETION IN LOVE: Boaz asks Ruth to stay for the night so as to protect her from being out on the streets after dark.  Ruth gets up early and leaves before the other men would wake up and see her there and cause rumors to damage both of their reputations.  There was not any form of inappropriate physical contact but there was still a desire to be discrete about it.  Discretion seems to be a lost part of so many dating relationships today.  Public displays of affection, that would not be appropriate even in private outside of marriage, are considered to be normal.  I believe that the chaos in which today’s family finds itself is, in large part, due to the lack of cleanliness within the dating relationships that simply carry over into marriage and create all kinds of havoc.  We all need to be committed to doing what is right before God in our relationships with one another both before and after marriage.   

A CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE: Boaz send Ruth away with a generous gift of grain that she takes home and gives to Naomi.  This is a clear demonstration of Boaz’s love and affection as well as his intention to go and get permission from the first redeemer in line to be able to justly marry Ruth.  Love should not only be expressed in words, but we should be always ready to demonstrate our love in clear and practical manners.  Boaz seems like a man who knows exactly what he wants and is determined to do everything right so that he can marry Ruth in the right way and at the right time.  His intentions are clear and his actions are noble.  I pray that my daughters will find a man like Boaz with whom they can share their lives and that my son will find a woman like Ruth.  Love is certainly more than some feeling; it must be demonstrated in ways the please, help and serve the object of our affection.