Ruth and Boaz

https://odb.org/MY/2023/08/04/people-of-refuge

Naomi is a married Jewish woman who resettled in Moab from Judea due to famine. In Moab, her husband died, and so did her two sons who married Moabite women, leaving her with two Moabite daughters-in-law. It was a double tragedy. She asked them to return to their hometowns. But Ruth decided to follow Naomi back to Jerusalem and declared that Naomi’s God would be her God.

The two widows returned to Jerusalem practically penniless, but the Mosaic law allowing widows and orphans to glean from harvest fields helped them to live. In the process, Ruth met Boaz, the wealthy owner of the harvest who also happened to be the guardian-redeemer of the family. Boaz was impressed with Ruth’s dedication to Naomi and prayed a blessing that “may the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have sought refuge” (Ruth 2:12).

In the end, Boaz took Ruth as his wife although she was neither young or a virgin, and their great grandson was the great and mighty King David, whose line the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, was born. Ruth was among the five women mentioned in the geneology of Christ, and it is worth noting that she was originally a Moabite, a foreigner.

The love story of Ruth and Boaz is touching indeed. It speaks of how a foreigner seeking refuge in Israel from the God of Israel was not only blessed with a comfortable life but became part of the human family line that brought the Saviour of mankind into the world. Due recognition was given to Ruth, a Moabite, in the geneology of Christ with a whole book on her life story bearing her name in the Bible!

In the story of Ruth and Boaz, we see the real-life application of the Mosaic law of leaving a little harvest behind for widows to glean as well as the application of the concept of guardian-redeemer in ancient Jewish society. It demonstrates the love and compassion of God working through the law that as we seek refuge in Him, He blesses us with His love and protection. The LORD provided Ruth, and consequently, Naomi, a lifeline in Boaz even as Boaz was the one who prayed for God’s blessings upon Ruth. In the process, Boaz became a major character in the Book of Ruth and is now remembered for all eternity!

I think the lesson we can learn is that sometimes God may use us to answer our prayers for others. We may well become the channel for God’s blessings to flow. But like Boaz, our efforts may be remembered for generations to come. At work, sometimes when we volunteer a good idea, our bosses may ask us to execute it. It is the same with God. When we pray for someone, God may ask us to help that person!