An Unlikely Romance

Intro

Last week was the youth service

They did a GREAT job; personally enjoyed Karen being on the hot seat

This morning we are back to studying the book of Ruth

Taking breaks for a show or story can always be a bit disorienting

Which is why I love when a show I am watching has a “recap” feature

It is a good time in our story to have a recap as well (you just can’t hit “skip” during a sermon)

Give a recap of Ruth so far, ending with the fact that harvest is just around the corner

The Threshing Floor

Naomi is still concerned for Ruth’s long-term future

The generosity of Boaz worked wonders during the harvest, but that time is at an end

Read Ruth 3:1.

Naomi’s desire is still for Ruth to have “rest”

The word for “rest” really emphasizes security and comfort

She wants Ruth to be provided for and cared for, which required a husband in those days

This has always been her wish (cf. Ruth 1:9)

So Naomi hatches a master plan

Read Ruth 3:2-4.

The fact that Boaz is a relative means he can play the role of kinsman redeemer (Cf. Ruth 2:20)

Earlier we talked about the practice of levirate marriage (widows marrying their husband’s brother for provision)

The role of kinsman redeemer was similar: It declared the right of a close relative to redeem the household of the deceased (houses, fields, family, etc.)

Both practices were designed to keep families going, and protect people like Naomi and Ruth

In the case of Ruth, the only thing available for redemption was… her!

Naomi’s master plan is to get Boaz to agree to marry Ruth

Opportunity presented itself at the culmination of the harvest on the threshing floor

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Threshing floor = flat area outside, often elevated

Oxen would be used to thresh the sheaves of grain using a sledge

Workers would pick up the threshed grain with a winnowing fork, and toss it into the air

Chaff would blow away in the wind; dense grain would fall straight down to be collected in heaps

Boaz would be joining the work, and the party of a job well done after

He would also lie down (they needed to guard the grain until it could be safely stored)

Ruth was to make an impression on Boaz (who was already intrigued by her)

She got ready for her date: Took a bath, anointed herself (put on perfume), and put on her best clothes

To whatever extent she could as a woman in poverty, Ruth needed to look her best

Then Naomi told her to lie down with Boaz and uncover his feet

Weird, right? Could have been a cultural practice (we don’t see it anywhere else)

Could be a euphemism for something more… provactive

I prefer to read this literally; but Ruth is still being sent to entice Boaz (not into immorality, but in marriage)

Ever the dutiful daughter, Ruth goes and follows Naomi’s instructions

She goes down to the threshing floor (incognito) and waits

Gives a whole new meaning to “blind date”

There is a celebration when the harvest is done, and Boaz eats and drinks until “his heart is merry” (v. 7)

Not necessarily drunkenness; think of a time when you worked super hard, were famished, ate a great meal, and felt completely content

Share my story of working 13 hours, driving 45 minutes and eating the best Subway sandwhich of my entire life

Boaz lies down at the end of a heap of grain for night

It was his duty to guard the harvest; also would have given some type of privacy

Ruth quietly approaches Boaz, uncovers his feet, and lies down at his feet

At midnight Boaz is startled awake, and COMPLETELY surprised to find a woman lying at his feet!

Read Ruth 3:9.

Ruth makes her appeal: She asks Boaz to “spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer”

Spread your wings = reminder of the prayer Boaz prayed over her in Ruth 2:12.

She has taken refuge under the wings of the Lord, and now seeks refuge from Boaz; she is asking him to be the fulfillment and answer of this prayer

Hebrew word for “wings” can also mean “corner of your garment” in a similar gesture of protection and care

In fact, this action also symbolizes marriage in that culture

Cf. Ezekiel 16:8.

In no uncertain terms, Ruth is asking Boaz to marry her

God Provides Rest for His People He Loves

This passage in Ezekiel also points out an important part of the love story between Boaz and Ruth: It is a prototype of the love story between God and His people

Just like Ruth, when the chosen people of Israel were naked, ashamed, guilty and in trouble, they needed rest (security and comfort) that only a redeemer could provide

In the Psalms and prophets in particular, we see that God has willingly committed to His people, to cover them, protect them, and give them rest

While we don’t often think of our relationship with God in terms of romance, this truth remains the same for us today: God provides rest for His people He loves.

Cf. Ephesians 5:25-27.

The church is the bride of Christ

In his role as bridegroom, Jesus has given himself up for us, sanctified us, cleansed us and made us holy

In other words, he has spread out his garment and given us rest

If we are to live in this promise, we need to humbly recognize our need; just like Ruth

Have you come to that moment of submission, at the feet of Christ (like Ruth at the feet of Boaz)? Have you recognized your need to have Jesus give you the refuge that only He can provide?

The Response

Ruth is now completely vulnerable; she has put herself at the mercy of Boaz in asking for redemption and marriage

So how would Boaz respond?

Read Ruth 3:10-13.

Boaz is grateful that Ruth did not pursue a younger husband (he was considerably older)

He was likely worried about this when he began to be interested in Ruth as she was gleaning

He tells her to “fear not,” and that he will do all that she asks

There is just one problem: In Bethlehem there is a closer relative that would have the right of redemption first

If he refuses, Boaz promises to redeem Ruth

“As the Lord lives, I will redeem you” = solemn oath

But why was Boaz so quick to respond positively? Why is he so willing to redeem and marry a woman who is destitute and comes with the task of caring for an old lady?

“For all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman” (v. 11)

Everyone has heard about Ruth’s character; her loyalty to Naomi and trust in Yahweh (even as a forgeiner)

Marrying her would not hurt Boaz’s reputation and standing in Bethlehem

This reputation of selfless love and loyalty was what attracted Boaz to Ruth in the first place (Ruth 2:11-12)

It was inner beauty that shone through

As a worthy man, Boaz found someone who had displayed similar characteristics and priorities

Word for “worthy” in Ruth 2:1 to describe Boaz similar to “worthy” here in Ruth 3:11 to describe Ruth

“ha-yil” = power, strength, wealth, bravery

Deep irony of the weak, poor, destitute Ruth being truly strong and courageous. It is her character that counts

Character is True Beauty

Here is a fun connection: The Hebrew word Boaz uses to describe Ruth is also found in Proverbs 31:10, to describe an “excellent” wife

Read Proverbs 31:10-12.

As we have learned, “excellent” doesn’t do this idea justice; powerful, strong, wealthy, and brave in character

If you are someone still looking to marry, heed the wisdom of Boaz and Proverbs, and recognize that character is true beauty

When you are considering who could be a future wife or future husband, put “worthy” at the top of your list

Share a bit of what drew me to Karen during our 3 week tour to the East coast

Does this mean that physical attraction is unimportant? No!

But physical attraction grows as emotional attraction deepens

Refer back to Garry saying he loved Esther more than I did Karen; he finds her more beautiful now then when they got married

If “worthiness” is at the top of your list, make sure to return the favour!

Boaz recognized Ruth’s impecable character, because he possessed the same

This also ushers our conversation past the dating and engagement scene: We can ALL continue to live with good character, no matter how long we have been married

Not always easy; and you can’t control the character of your spouse; but remember that character is true beauty

Be strong, be selfless, be loyal in love

There is a faith component here as well: the source of the worthy character for both Boaz and Ruth was deep trust in Yahweh

Ruth committed to following Yawheh as part of her commitment to Naomi

Boaz is constantly calling upon the Lord and showing his true faith

If you want to find someone who is considered worthy and beautiful, and desire to be the same in return, find someone who loves and follows Jesus like you do

Cf. Proverbs 31:30.

Conclusion

In the book of Ruth, the romance is budding no longer

It has overflowed into designs for redemption and marriage between 2 worthy people

Just to remind us of his character, Boaz gives Ruth 6 measures of barley to bring home to Naomi.

There is one hurdle remaining: Will Boaz get the chance to redeem Ruth?

And what does this redemption teach us about Jesus?

Pray