Ruth 3:10-11
“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character," Ruth 3:10-11.
What a beautiful opening. Boaz prays. Even with the unexpected turn of events, he chooses to pray, "May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter”. What a good reminder that when things get tense; we should demonstrate deference to others and pray. If you’re uncertain as to what “tense” moment I’m referring to, turn back and read yesterday’s devotion and scripture. In our culture, we might think that it would have been scandalous for Ruth to lie down next to Boaz while he was sleeping and perhaps wondering why she’s a recipient of such favor and blessing?
Ruth has demonstrated something incredibly “hesed”. Hesed, pronounced KHEH-sed, when I looked into the meaning of this word, there was no single direct English translation. It encompasses an active love, a covenantal loyalty and faithfulness, a devoted love that goes far beyond what is required. You see, Ruth was not bound by levirate marriage, but chose to preserve the line of Elimelech, so that her mother-in-law Naomi would be cared for. Ruth is called a worthy woman. Worthy when she was left without a husband, worthy when her mother-in-law was left alone and bitter, worthy in a strange and foreign land, worthy while laboring in the fields, and worthy here on the dark threshing-room floor laying at the feet of the man she desired. The character of worthiness is as worthy in secret as when others are watching — and Ruth’s noble character reveals her inner beauty which seals the deal for Boaz. Ruth, a worthy woman is the perfect match for Boaz who was described as "a worthy man".
This is the sweet and momentous turning point where Ruth’s faithfulness is recognized and sets her into the blessed position in the genealogy of King David and Jesus Christ.
What a beautiful opening. Boaz prays. Even with the unexpected turn of events, he chooses to pray, "May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter”. What a good reminder that when things get tense; we should demonstrate deference to others and pray. If you’re uncertain as to what “tense” moment I’m referring to, turn back and read yesterday’s devotion and scripture. In our culture, we might think that it would have been scandalous for Ruth to lie down next to Boaz while he was sleeping and perhaps wondering why she’s a recipient of such favor and blessing?
Ruth has demonstrated something incredibly “hesed”. Hesed, pronounced KHEH-sed, when I looked into the meaning of this word, there was no single direct English translation. It encompasses an active love, a covenantal loyalty and faithfulness, a devoted love that goes far beyond what is required. You see, Ruth was not bound by levirate marriage, but chose to preserve the line of Elimelech, so that her mother-in-law Naomi would be cared for. Ruth is called a worthy woman. Worthy when she was left without a husband, worthy when her mother-in-law was left alone and bitter, worthy in a strange and foreign land, worthy while laboring in the fields, and worthy here on the dark threshing-room floor laying at the feet of the man she desired. The character of worthiness is as worthy in secret as when others are watching — and Ruth’s noble character reveals her inner beauty which seals the deal for Boaz. Ruth, a worthy woman is the perfect match for Boaz who was described as "a worthy man".
This is the sweet and momentous turning point where Ruth’s faithfulness is recognized and sets her into the blessed position in the genealogy of King David and Jesus Christ.
Posted in Devotional