Life Lessons from the Book of RUTH

Ruth 3:15

Also he said, Bring the veil that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

Her “veil” (KJV) would have been a shawl, about four feet by six feet in size, made of linen. Boaz poured about 75 pounds of barley into it as she held it, and then tied it up and put it on her shoulder. It was a token or pledge of her love and favor to her and to Naomi. He had nothing else at hand to give her, and it was a welcome gift.

Ruth 3:16-17

And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. And she said, These six measures of barley gave he to me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law.

“Who art thou” – exactly the same words that Boaz had asked. Naomi has been anxiously waiting and probably praying. She wants to know how things had gone: “Are you Ruth the widow? Or are you Ruth the bride-to-be?”

It is true today. It is more important who we are than what we have of the world’s fame or goods. We cannot compare our relationship with Christ vs our physical or material circumstances.

Ruth 3:18

Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

Sit still. There is nothing more you can do. Don’t worry: it is out of your hands. There is a time to act and a time to wait and let God and others do their part. Why is it so hard for us to sit still and let God work things out?!

Naomi knew enough about a man’s nature – and Boaz in particular – to know that he wouldn’t sit on the fence. He would be anxious to settle the matter. Boaz was a prompt, diligent, faithful person.

It is possible that Boaz had previously been attracted to her, but dared not dream that Ruth would be interested in someone as old as he. His kindness to her had produced unexpected dividends. Now he wonders, “Will she be my bride or not?” Either way, it was going to be a short engagement.

Dear God, Who am I, God? When it’s all stripped away, will I be a person after Your heart? Will others – will I? – see me as someone who follows You, someone who is kind, loving, compassionate? Am I a person who resembles You? Make me like You, Jesus. May I always be recognizable as “having been with Jesus.” Amen.