In this chapter, Naomi guides Ruth in planning for her future. The chapter begins, “One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his workers. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. Now do as I tell you -- take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished his meal. Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” (Ruth 3:1-4)
Ruth did as Naomi instructed. “After Boaz had finished his meal and was in good spirits, he lay down beside the heap of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight, Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he demanded. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing more family loyalty now than ever by not running after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are an honorable woman. But there is one problem. While it is true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, then let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will marry you! Now lie down here until morning.” (Ruth 3:7-13)
Ruth laid at Boaz’s feet until morning, but got up before light so no one would recognize her. Boaz gave her six scoops of barley before she left for home, and the chapter ends with Ruth telling Naomi everything that happened.
Side note: Ruth is about to marry Boaz! Would this be happening if Naomi’s husband had not died? Would this be happening if Ruth’s husband had not died? Is this “suffering” working together for good? Would Naomi and Ruth have returned to Bethlehem if the Lord had not blessed the people with good crops again? Has the Lord orchestrated all of this? It was 10 years after Naomi’s husband died that her son died (Ruth’s husband). Has God been working on this plan for 10 years, 20 years, or from Ruth and Boaz’s conception? Wow...God said to Jeremiah, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Oh my God! You are amazing! What assignment have you given to each of us...that you have set aside for us??? How are you using Boaz and Ruth?
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to be completely open to you and walk in the assignment you have given us. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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