Life is sometimes filled with rude awakenings. Some are pleasant and some are unpleasant. Adam woke up and discovered that God had created a wife for him. Jacob woke up and discovered that he had married the wrong wife! Boaz awoke at midnight and discovered a woman sleeping at his feet. Boaz responded to Ruth in three ways. When you become a Christian these are the responses you can expect from the Lord.

1. He accepts you

Ruth is a picture of every unbeliever. She was a despised Moabite who had no claim to the covenants and promises that God had given Israel. See Ephesians 2:11-12. The phrase “under whose wings” does not refer to the wings of a mother hen. It refers to the wings of the cherubim in the tabernacle. See Psalm 61:4. They were in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. The wings of the cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat. When Ruth put her faith in the living God she entered the Holy of Holies and was accepted by the God of Israel. If Boaz put the corner of his cloak over Ruth it would be his way of saying, “I accept you”. The skirt represented the wings. Boaz not only accepted Ruth but he also blessed her. When you trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour, He accepts you and blesses you. You are no longer a stranger, living without hope and without God. Ruth simply said, “I am Ruth”. She had put her past behind and forgotten it.

2. He assures you

Boaz not only accepted Ruth, but he assured her. (“And now my daughter, fear not” Ruth 3:11). Just as Boaz assured Ruth, so Christ assures you. Boaz also assured Ruth that he would keep his promises and meet her needs. (vs. 11). We have the promises of God’s Word.

Ruth could not solve her problem, nor could Naomi. Boaz was the only one who could solve it. Sometimes God brings people into our lives to help us. But there are some problems only He can solve.

Boaz told Ruth, “Don’t go back to Naomi empty-handed” (vs. 17). Naomi was bitter because her hands were empty. However, the significance of this action was that Boaz was giving Ruth a down payment on all of the wealth she would inherit.

3. He assists you

In Ruth 2, Ruth was working for Naomi. But now the situation has changed – Boaz starts to work on Ruth’s behalf. Even so the Lord Jesus finishes whatever he starts. See Philippians 1:6. He is preparing a home for us in heaven. Boaz faithfully kept his word to Ruth. The next day he began the proceedings to redeem the property and to redeem Ruth. See Psalm 46:10.

Categories: Ruth