Tags
ancient Israel, Boaz, kinsman redeemer, love, loyalty, marriage, Naomi, patience, redeemer, Ruth, ruth and boaz, trust, vocation
The book of Ruth can calm anxiety and provide reassurance and guidance for young single people by reminding them of God’s ultimate control and orchestration of even the smallest events. God shaped the circumstances just so, in order that Naomi would move away, that Ruth would join their family, that they would be mutually bereaved, and that they would return home — where, just by chance (really by the hand of the Lord) Ruth found kindness and security when she chanced upon the field of Boaz to glean. God’s providence is also seen in Boaz’s being available, willing, and qualified to serve as kinsman-redeemer, where another man, left nameless, was not. God knows the plans He has for us, and Ruth and Boaz’s story emphasizes that.
It also emphasizes for young singles the importance of one’s vocation, or calling in life — that it is given by God, and that faithfulness in one’s vocation brings blessings (sometimes unexpected.) Ruth is a loyal daughter-in-law, of a type not often seen, and her loyalty and hard work bring her into contact with Boaz. He is a landowner, an employer, and he deals fairly even with those whom he could easily despise, and even abuse, such as Ruth the Moabitess, the foreigner. He also instructs his men to treat her well and do the same. He displays mercy and protectiveness in line with God’s. He is also faithful in his position or office of redeemer — willing to help Naomi, Ruth, and Elimelech’s family, rather than thinking of himself.
Both Ruth and Boaz are doing what God gave them to do — serve others in their respective callings — and it’s while they are doing the work God has given them to do (serve Naomi, be a good employer and faithful member of the community), that they meet and marry. That’s one application for young singles: do the work God has already given you to do, and trust that He will lead someone across your path in His time, according to His will. God will bless you through the callings you already have.
