Faithful GodExemplo

A Not-Necessarily Fairytale Love Story

The story of Ruth is a constant back-and-forth between pictures of faithfulness and “every man doing what is right in his own eyes.” Elimelek and Naomi stand in stark contrast to Ruth and Boaz. And while Elimelek’s role in the story is short-lived, Naomi carries on with a “whatever is expedient for us” approach to life.

Compared to Elimelek, who led his family away from the Promised Land (and by implication away from faithfulness to Yahweh), and Naomi, who takes on a “victim” mentality (and much worse in today’s passage), Ruth and Boaz stand out as examples of what could and should be.

Ruth has thus far worked tirelessly to prove her love and commitment to Naomi. Boaz has cut across norms to keep Ruth safe, and exemplifies a true and faithful Israelite.

After Boaz protects and provides for Ruth, Naomi sees an opportunity.

A rich man and a relative, Boaz presents a windfall for Naomi. So, she takes advantage of the moment and gives her daughter-in-law some instructions:

“Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (Ruth 3:3-5)

Growing up, I was taught that this portion of the story was an act of humility on Ruth’s part and that Naomi was acting generously on her behalf. But that is a bit romantic. Take a look again at the instruction that Naomi gives Ruth.

Ruth is being offered to Boaz. A seminary professor of mine said that “uncovering feet” was likely a euphemism.

Ruth and Boaz both act with integrity, and the scene sets up what we will get to tomorrow.

This scene in Ruth’s story exemplifies the dramatic contrast that exists between Ruth and Naomi and pictures the choice that Israelites face: do what seems right in your own eyes, or act in faithfulness to God.

We see both pictures in the story and are presented with our own choice: Will we be a man like Elimelek, or Boaz? Will we be like Ruth, or Naomi?

Whose way will we follow: God’s or our own?

Prayer: God, every day I face choices about how I will act and whose way I will follow. Give me the strength to live faithfully to Your calling in a world that tempts me to do what is expedient, even at others’ expense. Amen.

Reflection: What does Ruth’s submission to Naomi’s plan suggest to you? How have you seen God work through circumstances that are less than ideal?