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Text: Ruth 3:8-13
Ruth has served Naomi up to this point. Her contribution to Naomi’s life has been one of service. But now, her contribution is going to be her entire identity. It’s like the contribution of the pig to breakfast is greater than the contribution of the chicken.
A new and fruitful life (vss 8-10)
- Ruth has subjected herself to Boaz in order to raise up children for Naomi’s inheritance.
- Verse 9 shows Ruth’s willingness to give of herself to raise up children for Naomi and the future. A spread skirt is a marriage proposal as in Ezekiel 16:8.
- In verse 10 Boaz notes this act of kindness is even greater than what Ruth has already done for Naomi. Boaz is not like most men. His candid reaction is NOT to push away responsibility that might inconvenience his life; it’s to honor Ruth’s self-sacrifice.
- Boaz notes Ruth is not a flirt, she’s not a gold digger, and she is a virtuous woman.
- Jesus said, He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it (Matthew 10:37-39).
- If Ruth had loved her family more than the God of Israel, she would’ve gone back like Orpah and never would’ve been able to participate in the new life she found. Never would’ve been remembered by the Lord as she was.
- Paul puts it this way in Philippians 2:5-9.
A promise that gave me peace of mind (vss 11-13)
- Ruth finds promises at the kinsman’s feet.
- Boaz says I will do to thee all that thou requirest.
- The faith of the redeemed hears the kinsman say I will and responds with I believe.
- Salvation as a helmet – Isaiah 59:17, Ephesians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:8
- Protects from unnecessary fears
- Protects from hopeless thoughts
An instruction that my attempt to make a better life were no longer needed (vs 13)
- Tarry this night – lie down until morning
- Philippians 3:7-11
