As we continue exploring the inspiring story of Ruth, this week we will witness her taking her third, potentially most courageous step. This step is uniquely different from the first two in Ruth’s journey as it was not her initiative, but instead was the recommendation of her mother-in-law.

Additionally, this step required an action that Ruth had never taken before, one that required total trust, trust in Naomi’s plan, and trust in her wisdom. This step also required Ruth to trust that the action step she agreed to take would not result in personal rejection, shame, and failure.

Naomi’s Plan

“…Naomi said to Ruth it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. [As you know] Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight, he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor.

[So, here’s what I propose]—take a bath…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 eating and drinking. 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.

[And Ruth replied,] “I will do everything you say” (Ruth 3:1-5 NLT).

Ruth’s Agreement

If you are wondering exactly what Ruth agreed to, the answer is she agreed to everything Naomi said. To be honest, if I were Ruth, I’m certain I would have requested a good deal more information before I signed up for this particular mission. But Ruth gave no indication that she was hesitant. Instead, she said, in no uncertain terms, “You can count on me, Naomi. I will follow through with your plan.”

The fact is, Ruth’s agreement to Naomi’s plan was only in accordance with the original vow she had already made to her before they left Moab. And this would include not only following Naomi to a new country, adapting to her culture, accepting her people, and worshiping her God, but also trusting her instructions and following her plan.

If potentially Naomi’s plan seems a bit foreign, presumptuous and potentially scandalous to you as it does to me, that’s because in today’s world it would be. However, in Naomi’s world, this was not only an acceptable practice, it was also a wise and prudent plan.

You see, Boaz was in fact a family redeemer to Naomi and Ruth. Because of this he had a responsibility to act in accordance with his role. And if he chose to do so, Ruth would be well cared for, Naomi’s family line would continue to prosper, and future generations would be blessed!

The Threshing Floor

So, Ruth went down to the threshing floor that [same] night [in accordance with Naomi’s instructions]. After Boaz had finished eating…drinking and was in good spirits he lay down…and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down [and she waited].

Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over…surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! [And he asked], “Who are you?” [And Ruth replied] “I am your servant Ruth… Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” (Ruth 3:7-9 NLT)

Ruth’s request for a corner of Boaz’s blanket was obviously not about a need for physical warmth. Instead, she was communicating that she desired for him to care for and cover her as her husband.

Both Ruth’s presence at the threshing floor as well as her bold request made her intentions blatantly clear leaving little room for Boaz to wonder why she was there, and what she was requesting. Obviously, Ruth’s courageous step had the potential of going one of two ways: favorably or disastrously. This is why I can only imagine how overwhelmingly relieved Ruth was when Boaz responded saying,

“The Lord bless you, [Ruth]!…You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don’t worry about a thing…. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:10-11).

A Potential Hurdle

Boaz’ response was more than Ruth would have ever hoped for. However, there was still one potential hurdle, which Boaz was clear in explaining.

“[Ruth] while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. [So], stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself, Now lie down here until morning” (Ruth 3:12 & 13).

The Next Morning

Ruth arose early following Boaz’ instruction to leave while it was still dark so she would not be recognized. This was not only to shield Ruth, but also to conceal Boaz’ plan until he had the chance to talk with Ruth’s closer family redeemer. Before Ruth left, Boaz, in an act of kindness and care, filled her cloak with barley to bring home to Naomi. Then Ruth went home to Naomi reporting everything that happened that evening. And Naomi assured Ruth saying,

[Ruth] “Just be patient…until we hear what happens. [I am confident Boaz] won’t rest until he has settled things today”, (Ruth 3:18 NLT).

This concludes Ruth’s third courageous step. But once again, we must consider…

What Can We Learn From This?

First, we learn that, like Ruth, sometimes we are called to trust in the plans of the Naomis in our lives who love us and have our best interests in mind.

Next, we learn that God empowers us to keep the vows we make in His Name, such as the ones Ruth made to Naomi in Moab before journeying to Bethlehem.

Further we learn that God blesses our commitment to obey and respect those he has placed in authority over us, as witnessed in Ruth’s committed response to Naomi’s plan.

And finally, we learn not to fear when potential hurdles arrive as we pursue God’s plan for our lives. Instead, we are called to wait in hope and total trust.

Watch for next week’s post as we witness the amazing conclusion of Ruth’s progressive, faith-filled steps.

Pray

Father God, thank you for the message of hope and redemption in Ruth’s story. Thank you for reminding me that courageous steps are often required to realize the fulfillment of your sovereign plan for my life. Help me to be patient and trusting during the seasons and times I am required to wait. Thank you for being consistently faithful and always good. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 

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Community Question of the Week

Can you recall a specific time in your life when, like Ruth, you were called to wait on a specific decision that had that the potential of greatly impacting your life??

Encourage others with your response HERE!