My daughter texted me this week as she arrived at her Book Club. “We are sick of love stories where people know they are in love 3 seconds into the relationship” Yes, of course they are. Because life is not a Harlequin romance or a Hallmark Channel Love story. Why spend another minute of your life on drivel designed not to uplift our thoughts but rather to let us stay in that smushed zone, where our emotions are slip sliding all over the newly waxed floor of life! Ok, enough of that.
Go read the 3rd chapter of Ruth – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+3&version=NIV Ok, now that you’ve read it – let’s talk. If you’ve read my previous two blogs about Ruth on this platform, you may have an idea what I notice in this third chapter. Remember – Naomi is the main character and Ruth is the hero of the story. I think that is key. Before I began to study this book I was of the opinion that Boaz was the hero – surely our Jewish scholars think that since they think the book’s purpose is to describe ‘good deeds’ or Mitzvah. But I don’t think that’s the point at all. As we enter the third chapter, Naomi has reentered her narrative arc, after deep and painful loss and grief (husband, two sons both dead, following a famine, and becoming refugees!). Naomi has offered encouragement and support to her daughter in law Ruth, and coached her in Jewish law and practice. She has seen that Boaz is a good man (offering advice to Ruth, as well as extra grain in her gleaning) and the idea that has come to her is this – Boaz could be their go-el (redeemer) who could redeem Elimilech (Naomi’s dead husband) who lost the family land as they left for Moab. She has a new purpose – help things move in the direction they are going!
This is a good time for a pause. I have read this chapter before, and walked away feeling that Naomi is using Ruth. That she is taking advantage of the good nature of Boaz, the willingness to serve her mother in law of Ruth, in her own interest. Almost like a daughter being encouraged to prostitute herself in order to support the family. You have heard the stories about families in Thailand where such a thing happens. And here’s my takeaway – I really have no right to condemn this behavior without more information because cultures are different, and I should breathe, get more information, and pray before my self righteousness takes hold. So, if you are feeling those things as you read the Ruth story, you’re not alone. But just for a moment – imagine you have time to hear more, to imagine a more fleshed out story.
Back from our pause – Ruth goes to the threshing floor as Naomi has instructed, and sleeps at the feet of Boaz (remember I think he is an older man, probably a widower, with some standing in the community). Boaz awakens to the sight of Ruth. Startled, Ruth tells him, I am Ruth. You are a guardian redeemer for my family. No subterfuge, no dissembling. Ruth is clear. I know you can help my family if you want to. She speaks to Boaz’s strength to Boaz’s opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people he has shown pity to. Well, that will preach my friends.
Ruth, the hero of this story reminds Boaz of his opportunity to change the world (or at least a little piece of it). What better description of the purpose of ministry in our world today, as followers of Christ? We are to encourage others to serve God, (to be Ruth) and to be Boaz as well, as we take the opportunity to change the world, one action at a time.
Let’s get to work friends. (see you next week for Chapter 4) = Pastor Patricia+