Romancing Ruth

Bible Passage: Ruth 3

In this chapter we see Ruth and Boaz drawing close, and a story of romance. How do we read and apply the story? Certainly there are principles that can apply to our own romantic lives (although maybe not all the details), but there are also principles that we can and should apply to our relationship with God.

Rest and Relationship: At the start of chapter 3, the immediate crisis for Naomi and Ruth has been averted and they are back in the land and have food on the table, yet life is still hard for them and uncertain. Naomi wants more for Ruth, and in verse 1 she asks, ‘should I not seek rest for you?’. This rest is more than a mere nap, but something that can transcend the exhaustion of life. Naomi actively pursues this for Ruth, and she does so by looking to relationship. Rest is primarily found in relationship, and particularly in relationship with the redeemer. This is why Christ invites us to come to him for rest, and it is why the Sabbath was never designed as a day of nothingness but as a day of joy and worshipful rest in God’s presence.

Vulnerability: In seeking this relationship, Ruth ends up putting herself in a very vulnerable position. Though her actions in laying at the bottom of Boaz’s bed might seem shady (they aren’t), they do open up the possibilities of harm to her physically (if Boaz turns out not to be the man of integrity he appeared to be), economically (if Boaz rejects her and she no longer has access to glean in his fields) ands reputationally (if others find out she could be viewed as playing up to the stereotype of the ‘Moabite girl’). Ruth opens herself up and makes herself vulnerable. This is an act of faith, and faith is inherently risky. In Ruth pursuing a relationship with Boaz, just as in us pursuing a relationship with God, there is a need to open ourselves up and trust that the one pursued is the real deal and will do us good.

Intimacy and Integrity: The story is told in a suggestive way, where Ruth’s actions hint at a desire for physical intimacy with Boaz – but we also see that both are people of character and integrity. When Boaz finds Ruth there, he doesn’t take advantage of her, but rather asks what she wants and Ruth’s answer is covenant commitment. She wants Boaz to take her under his wing and be the answer to his own prayer in chapter 2. Boaz is taken aback by Ruth’s character – she could have gone after affairs with younger men, but she wanted to do things right and take care of Naomi. He too wanted to do things right. The desire for intimacy involves drawing close, and this is at the heart of the Christian life as God has invited us into covenant with himself, that we may draw near through Christ. As Ruth boldly sought the presence of Boaz, so let us boldly seek the presence of God.

Potential Applications:

• Whilst some of the specifics of this passage are culturally removed from our own experience, the principle of vulnerability is a big one. There is a call for each of us to open ourselves up to God and bring vulnerability and intimacy into our pursuit of him.
• This passage highlights the importance of rest, and this is found in Jesus. You can encourage people to lean into Christ and rest in him.
• Integrity is important in relationships. Perhaps the example of Ruth and Boaz here highlights areas where people might feel convicted about not showing the same kind of integrity. Invite people to bring those areas to Jesus in repentance and find his grace and forgiveness.