Opening:

Today, we're diving into Ruth chapter 3, but first, let's quickly refresh ourselves on the journey so far. Our journey through the book of Ruth began with Naomi, a woman who once felt utterly forsaken. She had known the fullness of family, cherished a life blessed by God, and experienced the richness of joy. Yet, in a series of devastating losses, all of it was stripped away. Her husband was taken, her sons were taken, and her future felt as if it had vanished before her eyes. Naomi returned to Bethlehem not just as a widow but feeling utterly emptied. She was so broken that she chose to renameherself "Mara," meaning "bitter." She cried, "I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty" (Ruth 1:21, ESV). Can you feel the weight of her words? Naomi believed her story had come to a bitter end, that God had written her final chapter in grief and sorrow. But God had other plans.

Then, as Ruth 2 unfolded, a glimmer of light emerged. In the ashes of Naomi's despair, a spark of hope was rekindled.She witnessed the kindness of Boaz—the way he went out of his way to protect Ruth, a foreigner gleaning in his fields. And through Boaz's compassion, Naomi began to see a hint of God's hand still at work. Could it be? Could God still be present, even in her grief? Could He have a purpose beyond her pain? This renewed hope compelled Naomi to act with boldness and vision, to step forward in faith and craft a plan.

Now, as we look into Ruth chapter 3, Naomi's heart has shifted from bitterness to a rekindled hope, and she hatches a plan for Ruth to present herself to Boaz, hoping that he would become her family's redeemer.

Scripture Reading:

Ruth 3:1-18 ESV

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your unfailing love and grace. As we reflect on the story of Naomi and Ruth, we are reminded of Your hand at work in even the most painful moments of life. Lord, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to see the beauty of Your redemptive plan. Just as You rekindled hope in Naomi's life and guided Ruth in faith, we ask that You stir our hearts to trust in Your providence. Help us to see that You are always working for our good, even when the way forward seems unclear. May we, like Ruth, walk in obedience and humility, trusting in the redeeming love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Be present with us now as we study Your Word, and may Your Spirit lead us into deeper understanding and faith. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

Naomi's Plan: Rekindling Hope (Ruth 3:1-7)

Our account this morning begins with Naomi turning to Ruth, saying, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?" (Ruth 3:1, ESV). Imagine it: a woman who thought her story was over, now daring to hope again—not just for herself but for her beloved Ruth. Naomi's heart of faith reaches out, not in wishful thinking, but in a powerful conviction that God is moving. This is the kind of hope that springs from faith, the kind that believes God is still present, still faithful, even when we can barely see it.

Naomi instructs Ruth to "wash . . . anoint yourself . . . and put on your cloak" (Ruth 3:3, ESV). These actions might seem ordinary, but they carry deep cultural meaning. Much like David, who rose from fasting and anointed himself after the loss of his child, Ruth's preparation marks the end of her mourning (2 Sam. 12:20). She is setting aside the garments of her past sorrows and preparing herself as a potential bride. It is a symbolic gesture that signals she is ready to step into the future God may have for her.

And Naomi knows the importance of timing. She instructs Ruth to wait until Boaz has finished eating and drinking, his heart full and at peace after the harvest (Ruth 3:7, ESV). This isn't manipulation; it's wisdom. Scripture tells us of the beauty of a heart satisfied in God's blessings, as in Psalm 4:7, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound." Boaz, at that moment of satisfaction, would be in the perfect frame of mind to consider his own future and the potential future that could include Ruth.

Naomi tells Ruth to "uncover his feet and lie down" (Ruth 3:4, ESV)—an act that might seem strange to us, but in ancient Hebrew tradition, it was a humble request for protection. Ruth's act is a silent yet powerful proposal, asking Boaz to fulfill his role as kinsman-redeemer, to cover her with his care and protection. It is a beautiful picture of our own need for God's covering—a reminder that we, too, can approach Him with our needs and vulnerabilities, trusting in His faithfulness.

Some modern commentators have suggested that "uncovering his feet" hints at something suggestive, but there is no evidence for this in the text. Instead, the term "feet" (literally, margelot, meaning "place of his feet") signifies a place of honor and respect, not impropriety. This is not a euphemism. Ruth's purity and Boaz's integrity are clear, bearing witness to the holiness of their intentions. I personally find this interpretation to be especially egregious because, to suggest that Ruth and Boaz did anything untoward would not only undermine their character but also undermine the entire point of the book of Ruth. 

Ruth listened to Naomi's instructions and answers, "All that you say I will do" (Ruth 3:5, ESV). Think of the faith this requires! Ruth, a Moabite and an impoverished widow, goes to the threshing floor and waits at Boaz's feet. What if Boaz misunderstood her motivations? What if he rejected her or publicly shamed her for insinuating that a man of his reputation and status would ever consider taking a poor, foreign widow like Ruth as a bride? After all, she had nothing to offer Boaz but her love. What if Boaz took offense and told her not to return again to his fields, thus cutting her off from her source of living and the only kindness she has ever known in this land? All of these were possible, and yet she moves forward, believing that Boaz, a man of integrity, will respond with honor and grace. Her humility and obedience exemplify the courage God calls us to a courage that says, "I trust You, Lord," even when the path is unclear.

Here we find a hope that is active, a hope that reaches out in faith. Naomi and Ruth don't sit idly, waiting for their circumstances to change; they step forward, trusting God to work in ways they cannot fully understand. This is the kind of hope that moves mountains, the hope that believes God is present, even in the shadows. It's a hope that is daring enough to dream of a future where bitterness is transformed into blessing.

And what about us? How often do we feel paralyzed by grief, our hearts weighed down by bitterness or disappointment? Maybe you've experienced the kind of pain Naomi endured—the loss of loved ones, the sense that God's favor has left you. But Naomi and Ruth's story reminds us that even when our hearts feel empty, God is at work. Isaiah 61:3 tells us that God will "grant to those who mourn in Zion . . . a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit." God's plans for us go beyond our present pain.

Naomi and Ruth show us a hope that is not passive but deeply rooted in faith. They do not sit on the sidelines waiting for life to change; they act courageously, trusting that God is still leading them. This is the kind of hope that takes us from despair to purpose, the kind that believes God is writing a story of redemption even in our darkest hours.

Boaz's Response: Love and Integrity (Ruth 3:8-14)

In verse eight, we find Boaz sleeping soundly after a long day on the threshing floor, waking to find Ruth lying at his feet. Startled, he's immediately faced with a situation that could be easily misunderstood. But Boaz recognizes Ruth, and as a result, he recognizes the purity of her actions and her devotion to her family, and he speaks words that reveal his respect for her character: "May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich" (Ruth 3:10, ESV).

We can conclude from Boaz' words that Ruth was an attractive young woman. Boaz believes that could have gone after a younger, more attractive, and possibly even a wealthier man as a  redeemer, but instead she approaches Boaz, an older man, but a man with a deep sense of godly character because she valued his integrity and kindness above all. 

Notice that Boaz's praise of Ruth's "kindness" uses the Hebrew word hesed, which again is not the word for everyday kindness but speaks to covenant love, loyalty, and selflessness. Ruth's heart was not just committed to meeting her own needs or desires; it was committed to doing right by Naomi, to honoring God's law, and to selfless love and loyalty.

And Boaz's admiration for her runs even deeper. He reassures her, saying, "Do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman" (Ruth 3:11, ESV). Boaz sees Ruth not through the lens of social status, nationality, or wealth but as a woman of virtue and strength. By calling her a "worthy woman," he uses a term that echoes Proverbs 31, where the noble woman is described as "more precious than jewels" (Proverbs 31:10, ESV). Boaz sees Ruth for who she is, a woman of godly character, even though she is a foreigner and a widow. And he chooses to honor her in this quiet, private moment.

But there's even more to this exchange. Ruth's request that Boaz "spread the corner of [his] garment over [her]" is rich in meaning. In Hebrew, the word for "garment" is the same as "wings." Ruth asks Boaz not only to marry her but also to take her under his protection. This is a callback to something Boaz said in their first encounter. It's as if she's asking Boaz to be the human expression of the refuge she has already sought under the wings of God. Remember, Boaz himself had blessed her earlier, saying, "The LORD repay you . . . under whose wings you have come to take refuge" (Ruth 2:12, ESV).

Note that Boaz, who could have easily taken advantage of this moment, does something powerful and beautiful. Here they are, alone on the threshing floor in the middle of the night, with no one else in sight. Ruth was in a desperate position ofneed, and Boaz held all the power here.  Boaz not only agreed to Ruth's request but also ensured that their actions remained honorable. He says, "Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor" (Ruth 3:14, ESV). He protects her reputation. This is a love that goes beyond fleeting attraction; it's a love that respects, safeguards, and honors.

Their restraint teaches us something vital. In a world that often chases after instant gratification, Ruth and Boaz remind us that true love values patience and purity. They remind us that love is more than passion; it's wisdom, it's respect, it's self-control. 

Love like this isn't rooted in self-interest or emotion alone; it's rooted in godly character. Song of Solomon tells us, "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it" (Song of Solomon 8:7, ESV). This is the kind of love that Ruth and Boaz demonstrate, a love that is unquenchable because it is not founded just on physical attraction but on godly commitment and character.

What Ruth and Boaz teach us is that in relationships, sexual integrity, and wisdom are not limitations; they are foundations. By choosing purity, they lay the groundwork for a relationship that will bless not only them but future generations. They choose to let their love grow under God's guidance rather than rushing into an impulsive decision. Their restraint and integrity become the bedrock of a marriage that will one day be part of the very lineage of Jesus Christ. They demonstrate a love that transcends their own story and plays a role in God's plan for redemption.

Boaz's Provision for Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 3:15-17)

As Ruth prepares to leave, Boaz's actions speak volumes. Rather than send her off with only kind words, he gives her six measures of barley, a gift both abundant and symbolic. "Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed," he tells her (Ruth 3:17, ESV). This gift not only meets their immediate needs but also serves as a tangible pledge of Boaz's commitment to redeem them fully. Just as Boaz ensures Ruth will not return empty, God promises to provide abundantly for His people. Jesus taught us to trust in the Father's provision, saying, "Look at the birds of the air... your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26, ESV). Boaz's gift reflects the heart of God, who "will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19, ESV).

Boaz's generosity foreshadows Christ, our ultimate redeemer, who not only provides for our daily needs but redeems us fully. Just as the barley served as a pledge, the Holy Spirit is our pledge of God's unbreakable promise, sealing us for salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV). Through Boaz's care for Ruth, we glimpse Christ's love—a love that does not leave us empty but fills us with His Spirit, His righteousness, and His peace.

Now imagine Naomi's response when Ruth returns, not only with the generous gift of barley but also with Boaz's promise to act on their behalf. This woman who had once renamed herself "bitter" now has a reason for hope. There was just one problem.  Although he was willing to redeem Ruth, Boaz recognized that, by law, a closer kinsman-redeemer held the first right to do so. Respecting both God's law and Ruth's honor, Boaz pledged to settle the matter with this nearer relative swiftly and transparently. His promise demonstrated a deep commitment to doing things the right way, ensuring Ruth's redemption with full integrity. Resolving the claim of this nearer redeemer was now the only remaining obstacle between Ruth and Boaz's union.

I'm sure the wait was agonizing, but seeing this, Naomi's once-heavy heart lifted with hope. She told Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today" (Ruth 3:18, ESV). Her despair began to transform, replaced by trust in Boaz's integrity and God's provision. While waiting for good things can be daunging, I am reminded of the prophet Isaiah's word which reminds us that, "they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31, ESV). Like Naomi, we are invited to release our bitterness and wait with confident hope, trusting that God will act faithfully on our behalf.

Let us learn from Ruth and Boaz, from Naomi's transformation, and from the foreshadowing of our own redeemer. May we approach Christ confidently, trusting that He will fill our empty hands and hearts, meet every need, and never leave us. As we wait for His promises to unfold, let us rest in His faithfulness, knowing that His provision, like Boaz's, is already on its way.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the story of Ruth and Boaz calls each of us to seek refuge under the wings of our redeemer. Just as Ruth placed her trust in Boaz, we are invited—called—to place our trust in Jesus. Consider the depths of Ruth's vulnerability and her willingness to trust. She risked everything, approaching Boaz as her redeemer, trusting that he would respond with compassion and faithfulness. In the same way, Jesus stands ready to embrace us and redeem us fully if we come to Him. Are we not called to that same act of trust? Whatever burdens we carry—guilt that weighs heavy, shame that lingers, grief that overwhelms—Jesus is our refuge, the One who offers shelter from every storm.

Jesus Himself calls to us, saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Do you hear that? He will give us rest. Just as Boaz did not leave Ruth empty, Christ will not leave us empty. He fills our lives with His Spirit, bestowing hope and a secure future, something only He can provide. His redemption is not partial or temporary; it is complete, His love unchanging, and His promises everlasting.

The question is, will we take refuge under the wings of Christ, our Redeemer? Just as Ruth found hope, protection, and a future under Boaz's care, we are invited to find peace and purpose in Jesus' embrace. Let us trust in Him—not as a fleeting thought, but with the full weight of our lives—for He is faithful, compassionate, and ever-present. Scripture assures us, "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul" (Hebrews 6:19, ESV). Christ is our unshakable anchor, holding us steady through every trial.

In the story of Ruth and Boaz, we glimpse a love that redeems, a hope that sustains, and a faith that anchors us firmly in God's promises. So let us take refuge in Christ, our ultimate redeemer. May His love transform every part of our lives, filling our emptiness, quieting our fears, and leading us into a future secure in His hands. Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious God, we thank You for the rich truths revealed in the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Through this, we have seen a glimpse of Your incredible love for us and the faithfulness of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Lord, we are reminded that just as Boaz did not rest until Ruth's redemption was secured, Christ will not rest until His redemptive work in us is complete. We rejoice in the assurance that we are held securely in Your hands, that our inheritance in Christ is sure, and that You are faithful to the end. Help us to walk in faith and humility, living lives that reflect the grace and love You have so freely given. May we be a people who trust in Your promises and rest in Your provision, knowing that we belong to You forever. We give You all the honor, glory, and praise. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.