When it comes to stories in the Bible about finding a spouse, two commonly cited examples are Isaac & Rebekah and Jacob & Rachel. And for good reason. With Isaac & Rebekah (a matchmaking example), I admire their submission -- a very difficult trait to have and to come by. And with Jacob & Rachel (a pursue-your-spouse-yourself example), I admire how Jacob was willing to wait and work so hard for Rachel.
However, in the end, my favorite love story is still Boaz & Ruth!
Although it may seem like Naomi was the matchmaker since she came up with "the plan", God was the one who gave them the opportunity to know each other and allowed them to be together. By the way, does anyone else feel that the passage in which Boaz meets with the nearer kinsman is on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspenseful? The ending is so satisfying and heart-warming! They are great as a couple because of their fantastic qualities as individuals:
Ruth had a difficult life but bravely faced her lot
I don't think Rachel or Rebekah had it that hard - perhaps because they were God's chosen people and therefore preserved within His grace. But not so with Ruth. Her husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law died, all the possible providers for their family. This left the rest in what seemed a dead-end.
I would probably have run home as fast as I could if Naomi had given me a way out like she did Ruth and Orpah. But Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law, instead of returning to her hometown and own people to seek comfort in the familiar. Ruth clung to her mother-in-law instead of focusing on fending for herself at a time when her own future looked bleak, and as a result, her life entered into blessing.
Ruth was a hard worker
She took up the additional responsibility of providing for another person - someone elderly who could not contribute to their livelihood - and did so in a place and culture foreign to her. She offered of her own accord to go gather grain (Naomi didn't tell her to go but agreed to it; Ruth 2:2). Ruth did not consider this physically demanding work beneath her. She worked so hard that her reputation naturally grew to reach their entire town (Ruth 3:11).
Boaz was a good guy, and humble!
It's pretty rare to find someone wealthy who is considerate toward those working under him and toward those less fortunate. He comes into the scene bearing blessings upon his lips and you can tell he has good relationships with his workers. He provides a safe and comfortable environment for Ruth. Not only does he treat Ruth kindly but he goes beyond as to even ask her not to go any other fields (Ruth 2:8) and told the men to purposely let grain fall for her (Ruth 2:16).
Boaz is upstanding in his actions, striving to be blameless in God's eyes
Although Ruth was a poor outsider, Boaz saw her virtues and acknowledged her for all she has done and sacrificed for her mother-in-law (again, he is ever blessing others; Ruth 2:11-12). When Ruth came to seek his help in the middle of the night, he did not take advantage of her vulnerability and protected her reputation (Ruth 3:14).
Although he was touched by her plea, he did not let emotion rule his actions. He did not forget the proper order that needed to be followed, and would give way to the nearer kinsman if he was willing to marry Ruth. He was willing to put his own will aside and leave the outcome up to God instead of forcing what he wanted. This shows the depth of his strength of character. Pretty swoon-worthy, right?
The most romantic statement is what Naomi said to Ruth that morning of the fateful decision (Ruth 3:18):
Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.
Wouldn't you love to have a guy like that? Someone you can rely on to carry out what he has said and who you know will do so in a way that is right in God's eyes.
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Admittedly, their story partially appeals to me because Boaz swoops in to redeem Ruth (and Naomi). At the same time, Ruth is not a incompetent damsel-in-distress -- she is the one that puts herself out there by going to Boaz, so in the modern sense, can you say she proposed? haha, awesome.
Their story is reminiscent of Superman & Lois Lane, who I've always had a soft spot for. Now I have heard enough - and even given some - media literacy classes to know the fallacies of fairytales as portrayed by media. However, I believe TJC fairytales are even better because they are real. Grounded on sacrifice and centered on God, who acts as the 3rd cord, any love story can reach a happy ending. But the EVER AFTER comes from God, who is better and greater than Superman or any love interest to be found in this world.
However, in the end, my favorite love story is still Boaz & Ruth!
Although it may seem like Naomi was the matchmaker since she came up with "the plan", God was the one who gave them the opportunity to know each other and allowed them to be together. By the way, does anyone else feel that the passage in which Boaz meets with the nearer kinsman is on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspenseful? The ending is so satisfying and heart-warming! They are great as a couple because of their fantastic qualities as individuals:
Ruth had a difficult life but bravely faced her lot
I don't think Rachel or Rebekah had it that hard - perhaps because they were God's chosen people and therefore preserved within His grace. But not so with Ruth. Her husband, brother-in-law and father-in-law died, all the possible providers for their family. This left the rest in what seemed a dead-end.
I would probably have run home as fast as I could if Naomi had given me a way out like she did Ruth and Orpah. But Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law, instead of returning to her hometown and own people to seek comfort in the familiar. Ruth clung to her mother-in-law instead of focusing on fending for herself at a time when her own future looked bleak, and as a result, her life entered into blessing.
Ruth was a hard worker
She took up the additional responsibility of providing for another person - someone elderly who could not contribute to their livelihood - and did so in a place and culture foreign to her. She offered of her own accord to go gather grain (Naomi didn't tell her to go but agreed to it; Ruth 2:2). Ruth did not consider this physically demanding work beneath her. She worked so hard that her reputation naturally grew to reach their entire town (Ruth 3:11).
Boaz was a good guy, and humble!
It's pretty rare to find someone wealthy who is considerate toward those working under him and toward those less fortunate. He comes into the scene bearing blessings upon his lips and you can tell he has good relationships with his workers. He provides a safe and comfortable environment for Ruth. Not only does he treat Ruth kindly but he goes beyond as to even ask her not to go any other fields (Ruth 2:8) and told the men to purposely let grain fall for her (Ruth 2:16).
Boaz is upstanding in his actions, striving to be blameless in God's eyes
Although Ruth was a poor outsider, Boaz saw her virtues and acknowledged her for all she has done and sacrificed for her mother-in-law (again, he is ever blessing others; Ruth 2:11-12). When Ruth came to seek his help in the middle of the night, he did not take advantage of her vulnerability and protected her reputation (Ruth 3:14).
Although he was touched by her plea, he did not let emotion rule his actions. He did not forget the proper order that needed to be followed, and would give way to the nearer kinsman if he was willing to marry Ruth. He was willing to put his own will aside and leave the outcome up to God instead of forcing what he wanted. This shows the depth of his strength of character. Pretty swoon-worthy, right?
The most romantic statement is what Naomi said to Ruth that morning of the fateful decision (Ruth 3:18):
Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.
Wouldn't you love to have a guy like that? Someone you can rely on to carry out what he has said and who you know will do so in a way that is right in God's eyes.
-----
Admittedly, their story partially appeals to me because Boaz swoops in to redeem Ruth (and Naomi). At the same time, Ruth is not a incompetent damsel-in-distress -- she is the one that puts herself out there by going to Boaz, so in the modern sense, can you say she proposed? haha, awesome.
Their story is reminiscent of Superman & Lois Lane, who I've always had a soft spot for. Now I have heard enough - and even given some - media literacy classes to know the fallacies of fairytales as portrayed by media. However, I believe TJC fairytales are even better because they are real. Grounded on sacrifice and centered on God, who acts as the 3rd cord, any love story can reach a happy ending. But the EVER AFTER comes from God, who is better and greater than Superman or any love interest to be found in this world.