The story of Ruth may be the most romantic in the Bible. Ruth was a widow and moved to Israel with her mother-in-law Naomi, also a widow. Ruth did all she could to take care of Naomi. She was selfless.
Soon Ruth meets Boaz, a wealthy farmer, and he takes care of her and Naomi. The writer points out that Boaz was a man of great integrity: “He was a prominent man of noble character.” Ruth 2:1.
When Boaz realizes that Ruth has been taking care of Naomi, he knows that by custom he is a kinsman-redeemer. That is, he is one of the men in line to marry Ruth and thus redeem the family.
Naomi knows that too, and advises Ruth about how to approach Boaz. Boaz understands what is being suggested, and is flattered. He also realizes what high character Ruth must possess:
“May the Lord bless you, because you have not pursued younger men, whether rich or poor. I will do whatever you say, since everyone in town knows that you are a woman of noble character.” Ruth 3:11.
Noble character? Where have we seen that phrase before? Oh yeah—that was the way Boaz was described.
But there was one man in line ahead of Boaz. Suddenly we are in suspense—what if the other man wants to marry Ruth? But the other man says no, and Boaz agrees to marry Ruth. Now a man of noble character has found a wife of noble character. They marry and have a son—and God has something great planned for these two selfless people. They become the great-grandparents of King David, and ancestors of the Messiah.
Romance is never about FINDING the right person, but BEING the right person.
Don’t pursue romance—pursue noble character. If you want to be a half-way Christian, never quite unselfish or mature, don’t be surprised if God brings you an equally mediocre spouse. But if you learn to be a selfless servant, a hard-worker, and devoted Christ-follower, God will provide someone equally great to marry you.
ΑΩ
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