Ruth and Boaz - more than a quaint story

She was a young, childless widow, an immigrant with no property and no income. He was a respectable land owner in a small town. Their story has a touch of romance, but it's hardly the stuff of history. Why is it included in the Bible? What distinguished Ruth and Boaz from those around them, who lived and died, then rested forgotten within a couple of generations? Why does Ruth´s story appear among the Old Testament records of kings and battles?

After her husband´s death, Ruth could have chosen to stay in Moab with her family, as her sister-in-law Orpah did (Ruth 1:8-18). No-one would have criticised her for that. Israel was in a state of chaos, with no clear leadership. As a foreigner, with no means of supporting herself, she would hardly have expected a warm welcome there. Her mother-in-law, Naomi tried to persuade her to return to her own people.

But Naomi's faith had touched Ruth. Her own gods, the gods of Moab, were not like Naomi's God. She felt a bond with the older woman that had nothing to do with self-interest. Naomi had little to offer her, but Ruth decided to go to Bethlehem and trust God for his provision and protection.

No-one would have protested if Boaz had looked after his own interests, as his near kinsman did, rather than caring for Ruth. But Boaz took God's word seriously. He accepted his responsibility towards Ruth, no matter how inconvenient it might be to him. He treated her with the kindness and generosity which Jesus described when he spoke of going the second mile (Matt 5:38-42).

Sometimes God calls on people as leaders, to do mighty deeds. Moses led the Hebrew people out of Egypt. David killed Goliath and enlarged the kingdom of Israel into a powerful nation. Paul travelled immense distances to preach the gospel to the gentiles.

But God also involves himself in the lives of ordinary people, working through their losses and hardships to bring them lasting joy. He uses those willing to be obedient in small things, to bring about results which they themselves could never have imagined. We are not told what became of Orpah and the kinsman who chose not to get involved. But Ruth and Boaz became the ancestors of both King David and Jesus. Their story is recorded for all to read and ponder.

(This article is modified from one which originally appeared in the St Alban's church bulletin and on my previous website, One Candle. Image Neil Palmer (CIAT), Threshing, near Sangrur, SE Punjab, India. November 2011)