Dear brothers & sisters,

This Sunday we will come to the most hotly debated and contested part of the book of Ruth – chapter 3.  Many moderns commentators think that the author of Ruth is trying to delicately cover up an immoral encounter between Ruth and Boaz, which is wrong seeing that one of the themes of Ruth is integrity and virtue (moral excellence, see: 11 for example).  For now, we can settle it in our hearts that Naomi’s plan is definitely not a prescription for us to follow with our daughters, regardless of a suitor’s character.  So what is this chapter about?

Chapter 3 is really the exercise of covenant faith on Ruth’s part and covenant faithfulness on the part of Boaz.  As we trace the covenant kindness of Boaz through the chapter, it is hard not to see glimpses of our Savior.  Naomi seeks “security” (:1, really “rest”) for Ruth in Boaz.  Rather than seeking her own will (:10), Ruth demonstrates her love for God yet again, submits wholeheartedly to His law, and asks Boaz to carry out the role of kinsman-redeemer according to Yahweh’s word.  “Take your maidservant under your wing…” (:9).  Boaz makes his commitment to carry out the task, “as the Lord lives!” (:10)

What can we learn?  Many things are buried in this chapter.  The beauty of laying hold of God’s word and promises, the trait of virtue, and our God’s demonstration of covenant faithfulness.  Also, the same lesson Christ taught us becomes crystal clear: “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matt 10:39)

Using the people in this book as His canvas, their dark providences and troubles, their character and victories, the Lord produce a masterpiece for the ages.

This Wednesday, prayer will be at the Burke home.

On Sunday, we will have the privilege of hearing the testimony and witnessing the baptism of Hudson Keith (it will be done over at the Brown’s pond).

For our Sunday afternoon teaching time, our brother Mike Davenport will be bringing teaching on one of the imprecatory psalms – Psalm 58.