Introduction

I had two goals in high school. Goal one was to graduate and goal two was to marry Doug. When you were engaged did you ever practice writing what your name would be?

Reading and Assignment

Ruth 3: 1-5, SOAP Ruth 3: 3-4

Scripture

Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.

And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do” (Ruth 3: 3-4, KJV).

Observation

Naomi instructs Ruth. Ruth does what Naomi instructed. Ruth is asking Boaz to marry her.

Application

Following God and doing God’s will is a challenge, what is God asking you to do? How do you know you are in God’s will? How do you show that you trust God? Have you experienced a time when you had to step out in faith?

Prayer

Father God, thank You for the story of Ruth. Thank You that in obedience she follows Naomi’s suggestions. Thank you that You have a plan for each one of us. Just as You planned a life for Ruth, You give us life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you that He came to give us life and that life is eternal. All we have to do is believe. Ruth believed in You and she trusted Naomi and what Naomi said. Help each of us to respond to good advice. Help each of us to seek Godly advice. Help each of us trust you with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Conclusion

In reading the commentaries, Boaz was older than Ruth so he according to culture would not ask her to marry him as there was another kinsman that could ask her. However, Ruth essentially by laying at his feet, asks him to marry her.

I remember when Doug asked me to marry him. I was so young and idealistic. I was engaged in my senior year so during my daydreaming moments I would dream of what life would be like. I practiced writing my name as nothing else mattered. I found my wedding dress in January before my July wedding. Ruth prepares herself to be the best she can be and then she trusts God presenting herself to her kinsman redeemer Boaz.

I love a good love story, don’t you?

Is Jesus your Kinsman Redeemer? What are you trusting God for today?

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:4, KJV).