A New Bump in the Road

Scripture – Ruth 3:10-15: ¹⁰“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. ¹¹And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. ¹²Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. ¹³Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” ¹⁴So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” ¹⁵He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town.

Personal Comments:

This has been an interesting story. I have been thoroughly enjoying it. These three main characters – Ruth, Naomi and Boaz – are turning out to be very neat people. Here the Lord has finally brought Ruth and Boaz together in a personal way. There are no longer any pretensions. They both recognize their attraction to each other. Still, there is one more bump in the road to deal with. This other person has the right and responsibility to take care of Ruth – even to marry her. Being a man of honor, Boaz will take the matter to him. I wonder what will happen next.