Sunday: Naomi’s Instruction About Boaz: Ruth 3:1-5
Love culminating in a desire for the highest good in the person loved, even to the point of self-sacrifice, is illustrated in Naomi. Naomi instructed Ruth to lie down at the feet of Boaz. It was done discreetly and without sexual connotations. Ruth went there and by her action conveyed to Boaz her desire for him to marry her as her deceased husband’s next of kin.
Monday: Ruth’s Kinsman-Redeemer: Ruth 3:6-9
When Ruth asked Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her, she was asking him to take her for his wife. The covering symbolized protection, care, and support. (Ezekiel 16:8)
Tuesday: Boaz’ s Response to Ruth: Ruth 3:10-18
She was already under the Lord’s wings, but she requested to be under the wing of Boaz. He was only too happy to comply! Up to that point, Ruth was doing all the work, but then Boaz went to work for Ruth. It was time for Ruth to rest and wait, trusting her kinsman-redeemer. Ruth is a good example for us to follow when we have needs to be met. She listened to instructions, obeyed, believed what her redeemer said, received his gifts, and waited in patience for him to do the rest. When you are at the feet of your redeemer, you have nothing to fear.
Wednesday: Kinsman-Redeemer Agreement: Ruth 4:1-12
Boaz became a redeemer in two ways. First, he married Ruth and preserved the name of Elimelech, Naomi’s deceased husband. Second, Boaz redeemed the family land that Naomi had sold and restored it to Elimelech’s line. Boaz is an Old Testament type of Jesus Christ, who like wise redeems the believer. (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
Thursday: Marriage and a Son: Ruth 4:13
God honored Naomi through the decision of a virtuous young woman, Ruth, who forsook her pagan homeland in order to remain loyal to the God of Israel. Through Ruth’s son Obed, Naomi had regained her inheritance.
Friday: Naomi’s Fulfillment: Ruth 4:14-17
Although Naomi had experienced great sorrow and adversity in her life, she had maintained her faith in God. Because of her persevering faith, God so ordered events that her life ended in goodness and blessing. She could testify at the end of her life that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5:11)
Saturday: New Genealogy: Perez to David: Ruth 4:18-22
The book of Ruth ends with an outline of the genealogy of the Messiah as a reminder of redemption. The focus falls upon the vital link in which the Hebrew, Boaz, and the Gentile, Ruth, unite to share in the ancestry of David, through whom would come Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:5)