Love Like a Mother -- Naomi and RuthSample

Do as I Say, Do as I Do

A mother's love is a powerful thing. It could be likened to both an unstoppable force and an immovable object given the right circumstances. In Ruth chapter 3, We watch as Naomi’s determination to see Ruth’s blessing fulfilled is unwavering. Consistency has been her most admirable quality, and this chapter begins with a declaration of her unchanging, determined, motivation:

My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. (Ruth 3:1 NIV)

Naomi goes even a step further than mere words to see this provision come to fruition. Her earnest desire is translated when clear direction and faithful instruction follow. She knows what needs to happen next.

Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. (Ruth 3:3 NIV)

Ruth was about to set out on a quest for marriage, and it was her right. Boaz was their guardian-redeemer, and by seeking his favor, Ruth would be inviting him to fulfill this role. But the significance in Naomi’s instruction comes in the method by which Ruth is to approach Boaz. That is, from a place of obedience, humility, and absolute trust.

The passage tells us that Ruth came to the feet of Boaz softly. She approached, not as a victim demanding her rights, but quietly, as one declaring I am your servant. And yet, there is no weakness in Ruth’s approach. It was bold of her to seek her rights, proper even, and there is profound strength in her total submission, a meekness that is easily missed if we’re not careful to note the significance of her actions. The name of Elimelech depended on this moment, and we would be right to imagine that approaching Boaz with such a request was anxiety-inducing at best and dangerous at worst (though Ruth had spent time with Boaz and trusted his good character).

By lying at Boaz’s feet, Ruth had intentionally positioned herself to receive any command. A servant does not misunderstand their role. She had been faithful to obey Naomi, and now she would submit herself to Boaz, in good faith that he would not harm her but raise her up and deliver her from her low circumstances. Although Naomi had counseled Ruth about this moment, it was only through her good parenting that Ruth was willing to step out in faith to see it through.

Naomi proves that we cannot make children surrender to the cross. We can, however, bring the cross to them and make it real, modeling through self-sacrifice and earnest desire that these are the ways of Jesus. When it came time for Ruth to practice the faith that had already been instilled in her, it was a natural response. The overflow of her trust in Naomi was to Ruth what suffering and learned obedience were to Jesus. On the other side of sacrifice lies both breakthrough and blessing. In practicing submission to each of Naomi’s commands as they came, Ruth’s willingness to approach Boaz for redemption was a natural progression of her faith in Naomi’s counsel.

“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. (Ruth 3:5-6 NIV)

Ruth’s faith was not misplaced. As we read, Boaz was more than willing to grant that which Ruth requested. Boaz calls her daughter and woman of noble character. Ruth’s faith and humility had earned her an honest reputation with her guardian-redeemer. In the same way, Jesus gives His faithful children this promise in John 15:7, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (NIV)

Teaching obedience is futile without first living it yourself. Naomi practiced what she preached. Her motherhood was most effective when she acted upon the word which was already hidden in her heart. Similarly, our heavenly Father’s words will not return to Him empty but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). When we surrender to each of God’s commands, we too can learn the obedience that Jesus and Ruth modeled. We surrender to Jesus because He deserves it; Ruth surrendered to Naomi because she deserved it. The hallmark of obedience, as scripture teaches us, is the successful communication of an earnest desire through clear direction and faithful instruction. Today's passage in Ruth is a perfect, real-life, illustration of that.

Think about these questions for your own life: Are you living out obedience to God's word in your own life? Are you walking in humility and submission to His will? In what ways are you expecting things in your children that are not evident in your own life? What next step can you take in this area in order to more fully trust God? Who can you encourage this week with wise counsel as Naomi did for Ruth?