The Genealogy of JesusSample

You may have heard women say, "I'm just waiting on my Boaz." I've even seen t-shirts with the slogan. Often, Boaz is characterized as swoon-worthy by lay readers and armchair theologians. I would contend the swoon-worthiness of Boaz is found in his character and trustworthy actions.

Boaz was a relative of Naomi's husband, Elimelech. Elimelech and Naomi left the promised land during a time of famine, but Boaz remained. Years later, when Naomi and her widowed daughter-in-law, Ruth, returned destitute and broken, Boaz flourished—possessing wealth and land.

While Ruth was gleaning in the fields of Boaz, she caught the eye of Boaz. Perhaps he found her beautiful, but when asked, Boaz responded in 2:11 by saying, "all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me ."In chapter 3, he later described her as a "worthy" woman.

Ruth felt safe enough in chapter three to ask Boaz to redeem her. Spoiler alert: that's exactly what he did. Boaz redeemed Ruth, and God granted them a child who was included in the line of Christ. The actions of Boaz paint a picture of the ultimate redemption mankind found in Jesus.

1. How does what you've read today in Ruth shape what you think of Boaz?

Prayer: Father, thank you for redeeming what is broken in me and restoring me in fellowship with you.