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PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (14)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Ruth 3:6-13

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

 

“Charity suffereth long,

and is kind…”

 

PROVIDENCE, CHOICES, AND FAMILY LIFE (14)
 
After addressing Ruth’s request and offering to take up the matter to its God-ordained conclusion, Boaz called for patience. Not all things that we seek get accomplished immediately. Some take time. One of the things that takes time to build and set right is marriage. And in this age where many people expect things instantly, impatience is promoted against the virtue of patience. It was midnight when Boaz stirred up to find Ruth at his feet. We do not know how long they took in setting in order the matter at hand, but Boaz exhorted Ruth to be patient.
 
“Tarry this night…” (Ruth 3:13). Now that the matter had been addressed and Boaz had taken it up on her behalf, she would have to wait till morning to know her fate. At the time that the matter was raised, it could not be resolved. But just because it could not be resolved then did not mean it would not be resolved. Until the outcome was known, Ruth would have to wait.
 
“…if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well, let him do the kinsman’s part…” (Ruth 3:13). Apart from patience and waiting, Ruth was to wait with willingness to accept God’s will, as it would be revealed in the morning. There was another kinsman, so although Naomi and Ruth had particularly approached Boaz, there was a possibility that it might not be Boaz. Boaz said that if the nearer kinsman accepted the responsibility, then well and good, he would let him do it. Marriage is a commitment and is best entered into with acceptance, as long as it is lawful and according to God’s ordinance. The kinsman role was not first by preference, but by priority, and so Boaz would yield to the nearer kinsman, and would take up the responsibility only if the nearer kinsman declined his role. Boaz assured Ruth by oath that if it was up to him, he would do the part of the kinsman. Ruth was then requested to remain there for the rest of the night. This request most certainly considered her safety. The morning work was also for her security and happiness. Her duty from then would be to patiently wait for the outcome.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 37:7.)

PRAYER: Give me patience, Father, and help me work well with people.

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