Boaz

The Book of Ruth reminds us that it was a time of wars and rumors of wars, decay in moral values, idol worship, disorder, rebellion, chaos and confusion. Boaz sparks a fire into the lives of Naomi and Ruth after a gloomy life of famine, death and transition. It is here we get a peek into the lives of the remnant of Israel that continued to "walk the walk and talk the talk" of the faithful. The story of Ruth begins to take the charectestic of an oral tale that was treasured by the faithful because of Gods divine intervention and saving grace. The two poor widows see a window of opportunity through which Gods rays of hope come streaming through their spiritual darkness. Boaz was a wealthy and influential business man in Bethlehem. He shows himself to be a caring and understanding man who respects his workers. His workers show a loyalty and good judgment when they gave an opinion on Ruth and her background.

Boaz had a keen sense of business ethics and moral values. He allowed Ruth to glean off his fields. Later under the counsel of Naomi, Ruth approaches Boaz with a wedding proposal. The circumstances could have easily led to Boaz taking advantage of the situation. Boaz could have looked down on her as a poor widow. He could have seen Ruth as a burden for him. However Boaz sincerely went about trying to get things right from the start. He agreed to marry her if the legal issues regarding their marriage were sorted out. Ruth was truly blessed, as she was already getting her reward for her labor of love toward Naomi and her family. To those embroiled in the controversies of a inter-racial marriage, the union of Ruth with Boaz stands as a paragon of stories to support the same. Their chesed (faithful) lives reflect what is expected of them as children of God.

Is it not amazing that we see the godly lives that St. Paul told the Colossians to live, so well expressed in the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, garments of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:12,14).