God’s Will, God’s Way

In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the young lovers lament about how true love will always face great obstacles, especially when those involved come from very different ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds. The love of Ruth and Boaz is all these and more.

If Boaz was willing to marry Ruth (Ruth 3:11), why didn’t he propose to Ruth in the first place? Perhaps, as some scholars suggest, Boaz, an older man from the same generation as Naomi (2:1), did not think that the much-younger Ruth would want to marry him. Perhaps he expected Ruth to marry one of the younger bachelors in Bethlehem (3:10). He may have concluded that he was out of the running. But he was mistaken.

There is a second obstacle, a more problematic legal impediment. The prevailing custom on levirate marriage gives the nearest relative the first right to marry Ruth (Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Boaz is only second in line (Ruth 3:12–13). There is a nearer relative in town, one with a stronger claim on Ruth and the property. As a man of integrity, Boaz has been waiting for him to act. Boaz will not violate the Mosaic law by jumping the gun. This obedience to God’s law reflects his submission to God. We see here another reason why Boaz is “a man of standing” (2:1).But since Ruth has forced the issue, Boaz will now approach this nearer relative and get him to decide quickly. Boaz is a man of grace. He is willing to be the kinsman-redeemer even though he is not legally obligated to do so (3:13).

In handling their relationship the proper way, Boaz and Ruth may end up losing it all: if the nearest relative exercises his right and marries Ruth, she and Boaz cannot be together. Perhaps seduction would have been quicker and more effective!

There is a lesson to be learned from this. God’s will must be done in God’s way. And God’s way will keep us in God’s will. God’s way is that of obedience to His Word; it is dangerous and deadly to take shortcuts. But obedience to God can often be costly. Part of being wise and making moral decisions is learning to move responsibly, not recklessly. There is a real temptation for us to take the fastest and easiest option, even if it means breaking God’s laws.

Think Through:

Taken from Journey Through Ruth: 30 Biblical Insights by Sim Kay Tee.