«And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman» (Ruth 3:11).
Ruth, a young widow, chose to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi, and go to live in a foreign country where her Moabite nationality was not appreciated (see Deuteronomy 23:3—6). Within a few days, she became known as a virtuous woman; she is the only woman to receive this designation in the Bible. Following the advice of her mother-in-law, she finds the relative who is to redeem her (see Ruth 3:4—6). She listens to the counsel of her elders who love her. Imagine Ruth’s future if she had not obeyed. Her submission resulted in exaltation.
Boaz could not give an immediate answer because there was a closer relative, but he makes a promise conditioned on another’s decision (see verses 12, 13). He had to wait for the answer; otherwise the other relative could take legal action against Boaz. Boaz’s attitude is admirable; he could have taken advantage of the invitation. He had the economic, social, and religious position to have abused Ruth and leave her open to public scorn, but Boaz was a noble gentleman. After the first moment of fright (Ruth 3: 8), he encouraged her not to fear. He blessed her and congratulated her (see Ruth 3:10). He let her spend the night there and told her to rest, because the walk back home was long and steep. In order to protect her from any misunderstanding or slander, he asked her to leave before daybreak. He sent a gift to Naomi, the one who had orchestrated the plan.
Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, does the same for us. He does not care about where you came from; He redeems you, He protects you from scorn and mocking, He is interested in keeping you safe, He encourages you not be afraid nor ashamed, He recognizes your virtues and exalts them, He takes care of your needs. He will never send you away empty-handed; He will provide abundantly for you and yours. Your part in the plan is only to come to the feet of Jesus, your redeeming relative.
Ruth knew how to wait, because important decisions are not made hastily. «To wait patiently for an important issue to be resolved is never easy, particularly when there is nothing a person can do to influence the decision, except to pray about it. This, we may presume, Ruth did.”- SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 440.
The other redeeming relative declined his right to redeem Ruth, and she and Boaz became a part of Jesus’s family tree (see Matthew 1:5).
May your decisions never keep you from being an heiress to the kingdom.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
