06/05/2026
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
• Pursuing What Is Right! •
Ruth 2:1-16 & 4:1-13
Rental centers have been popular for a long time. Many people who cannot afford to buy merchandise, or who choose not to buy it, rent items such as furniture, appliances, and electronic equipment. Now, some centers even rent engagement rings—just the thing for people who aren’t sure of their commitment (ha)!
Engagement rings for rent! What a perfect metaphor of our society, where a commitment is something, a person makes until he or she finds something better. Boaz of Bethlehem offers a refreshing contrast to the shallowness of many modern-day commitments.
Boaz was already a prominent man when he entered the life of Ruth. In chapter two, he also reveals himself to a person of integrity and generosity, taking a protective stance toward Ruth and making sure she was provided for in the gleaning and at mealtime.
It is also obvious that Boaz had the spiritual sensitivity to realize and appreciate what Ruth had done in leaving her homeland. He praised her, not just for remaining loyal to Naomi, but also for her commitment to the God of Israel (Ruth 2:11-12). However, it was in the last pages of this biblical love story that Boaz proved to be as loyal and faithful as Ruth, a worthy partner for this woman “virtuous woman” (Ruth 3:11). Made aware of his responsibility to act as kinsman-redeemer for his deceased relative Elimelech, Boaz wasted no time in pursuing the right course.
It might seem that Boaz did this because he loved Ruth and wanted to marry her—and there was nothing wrong with that. But Boaz also had a higher motive, that of securing the property of his late relatives and providing for their widows. Boaz contacted the other kinsman who had the right of redemption before him. If this other man had accepted the responsibility, Boaz would have been content (Ruth 3:12-13). God chose, however, to reward Boaz’s integrity with Ruth’s hand in marriage; and along with her, he became a partner of the Messianic line, helping to preserve the thread of God’s promise.
Would we be willing to pursue an issue to a right and fair resolution, even if it meant personal disappointment for us? That’s what Boaz was willing to do. In this case, God turned the situation to Boaz’s favor without his having to resort to manipulation or deal-making. We don’t always know what the ‘pay-off’ will be for doing the right thing. But we can be sure that God will honor us when He is free to take delight in our way, as our passage above reminds us.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor John
2017-Present
