Great Faith, Great Risk

In the pages of Scripture, we often find stories that challenge our understanding of faith and risk. The book of Ruth is one such narrative, rich with lessons about hope, redemption, and the providence of God. As we delve into Ruth chapter 3, we discover a powerful truth: Great faith in God's providence leads to great risk for His purposes.

The story unfolds with two women in desperate need of rescue. Naomi, an older widow who had lost everything, and Ruth, her young daughter-in-law who had left her homeland to follow Naomi and her God. Their circumstances seemed bleak, but hope was on the horizon.

A Risky Hope

After weeks of depression, Naomi begins to see a glimmer of hope. She realizes that Boaz, a close relative, could potentially be their redeemer through the custom of Levirate marriage. This ancient practice provided a safety net for widows, allowing them to marry a relative of their deceased husband for protection and provision.

Naomi's choice to hope is a powerful reminder that hope is not merely a feeling, but a decision. It's a choice to believe in God's goodness even when we can't see it, to remember His mercy even when we don't feel it. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:21-23).

A Risky Plan

With renewed hope, Naomi devises a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz. While her advice seems questionable by today's standards, it reminds us that God can use even our flawed plans for His purposes. However, this doesn't mean we should be reckless in our actions, especially regarding relationships and purity.

The apostle Paul's words in 2 Timothy 2:22 offer wise counsel: "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." It's far better to establish clear boundaries in our interactions with others than to flirt with temptation.

A Risky Request

Ruth follows Naomi's instructions but adds her own twist. Instead of leaving the situation ambiguous, she makes her intentions clear to Boaz. She asks him to "spread his wings" over her, a symbolic gesture equivalent to a marriage proposal in their culture.

This bold move reminds us that sometimes, taking initiative in pursuing God's will for our lives requires courage and vulnerability. While there's wisdom in allowing others to lead in relationships, there may be times when God calls us to step out in faith and make our desires known.

A Risky Purity

One of the most striking aspects of this nighttime encounter is the exemplary purity demonstrated by both Ruth and Boaz. Despite the compromising situation, there's no hint of impropriety. Boaz, in particular, shows remarkable self-control and concern for Ruth's reputation.

This serves as a powerful example for us today. In a world that often trivializes sexual purity, we're called to a higher standard. As followers of Christ, we're urged to love others enough to wait, to say no to momentary desires for the sake of honoring God and those we care about.

A Risky Promise

Boaz's response to Ruth's proposal is nothing short of remarkable. Though not legally obligated, he promises to act as her redeemer if the closer relative declines. His willingness to pay the price of redemption, not out of duty but out of grace, points us to an even greater Redeemer.

Jesus Christ, like Boaz, was from the tribe of Judah and the town of Bethlehem. He too paid the price of our redemption, not because He had to, but because He wanted to. As Hebrews 12:2 tells us, it was "for the joy set before Him" that Jesus endured the cross.

This truth is transformative. We were so sinful that Jesus had to die to redeem us, yet we are so loved that He was glad to do so. This realization can change everything about how we live and view ourselves.

Waiting for Complete Redemption

As the chapter closes, we're left with a picture of waiting. Ruth and Naomi must wait to see how their redemption will unfold. Similarly, while we have the promise of redemption through Christ, we too wait for its full realization.

We live in the tension of "already but not yet." Our redemption is secured, yet we still face trials and temptations in this life. Like Ruth and Naomi, we're called to rest in the promise of our Redeemer, trusting that He won't rest until our redemption is complete.

This stands in stark contrast to the idea that we must somehow earn our salvation. Unlike the poignant scene in "Saving Private Ryan" where an old man hopes he's lived well enough to deserve the sacrifice made for him, we don't have to wonder if we've done enough. Our redemption is not based on our efforts but on Christ's finished work.

As we reflect on this powerful story, may we be inspired to live lives of risky faith. Not because we're trying to earn God's love, but because we already have it in Christ. May we, like Ruth and Naomi, place our hope in the One who promises to redeem us fully, trusting in His providence even when the path seems uncertain.

In a world that often prioritizes safety and comfort, the book of Ruth challenges us to step out in faith, to take risks for the sake of God's purposes. For it's often in those moments of risk that we experience the depth of God's faithfulness and the joy of participating in His redemptive work.