Quote for the Day
“All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.”
Today's Prayer
This week pray for those on the road that God will build their lives with His character and His strength. Ask God to allow those at home to feed on His Word and His Love, and that our Savior will also build their character. Pray that God will open your heart and allow His character to be built in you.
Ruth 3:7-18
Ruth 3:7-18 (NIV)7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.” 10 “The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” 14 So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town. 16 When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her 17 and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ ” 18 Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”
Message
Character has come into much debate and discussion over the past few years (and at many other times in history). Are there accomplishments that transcend character? The Bible is clear in many places that this is not the case. The Bible is also very clear that our character can be CHANGED! Ruth shows us how character can be the foundation of building the relationships God desires. First, she leaves her people and moves to a foreign country with her mother-in-law. Then, she finds the lowest of all jobs and works hard and diligently to support her mother-in-law, then obeys her mother-in-law in what will be a life-changing event. Ruth has shown the entire town that she is a woman of character, a much-needed virtue for her next challenge. She is now to go to Boaz and ask for his “protection” by way of marriage. Boaz’ response is based on her character. He knows that he is not entitled to be the first in line to redeem. Rather than embarrass her or reject her, he comforts her and reminds her not only of her noble character, but of her kindness. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier.” He then gives her food for her and her mother-in-law and promises her to do what is right and proper by the covenant of God. All this is done in a caring and comforting manner. I believe the foundation of why Boaz was able to respond in such a way was not only Ruth’s character but also his own. He too, as we have seen, was a man of godly character. Is your character showing this week?
