by John O'Malley
“Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day” (Ruth 4:10).
Our only clue in the whole book as to whom Ruth was married to occurs in this verse. Much had happened since she gave her heart to Mahlon. They had married just after the death of Elimelech. They’d had ten years together before his death.
She was once his wife; now, she was his widow. She once treasured moments with him; now, she could only treasure his memories. The day they buried her Mahlon, they buried her heart. Ruth’s hope for children and her husband’s name to continue was lost, as both brothers perished at that time.
Today, the widow of Mahlon became the wife of Boaz. This announcement demonstrated the devotion of Boaz to Ruth and his duty to God. While Ruth waited for the arrival and announcement of Boaz, Boaz was preparing a place in his home and heart for her. His address in the city gate made clear his intentions and invitation. Ruth would be his wife.
Her heritage, husband, and heartaches, which devalued her worth to others, made her more precious to Boaz. His love for her when she could provide him nothing was a true demonstration of grace. He did not see her as she was; he saw her as what she could become.
Our Eternal Boaz did the same for mankind. He announced His intention and declared His invitation with His death, burial, and resurrection. He instructed His disciples that He was preparing a place for them in His Father’s house. To those who are children of God by faith, He is our Bridegroom, and we are His bride. He desired us, though we were unlovely and worthless. Because of His grace, He looked beyond our fault and saw our need.
Is there someone in the harvest field where you work that needs to know of the unconditional love of the Eternal Boaz? Do you know someone defeated by their past? Do you know someone overwhelmed with guilt and despair? Today, take them to the empty cross and empty tomb. Tell them of our Eternal Boaz who will prepare for them a place in Heaven when they accept His price of redemption for them.
Think about it...