Preserved By Purposed: Boaz Ain’t Broke- Part 2

 A few weeks ago, we began our look at Boaz from the Old Testament book of Ruth.  His actions showed that he was whole emotionally.  This week, we’ll take a look at how Boaz’s treatment of Ruth showed that he was also whole spiritually.   

Boaz spoke openly of God’s blessings to his employees in Ruth 2:4 “”The LORD be with you!”    He also spoke blessings into the life of Ruth in Ruth 2:12, “May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” These declarations indicate that Boaz recognized the sovereign presence and power of God. 

Perhaps most importantly, Boaz recognized and was obedient to God’s will for both of their lives.   Also, rather than being intimidated by her spiritual walk, he respected the integrity with which Ruth lived her life.   Ruth 3:10-13 says, “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. 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. Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. 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.”  

Once again, these words show that Boaz encouraged Ruth as she submitted to the will of God.  Here, he is encouraging Ruth to trust him as he trusts in God.

Where Boaz said these words to Ruth is just as important to understanding his spiritual maturity.   In that cultural time, the threshing floor was an exposed and elevated place where the grain was separated from the chaff.     It’s kind of ironic that it was at this place that Ruth’s request to Boaz was made.   For this reason, some say that the threshing floor is a place that symbolizes marriage, worship, and blessing. 

A few years ago, I talked to a minister at the church I was attending at the time about the “Boaz Ain’t Broke” series and he wanted to know if Boaz is broke financially but spiritually a man of integrity would a Christian woman still date him?    Good question, I thought.  There are some people who are doing very well for themselves financially but are not living victorious as God has promised.   

There are also some people who are struggling financially but who continue to trust in God.   They may be broke but they are not broken.   I told him that it was a matter of redefining what broke is.   One definition for broke is disconnected.  Broke men (and women) sometimes revisit wounds from past relationships.   

An emotionally whole man will be mature and willing to grow past his pain.    Like Boaz, he’ll do the right thing at the right place and for the right reasons.   Next week, more about Boaz’s character and Ruth’s response to it. 

Shewanda Riley is a Texas -based author who can be reached at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com  or you can follow her on Instagram @shewandawrites.