Ruth did everything that her mother-in-law told her, and by doing so exercised her trust in Boaz. The thing that binds the heart of Ruth to Boaz is her trusting in him; and indeed, it is what all men want from women. Look at the way he responds: he tells her, I have always known that you were an uncommonly good woman, but you just immeasurably topped everything I could have hoped for. Specifically commending her from the beginning for not going after any young men, whether rich or poor. You see, she had honored him with her actions leading up to this point, and when she adds to this her clear trusting him with her heart: she knocks his socks off!
Now, the next point in this story seems the perfect place to insert Richard Lovelace's "To Lucasta, going to the Wars". It is perfectly clear that Boaz is in love with Ruth, but Boaz shows a level of maturity rarely seen. He is willing to set aside his great love for Ruth, because there is the possibility of a nearer kinsman redeeming Ruth. He tells her, "if he will redeem you; good, let him do so." Not because he does not love Ruth, but because this arrangement will honor Ruth more. He is willing to deny himself in the most acutely painful way; proving the depth of his love for her, by doing what will bring her the most honor. You see Ruth put her trust in Boaz, and Boaz had to put his trust in God. Boaz has to say, that I'm not going to steal you for myself, if that is not what God wants for you. How does he know this would be better? Because he is following the course that God's word tells him to take. Now girls ask yourself, how many men do I know that would endure anything that painful to give God's best to me?
More tomorrow, loved ones.
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