But What About Boaz?

Whenever I've heard sermons or read articles about the story of Ruth, the focus has always been on Ruth and Naomi. As I'm reading the book of Ruth this morning, I'm finding myself asking more questions about Boaz than about Ruth. Boaz is typically mentioned as a side note to the story of Ruth. He is referred to as the redeemer in Naomi's family. He is an example of how Christ redeems each of us. As I'm reading, there are several things that are standing out to me.

Boaz was a prominent man of noble character. (Ruth 2:1)

Boaz wasn't your everyday man of Bethlehem. He was a businessman. Not only did he own the fields in which Ruth found herself working, but he ran his business with integrity. He was known for having good character.

Boaz was a man of faith. (Ruth 2:4)

Upon seeing his workers in the field, Boaz greeted them by saying, "The Lord be with you." He didn't lead the conversation asking for updates on the days numbers. He greeted his workers with a blessing.

Boaz was observant. (Ruth 2:5)

Boaz noticed a new woman working in his fields. He asked who she was and wanted to know more of her story.

Boaz wasn't haughty or condescending. (Ruth 2:14)

Boaz could have seen Ruth as nothing more than a beggar. However, he saw her as a woman with value and a woman of character. He invited her to dine with him. Boaz did not discount her value based on her current situation in life. He saw her integrity and dedication to her mother-in-law. He had eyes to see her as she truly was and not just where she was.

Boaz was a protector. (Ruth 2:15 and 3:14)

Boaz ordered his young men to not humiliate Ruth. He was aware of the shame that could come with her place of begging and he ordered those working for him to be conscious of keeping her dignity. As a beggar in the field she could have been called names or made to feel ashamed of poverty. However, Boaz ensured she was able to maintain dignity even in her state of begging. Later when Ruth visited Boaz at night he was aware of how people might talk about them spending the night together. He states, "Don't let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor." He gave her grain to take home so it would appear she was there for nothing more than grain. Again, he was protecting her dignity.

Boaz got things done! (Ruth 3:18)

Naomi tells Ruth, "...he won't rest until he resolves this today." Boaz was a man of his word and he didn't waste time in handling what needed to be done. He didn't procrastinate in speaking to the first "redeemer" in the family line. I would imagine Boaz had a myriad of other things on his calendar that day. He was a landowner and employer of many. Yet, the matter of Ruth was put at the top of his list. He sat at the gate of the town waiting for the family redeemer to arrive (Ruth 4:1). He camped out to wait!

No wonder Boaz was still single! 

Boaz mentioned to Ruth how she did not pursue younger men (Ruth 3:10). He owned land. He was prominent in the community. Boaz must have been an older man (relative to the culture of the time) and yet he was still single. How could a man such as Boaz have been alone? Why was he single? When I read his qualities, I believe he was single because he was waiting for a woman of equal character. He was waiting for Ruth. As much as I hear women talk of waiting for their Boaz, I believe there are men who are waiting for their Ruth.

Ladies, would YOU catch the attention of a man with the qualities such as Boaz? Would your character proceed you? Are you willing to take a lowly place to provide for yourself and your family? What if that lowly place would be the very thing to catch the attention of Boaz? Are you willing to be a Ruth? Men who are still single and waiting for a Ruth, are you a Boaz? Before asking God to provide your mate, ask Him to make you into the person He would have you to be for the mate you are requesting.