Ruth 3

“When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

This action seemed a little aggressive and forward to me. But Boaz’s response was, “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier.” Ruth’s moral integrity was not in any doubt as Boaz indicated to Ruth that “all my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character” and that he would do for her all that she asked.

Our past actions can either help us or hurt us down the road. Ruth has a reputation for being noble, obedient, faithful, selfless, and devoted to serving others. The result of her past actions, her reputation, brings Boaz to the point of stating that if the one who is even closer than him as her next of kin is not willing to redeem her, then he will do so.

What reputation are we building? One that will bite us, or one like Ruth’s that will prompt others to come along side us when we need some assistance?