So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you then seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Ruth 4:13-17

I hope we never leave reading Ruth only thinking that Boaz was the redeemer. He was literally the kinsman-redeemer for Naomi’s line, and he played that out in a noble, compassionate and reputable way. Ruth is the true miracle here who pulled Naomi out of the depths of her own bitterness. Ruth didn’t lack a lover; she pursued Boaz because this was what Naomi wanted. Ruth who has proven to be better than 7 seven sons. Ruth who defies the engrained gender inequality in most cultures, including this. Ruth who gave birth to a son and gave Naomi hope again. This fairytale started with Ruth’s sacrifices.

Don’t fall prey to the narrative that someone will save you. You simply walk with integrity and love sacrificially; that is the only part you are to play in this life. Jesus saves, not in this human kind of way. He saves us from ourselves, our own suffocating narratives, our self-reliance, our need to protect our ego. He saves us so we can become like Ruth’s, and live with wide surrender and faith. God is the only one who “saves” us without needing anything in return. He “saves” us so that we can feel completely worthy and live from that place of love instead of our natural instinct of lack. If there is a human out there who declares they can save you, flee immediately!

Prayer: God I pray for an openness to you and whatever you have for us. God I pray for faith to walk in truth and integrity. God I pray that you help us love those around us more. God I pray that you make me a relief for those who are in pain or bitterness.

Character: Where can I replace lack with love? What feelings come from acting out of lack? What feelings come out of moving with love?

Grace: Where have you felt as equal as other genders?