Encouraged Toward Boldness
by Lauren Stein, Elder
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Naomi her mother-in-law said to Ruth, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; 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 than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.
In Ruth chapter 3, Naomi gives Ruth some seemingly odd advice. In order to secure Ruth’s future in ancient Israel, Naomi instructs Ruth to freshen up and approach Boaz under the cover of night by laying at his feet. This advice has always seemed a little crazy and even dangerous. If Naomi cares for her daughter-in-law, why would she encourage Ruth to go to a man at night and lay defenseless at his feet?
In truth, this advice could have been very dangerous. But Naomi knows that Boaz is a man of integrity, and so she gives Ruth specific instructions to act boldly in this specific situation. There is profound beauty in Naomi’s challenge for Ruth. She could not let her sit by idly, so she encouraged and empowered Ruth to take bold action in a hard and scary situation.
This passage made me reflect on the women I’ve met through our Young Adults Ministry and the way they encourage me toward boldness on a regular basis. He has beautifully interwoven our lives, for such a time as this. These women have pushed me to have hard conversations and to be more aware of the work of the Spirit in my life. In every encounter, I can sense God’s Spirit at work in us and through us as we encourage each other to step out in faith and boldness. It is often scary and risky, but it is always so worth it.
In the sections between our passages, we see Naomi’s plan unfold. When Boaz awakens, Ruth asks him to redeem her family and marry her. Talk about boldness! When our passage picks up in Ruth 4:13-17, we read that Ruth’s loyalty in conjunction with her boldness paid off tremendously. Boaz gladly marries Ruth, and she bears a son. But even more astounding than these two joyous occasions is the praise of the women in town. To Naomi, a new grandmother, they sing Ruth’s praises. They describe Ruth the Moabite, the foreigner, as the “daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons.” I cannot think of higher praise and affirmation for Ruth. This is truly more than she could have ever hoped or imagined.
My sisters in Christ are young women who push me toward bold action, hold me accountable and point me back to the faithfulness of God. Together we celebrate even the smallest steps of boldness. As our church continues our 40-day Fast, I encourage you to take a bold step and embrace life in community with other Christians who can lift you up and encourage you toward boldness. If you don’t have that kind of community yet, I pray that you might consider joining a small group or attending an upcoming church event or worship service. We are called to be a dynamic community that challenges and sharpens each other. By doing so, we open ourselves up to see how God can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to embrace a community that encourages me toward boldness. Make me aware of where you are at work in the world and how I can join you in Your Kingdom work. Amen.
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