MAY 17 - RUTH & BOAZ
READ Ruth 3
Boaz, a close relative of Naomi, agrees to marry Ruth.
INSIGHT
The custom in the Old Testament is that when a relative dies without leaving a male
heir, the next nearest relative marries the surviving spouse to preserve the family name
and property rights. Naomi thinks Boaz is the next of kin; therefore, there is nothing
forward in Ruth’s actions. Boaz exercises admirable restraint, knowing that there is
closer kin. His concern for Ruth’s good name again shows his nobility of character, for
he is surely attracted to Ruth already.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord who renews our strength when we wait on Him:
My heart is confident, God;
I will sing; I will sing praises
With the whole of my being.
Wake up, harp and lyre!
I will wake up the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your faithful love is higher than the heavens,
And your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
God, be exalted above the heavens,
And let your glory be over the whole earth
(Psalm 108:1-5).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
God, you know my foolishness,
And my guilty acts are not hidden from you.
Do not let those who put their hope in you
Be disgraced because of me,
Lord God of Armies;
Do not let those who seek you
Be humiliated because of me,
God of Israel (Psalm 69:5-6).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this
affirmation to the Lord:
This is my command:
Love one another as I have loved you
(John 15:12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now may the God
Who gives endurance and encouragement
Grant you to live in harmony with one another,
According to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
With one mind and one voice (Romans 15:5-6).
Boaz, a close relative of Naomi, agrees to marry Ruth.
INSIGHT
The custom in the Old Testament is that when a relative dies without leaving a male
heir, the next nearest relative marries the surviving spouse to preserve the family name
and property rights. Naomi thinks Boaz is the next of kin; therefore, there is nothing
forward in Ruth’s actions. Boaz exercises admirable restraint, knowing that there is
closer kin. His concern for Ruth’s good name again shows his nobility of character, for
he is surely attracted to Ruth already.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord who renews our strength when we wait on Him:
My heart is confident, God;
I will sing; I will sing praises
With the whole of my being.
Wake up, harp and lyre!
I will wake up the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your faithful love is higher than the heavens,
And your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
God, be exalted above the heavens,
And let your glory be over the whole earth
(Psalm 108:1-5).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
God, you know my foolishness,
And my guilty acts are not hidden from you.
Do not let those who put their hope in you
Be disgraced because of me,
Lord God of Armies;
Do not let those who seek you
Be humiliated because of me,
God of Israel (Psalm 69:5-6).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this
affirmation to the Lord:
This is my command:
Love one another as I have loved you
(John 15:12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
- The Lord’s leading in your life
- Opportunities for evangelism
- Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now may the God
Who gives endurance and encouragement
Grant you to live in harmony with one another,
According to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
With one mind and one voice (Romans 15:5-6).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2023.