Week #3: The Risk of Redemption
Blog Series Intention Recap
The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives..
This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #3:
Hope at Midnight: When Faith Walks into the Unknown… Naomi plays matchmaker in hopes that Boaz will take Ruth as his wife and thus provide a future for Ruth.Sometimes God will use us to help change the lives of others, and sometimes He will use others to change our lives. In either case, our greatest task is to remain open to what God is doing and then respond with a heart of gratitude.
Why it Matters:
Redemption often requires risk—Ruth’s bold approach showed trust in both God and Boaz.
Boaz’s honorable response models how godly character protects and uplifts.
Naomi’s plan reflects trust in God’s providence, not manipulation.
God often works through human courage and obedience to accomplish divine purposes.
Go Deeper:
Ruth 3:1–4:12
Sometimes redemption requires courage before comfort. Ruth 3 introduces a bold and delicate plan: a Moabite widow lying at the feet of a respected man on the threshing floor. What seems like a risky romance is actually a picture of God’s faithfulness unfolding through human trust, dignity, and covenant love.
A Mother-in-Law’s Plan
Naomi’s journey has already shifted from bitterness to hope. Seeing Boaz’s favor toward Ruth, she recognizes that their redeemer may be standing right in front of them. In Israelite law, a “kinsman redeemer” (go’el) could marry a widow to preserve the family line. Naomi puts this hope into action.
“My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” (Ruth 3:1, ESV)
This is not manipulation—it’s motherly wisdom wrapped in trust. Naomi wants to secure Ruth’s future, and she trusts Boaz to do right.
A Risky Act of Faith
Ruth goes to the threshing floor at night. She uncovers Boaz’s feet and lies down—an act both bold and vulnerable. This was not seduction, but a culturally meaningful sign of a request for covering and protection (see Ezekiel 16:8 for a parallel of covering and covenant).
When Boaz awakens, Ruth makes her intentions clear:
“Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9)
This is not just a proposal—it’s a plea for redemption. She’s asking Boaz to act as the go’el—to cover her, protect her, and continue the family line.
Character Under Pressure
Boaz’s response shows why he is a worthy man. He doesn’t take advantage of Ruth. He doesn’t shame her. Instead, he praises her character:
“You have made this last kindness greater than the first… for you have not gone after young men.” (v. 10)
Boaz recognizes Ruth’s sacrificial love, just as he did in chapter 2. And rather than act impulsively, he chooses to do everything lawfully—even acknowledging there’s another relative who has first rights to redeem.
Boaz’s Integrity
The next morning, Boaz goes straight to the city gate—the place of legal decisions. He meets the nearer redeemer and lays out the situation. That man declines (perhaps due to cost or complications), freeing Boaz to fulfill the role.
In Ruth 4:9–10, Boaz publicly declares:
“You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech… also Ruth the Moabite… I have bought to be my wife.”
This is not just romance. It is legal, public, and covenantal redemption. Boaz restores the family name, protects Ruth, and honors Naomi.
Redemption and Respect
This chapter is about more than love—it’s about godly relationships. Ruth takes a risk in submission. Boaz responds in righteousness. Naomi entrusts her future to God’s providence.
Each person plays their part faithfully, and through their integrity, God’s redemptive plan moves forward.
How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”
Redemption Isn’t Passive
This part of Ruth’s story teaches us that redemption often involves risk, movement, and courage. God honors the faith of those who act in line with His will. Whether we are initiating or responding, God uses our steps to unfold His plan.
Boaz’s redemption of Ruth isn’t just a happy ending—it’s a picture of Christ. Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, stepped forward publicly to cover us, not with a cloak, but with His own blood. He bore the cost and gave us a name and a future.
When God Asks You to Take a Step
Sometimes, like Ruth, we are called to step forward in trust, even if the road ahead is uncertain. We must place our hope in the character of the one we’re entrusting ourselves to—ultimately, that’s not a Boaz, but the Lord Himself.
Sometimes, like Boaz, we are called to act with integrity and protect those who are vulnerable. Redemption may cost us, but the reward is far greater.
Your Role in Redemption
You may be Naomi—guiding someone toward a better future. You may be Ruth—stepping out with faith when the outcome is unclear. You may be Boaz—called to protect, redeem, and respond with kindness.
Whatever your role, your faithfulness matters. God writes redemption into ordinary lives through open hearts and willing obedience.
Gratitude and Glory
When Ruth returns to Naomi in Ruth 3:18, Naomi says:
“Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Faith acts boldly, and then it waits patiently. Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi show us that faith doesn’t mean control. It means moving when God calls—and trusting when we’ve done our part.
