May 17

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:
O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your mercy is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the 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:
O God, You know my foolishness;
And my sins are not hidden from You.
Let not those who wait for You, O Lord
God of hosts, be ashamed because of me;
Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me,
O 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 commandment, that you 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:
May the God of patience and comfort grant you
to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6).