Ruth Was a Sinner

Ruth Was a Sinner

Last Sunday, we saw how the story of Ruth describes both Ruth and Boaz as "worthy."  a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz (2:1).  All my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman (3:11).  Worthy can be understood as mighty of worth/strength/wealth/skill. Boaz may have been wealthy, though all we actually know is that he owned a field. His name means strength, so perhaps he had a physical strength about him. As far as we know, his skill could be his business management. On the other hand, Ruth has no money; hence, she is gleaning in Boaz's field. She is not likely so physically strong that she earns the description of worthy by the townspeople. Her skill, in the text, is limited to gleaning.

Could I suggest that the term worthy has nothing to do with the hypothetical applications I've just given?  Instead, more than strength, money, or skill, the Scriptures would have us see examples of righteousness.  The Lord counts a person righteous who believes His Word and who puts their faith in Him (Genesis 15:6). Boaz and Ruth are described as worthy because of their faith in the Lord.

Boaz manages his field, remembering that the Lord ultimately blesses (2:4). Boaz is keen to recognize Ruth's faith in the Lord: "The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (2:12).  Boaz trusts the Lord with his livelihood.  Ruth trusts the Lord with her life.

This story brings us great hope! Though we are sinners and often fail, our hope is not in our righteousness but in the righteousness of Jesus. If our faith is placed in his righteousness given us by unmerited grace, then we are counted righteous.

Ruth was a sinner, just like you and me. But, by faith in God and what he has said in his Word, we, too, can enjoy the covenant love of Jesus for all eternity.

Together in our common faith,
Loren