We all love Ruth’s story of finding Boaz. But let us not dwell on Ruth’s finish line rather, let us also look where she started.
So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. -Ruth2:3
Ruth once gleaned after the reapers. That means, Ruth once settled for leftovers. She once accepted things she thought she deserves. But no one deserves leftovers. We all deserve a love that is whole, and pure.
Thankfully, Boaz is an honorable man. He thinks differently.
15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” -Ruth 2:15-16
Despite Ruth’s request to glean after the reapers, Boaz asked his reapers to be generous to her and let her glean not just the leftovers.
Would you agree if I say that we should look for a man like Boaz? I think, as a woman of faith we should pray for a man with Boaz’s characteristics. These are the following characteristics you might want to consider.
- He will remind you to focus and he is in deep thought of your relationship to God
Let your eyes be on the field….” (Ruth 2:9 ESV)
Boaz actually reminded Ruth to focus to the harvest, it really meant that he cares for Ruth’s obedience to the Lord. He leads her to pursue God’s will in her life. Does the man who pursues you leads you or brings you closer to Him?
- He is protective of you
…Have I not charged the young men not to touch you?….” (Ruth 2:9 ESV)
This was one of Boaz’ own words. He was very protective of Ruth that as she went to the field to reap, he instructed the young men not to touch Ruth or interfere with her activities. He wanted to make sure that she was feeling safe and at peace.
That’s how you should feel around a man, you feel safe, protected and respected. (And for someone who went through trauma/abuse, this is so much reassuring)
- He cares for you
….And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” (Ruth 2:9 ESV)
Boaz cared for Ruth. He even foresee her need!
If he really cares for you, he does see not just his needs but yours too. He thinks about you in a way of how he can be there for you even in the smallest thing like thirst!
- He recognizes your worth
…I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.” (Ruth 3:11 ESV)
Boaz recognized Ruth’s worth. And valuing her, he was willing to do what she asked him.
He should know how precious you are. He must know that God loves you. And by seeing your worth, he will not give you better things but the best.
- He is willing to make an effort
“…for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” (Ruth 3:18 ESV)
Boaz was willing to give his time and even his rest!
This is important. At some point letting men make an effort will let you see how he values you. His effort will definitely be according to how important you are in his life. Is willing to cross the ocean for you? Hmmm…
- He has the intention of marrying you.
… then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you…” (Ruth 3:13 ESV)
In the scripture, despite that someone else can redeem Ruth, he still has the intention of redeeming her. It is important for him that someone redeems her.
Many of us thought that we are dating because of what is now but we have to see that God designed dating for marriage. It is His desire for us to be with someone in our journey with Him, a relationship that He designed not to be separated by anyone.
These characteristics lead not to perfection but rather to genuineness. You will see his real intention if he knows in his heart that he wants to take you to the altar. He will not confuse you by great acts but make himself clear of his intentions.
One day, you will the person God wants you to meet and I hope by then, you are prepared to see God’s greatness in writing your love story. God bless you as you wait.
