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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Ruth 3:10-18

Boaz’s great-great grandson, King Solomon, named one of the main temple pillars “Boaz,” whose name means “in him is strength” (1 Kings 7:21). The strength in Boaz is God-given. It is seen in his eventual offspring Jesus. It is also seen in his sacrificial love for Ruth. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). 

Jesus and Boaz show that true love gives not takes.

The highest form of love is “agape” love, which loves for the sake of the beloved. To understand such love, simply insert a name in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. “Boaz is patient and kind; he does not envy or boast; he is not arrogant or rude, etc.”

Having heard Ruth’s desire for him to marry her, Boaz responds in a number of ways that are truly loving. He prays for her and counts himself blessed to be considered (v. 10). He says “yes” immediately, sparing her anxiety and showing that he has already considered marriage to her (v. 11). He is willing to let the nearer redeemer marry her because it is the proper way (v. 12). He protects her honor through the night and conceals the fact that she came to the threshing floor (v. 13). Finally, he sends grain to her mother-in-law, Naomi (v. 15).

We love such romantic stories because our hearts were made for “agape” love. Still, romantic love, even marriage, is not ultimately what we need. These point us to the eternal kind of love found in Jesus. We are able to love others because he first loved us.

Taking it home: Discuss with your family or small group who in your life presently expresses love for you without expecting anything in return. Pray and give thanks to God for them and ask him for the strength to love others likewise.