Sit Still

O. T. #567  "Sit Still"
July 29, 2015
Ruth 3-Part 2
Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day. Ruth 3:18

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever been told to sit still and wait? There have been times I had to wait-9 months on a baby to arrive, hours for test results at a hospital, days for an interview result, decisions of others. I am sure you have too. Waiting is one of the hardest things for me to do. Yesterday I waited 2 hours at the hospital for results of blood work in the ER so the doctor would know what to give me to better my condition. Thankfully, I only had to drink some awful tasting potassium and not be put into the hospital like back in November. (Although, no one had to tell me to sit still for I felt so badly that I slept between nurse visits that I slept.)
Yet, Ruth only had to sit still and wait for a day for her results.

She was proposing. What did he say?
We left Ruth, who had made her best appearance, lying at the feet of Boaz and uncovering his feet, as a way of proposing marriage, yet in not so many words. If he put his robe over her and agreed to be her kinsman-redeemer, then she knew he accepted. Not only was he willing to redeem Ruth, but Boaz was in a position to do so. This kind bachelor was a close relative of Ruth's father in law (Perhaps a nephew), wealth enough to purchase back land sold in hard economic times, so he could redeem the family name. All along, perhaps a couple of weeks, Naomi and Ruth assumed that Boaz was their closest relative.

Ruth did not commit any immorality. Boaz was a man of valor (2:1) and concerned that there be no appearance of evil concerning the matter. The people knew Ruth to be a woman of virtue, so he insisted she wait until morning to return home. (Women of the night would be about in the streets and Boaz was even reluctant to escort her home.)

Are we careful with our actions so they are above reproach? Now days, women have to be careful  about being alone with men and vice versa, lest wrong talk start.

LET IT GROW

Come to think of it, Boaz must have considered marrying Ruth since his answer shows he had been thinking about it.
Boaz agreed that he was Ruth's kinsman, but there was one man nearer relative, who had the first right to take her as his wife than he. Boaz promised Ruth that he would find out if the man was interested in being her kinsman-redeemer. If he choose not to, then Boaz could and would marry Ruth.

I am not so sure Ruth was able to sleep the rest of the night. Wouldn't she be too excited? Perhaps silently making wedding plans instead of sleeping? Scripture does not say that, though. In the morning, Ruth returned to Naomi with barley in her apron and good news, exciting news for the both of them.

Naomi knew this man's character would not let him rest until he finished the thing that day. (verse 18) Boaz would keep his word to Ruth. Obviously, he had a reputation of such. The decision was delayed. Would Ruth marry another man or would she marry Boaz? Stay tuned for the answer.

What advice did Naomi give to Ruth now? SIT STILL. Wait until you know how it works out or what happens. Sit still? Who could do that at a time like this? Her man would go to whatever lengths necessary for the opportunity to marry Ruth.

Do others see us as one who does what we say we will do? It should be high on our priority list, shouldn't it? Are we building our reputation for integrity, one act at a time?

LET IT GO

Watch my actions for others are watching me.

Keep my word.

Trust in God's will and timing for my answered prayers.