Unassuming Heroes 2
Boaz
An Upright Person Who Built Heritage Mr. E. L Mathansingh
Heroes are easy to admire than to define. Heroes simply do the right thing at the right time. The one great quality they share is a tendency to think about others before they think of themselves. Boaz was a hero. The life of Boaz illuminates the relationship between one ' s actions and the providence of God. As an unassuming character, he adds colour and charm. The book of Ruth addresses contemporary issues like female selfsufficiency and highlights inter-cultural marriage. It also champions the cause of oppressed and side-lined people of the society. Boaz makes a difference in this story by his value-based upright life.
GOD ' S CHOICE: Boaz means ' In Him is Strength.' He is a major figure in the book of Ruth and his name is found first in 2:1 and 24 times in the four chapters of the book. He was a wealthy and powerful landlord in Bethlehem. He was also a close relative of Elimelech. God moved in his life at the right time and directed him to the right place in the right ways( Ruth 1:22-25). As a chosen man, he followed God with integrity.
LOYAL MASTER: Boaz was a prosperous and generous employer( 2:4). He was considered as a righteous and respectable person in the Jewish society. He had a cordial relationship with his fellowmen. Notice how he greeted the labourers-“ May the Lord be with you.” Boaz was a noble master. He personally supervised the threshing of the grain in his barn in order to prevent any immorality or theft which were prevalent during his times. Even though Boaz was rich, he was humble enough to respect a converted Gentile widow who came to his field. He was wise enough to admire Ruth ' s courage, devotion, kindness and fidelity to her mother-in-law( Ruth 2:11). He was a believer and was bestowed with spiritual maturity to speak about the Sovereign God to the young woman( 2:4,12). His words to his employees, relatives and others were colored with kindness. Loyalty and integrity are beautifully woven in his lifestyle.
KINSMAN REDEEMER- The Hebrew word“ hesed” which is used for ' loyal love ', appears multiple times throughout the narration. It speaks of grace, kindness, faithfulness, commitment and devotion. It also describes God ' s loyalty and faithfulness to Israel( Due 7:9). Boaz like Ruth demonstrated loyal love( 2:1) and he reflected a type of Christ. His observance of the law, his kindness to act as a Kinsman redeemer to Ruth and Naomi, his adherence to proper procedure and his willingness to redeem Elimelech ' s land and acquire Ruth as his wife validate this description. Boaz exceeded the demands of the law and displayed an extraordinary love and kindness( 2:14,15,16).
HERITAGE BUILDER- Boaz and Ruth did not go after blessing but God blessed them with unexpected provisions. In His Sovereign Will their son Obed, became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of King David in whose line the promised Messiah came to the world. We find the names of Boaz and Ruth in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. It is admirable to learn that the left frontal column of King Solomon ' s temple was named as Boaz( I King 7:21). Decision and determination influence destiny. Faithful and committed followers of God build lasting heritage.
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