Week 4 – Reversals + Redemption: Holy Initiative
This part of Ruth’s story would jump off the page to ancient readers. Ruth is no longer a victim. She demonstrates bold faith and a willingness to risk rejection when she follows Naomi’s advice and asks Boaz to marry her. Ruth is willing to step out of the social norms of her day: a foreigner and a woman would never be so bold. But something has changed. Through the first two chapters, Ruth identifies herself as a Moabitess, a foreigner. But when Boaz asks who she was during a pivotal moment in chapter three, Ruth replies, “Ruth, the servant of Boaz.” Not only is she attempting a bold, fresh start, but she now wears a new identity. Pastor Steve Mickel unpacks compelling lessons for us from this turn in her story.