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January 21 Daily Devotional

Seeking Marriage in Obedience

Peter G. Feenstra

Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the LORD lives! Lie down until morning.” (Ruth 3:13)

Bible Reading

Ruth 3:11–15

Devotional

What motivates you to do what you do? Are all your decisions and actions governed by God’s Word? How often do you hesitate or fail to take proper action because you are not sure if what the Bible teaches is still applicable? Ruth’s request for marriage is governed by what she has learned from the Scriptures. She wants Boaz to marry her because he is a man who is deeply committed to the service of the Lord and as such he must act according to the law of the Lord.

The purpose of an Old Testament marriage was to bring all generations and families to the coming of Christ and to allow them to share in the glory of the Messiah. Physical attraction played a secondary role. Most likely Boaz was much older than Ruth since he calls her “my daughter.”

By approaching Boaz at the threshing floor Ruth puts aside her own personal interests and preferences. She denies herself and follows her Saviour in seeking a marriage partner who will give new hope and life to a family in Israel.

The Old Testament law of redemption has been fulfilled in Christ. Nevertheless, we must continue living in the expectation of Christ’s return. Our young men and women should be encouraged to have this focus when they prepare themselves for married life. How can we serve God faithfully and obediently in our marriage?

Men and women of worth are those who honour the Lord and pray with the Spirit, “Come Lord Jesus, Maranatha. Come quickly to redeem Your Bride.” The Lord will bless our relationships when we live in the hope of redemption, both within and outside of marriage.

Women who live by faith do what is right and do not give way to fear. Their obedience to God gives them the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. In Ruth 3:11–15 we see that Ruth makes a bold request as a woman of faith. She acts as a daughter of Sarah (1 Peter 3:3–6). Her life is subject to God’s redeeming purpose. That’s the way it should be for us as well.

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