That’s what Boaz said to Ruth when she asked him for his protection as kinsman-redeemer. It was a significant request – a marriage proposal, in a way – as well as a deeply personal offer. And Boaz thanks her, says don’t be afraid, and the reason is that everyone knows what a good person Ruth is.
Ruth was from Moab, not a Jew. She was a widow, and so poor she was reduced to gleaning the fields, the equivalent of being on welfare in our day. Not shameful, surely, but still a circumstance that some might use to question her character, not affirm it. And yet, after a few days in town, her noble character was evident to everyone.
It reminds me that the way we live is the best testimony we have. Ruth, in those few days, selflessly gave her hours and energy to caring for her mother-in-law who, herself a widow, had nothing to give back. There was no possible question of benefit to Ruth, but she did the right thing anyway.
That’s not normal, so it gets noticed. What Boaz called noble character we would say is being a class act, or a standup guy. Putting other people before yourself is so unusual that it makes people ask why, and that’s a more powerful witness than any scare-mongering over Hell or condescending moralizing.
I’d like the the people of my town to know that I am a man of noble character. But the only way that will happen is if I live like one.
No comments:
Post a Comment