“Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. ² Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. ³ Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴ When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” ⁵ She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.” ⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed her. ⁷ When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and he was in a contented mood, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came stealthily and uncovered his feet, and lay down.” Ruth 3:1-7

Being married requires a lot of work – but should also have its moments of rest and relaxation, as much as it can anyway. Therefore, marriage should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of G-d, and with regard to G-d’s will. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, yet I wonder what parents are teaching their children today. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws of Israel. The laws and customs of their time gave Ruth, who was now a proselyte to the “true” religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. Today, not enough young couples are choosing to marry – thus complicating the rule of law when it comes to the marriage estate.

Where is the state of marriage going in our society?   How do women or men seek to lay “claim” on someone today?  How do the laws of our society or the expectations of our society help or hinder marriage?  Do people claim such loyalty on relationships as did Ruth and Naomi?

Pastor Dave