Introduction
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘faithful’? Perhaps you think of a couple you know who has been married for 50 years. Or maybe you think of the reminder to be “faithful in the little things.” Consider the following example. One stormy night, an older couple asked a hotel clerk for a room. He told them with regret that the hotel was full as were all the others in town. Then he asked if they would be willing to stay in his room. After much urging from the clerk, the couple acquiesced. When the older man came to the desk to pay his bill the next morning, he told the clerk, "You're the kind of man who should be managing the best hotel in the United States. Someday I'll build you one." Several years had passed when the clerk received a letter from the older man. It mentioned the impression made on that stormy night, and asked him to come to New York. After the clerk’s arrival, the man took him to see a magnificent structure on the corner of 5th Avenue and 34th Street. “That is the hotel I have built for you to manage.” The elderly man was William Waldorf Astor, and the building was the original Waldorf-Astoria (one of America’s foremost hotels) where that clerk, George C. Boldt, was the first manager. As this story illustrates, the word ‘faithful’ can apply to so many areas of life. In Ruth 3:14-18 we see an example of faithfulness across many areas in Boaz’s life. Are you ready to be challenged to be a faithful man or woman of God? Let’s get started.
Observation
Pray
Before reading today’s passage, ask God to help you understand it. Tell Him that you don’t want to cling to wrong ideas about it, but you want to see His truth very clearly.
Read Focus Verses
Read Ruth 3:14-18 and pay attention to what is happening.
Read for Context
We’re picking up in the middle of a scene today since there are so many important lessons in this section. Read Ruth 3:1-13 for context.
For Starters
Where are Boaz and Ruth when this story opens?
A Safe Place
Where did Ruth rest for the remainder of the night?
At Twilight
Why does Boaz explain in verse 14 that he asks Ruth to go home at twilight?
Transpiring Next
What happens next in the story as told in verse 15? Relate it in your own words.
Key Concept – Faithfulness
Use this marking as you go through the passage looking for references to Boaz’s faithfulness.
A Faithful Man
Highlight any word or phrase in Ruth 3:14-18 which points out an aspect of Boaz’s faithfulness.
Naomi’s Question
What is Naomi’s question?
Ruth’s Report
How much of the story did Ruth share according to verse 16?
Repeated
What is brought up again in verse 17 for emphasis?
Naomi’s Advice
What did Naomi advise Ruth to do next?
Assurance
What did Naomi know about Boaz’s character that made her so confident he would bring them an answer quickly?
Interpretation
Naomi’s Shoes
Put yourself in Naomi’s shoes for a moment. What are some responses she might have anticipated?
Boaz’s Focus
In verse 17, who are we told that Boaz acknowledged in his gift?
Significance
What do you think might be the significance of Boaz acknowledging Naomi for Naomi’s future?
No Reminder
Naomi knew that Boaz would do what he had agreed to do quickly and without needing reminders. What word(s) would you use for someone with that kind of character?
Waiting
Naomi tells Ruth to wait until Boaz had accomplished what needed to be done. Read Psalm 27:14 to see a way we are told to wait.
In Your Own Words
In your own words, how is Ruth 3:18 a picture of how we should obey Psalm 27:14?
An Apt Summary
Boaz’s faithfulness has been displayed in many ways through this passage. Read Proverbs 20:6 and see how it relates to Boaz.
I Would Be True
Reflect on the far-reaching meaning of faithfulness as you pray through this hymn.
Application
Accountability
Ruth had done as her mother-in-law had advised, and when she returned, she told Naomi everything that had happened. How can you apply this example in your life?
Faithful
Imagine this: You lose contact with a niece or nephew for 10 years. After a decade, they need your help. Would they be able to confidently wait knowing that you would take care of things based on your character now? What can you do about that today?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has challenged you to be a faithful man or woman of God.
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