12-Jun-2024 – Can you play the role of a spiritual mentor

Published by Sunil Binkam on June 12, 2024June 12, 2024

“I thought to advertise thee – Ruth 4:4”

In this passage, Boaz addresses one of his relatives, who is first in line to redeem Ruth by marrying her and thereby preserving the lineage of her deceased husband, as per the law. Initially, the relative sees it as an advantageous opportunity to acquire property. However, upon realizing that this would require him to marry Ruth, a Moabite, he fears it might jeopardize his own estate and withdraws from his duty.

In contrast, Boaz willingly steps in to fulfill the law and establish Elimelech’s lineage. This act mirrors our theme, “Hear Him,” and offers deep insights into our spiritual journey.

Ruth, a gentile, embraced the God, nation, and people of her mother-in-law. Similarly, we, once gentiles, upon hearing the gospel of our salvation, choose to accept its invitation. For Ruth to inherit God’s blessings through her new family and nation, she had to be grafted to an Israelite relative. Likewise, to receive the inheritance of the saints, we must be added to the body of Christ.

In this context, Boaz represents Jesus Christ, willing to redeem Ruth and give her a new life. Our Lord, too, was willing to bear our sins and grant us new life.

Spiritual Representation of Ruth, Boaz, and the Relative

Ruth, newly added to the Israelite family, symbolizes new believers eager to serve the Lord but unfamiliar with the right path. The relative, ideally responsible for Ruth’s welfare, honor, and prosperity, represents those who shy away from spiritual responsibility, focusing only on their own needs.

However, Boaz symbolizes those who embrace the responsibility of mentoring and guiding new believers with love and compassion. God desires us to love and support one another as He loves us, having given His only Son for our salvation. He expects us to love our neighbors as ourselves, working towards their eternal salvation with the same zeal we have for our own.

Prayer

Dear loving heavenly Father,

Thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for teaching us today about the necessity of loving, edifying, and uplifting one another in spiritual matters. Just as a husband strives to provide a secure, prosperous life for his wife, we must be ready to support one another. Help us, Lord, to have the love and zeal to accomplish this.

I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!