Let's Talk About Love

For the last month or so, I’ve been thinking about the book of Ruth.  I posted a question on Facebook asking my friends which love story was better – Ruth and Boaz or Jacob and Rachel. Overwhelmingly, the men said Jacob and Rachel.  Say what?!  Why would that be?  I have my own theory. 

Jacob slaves away for little Miss Rachel for 14 years before he gets to have her.  He gets to fantasize about her without being in a real relationship with her.  Which one is easier to manage and control – a real relationship or a fantasy one?  If you’ve ever been in a relationship, you know what the answer is and oh how the devil likes to play havoc on our minds with the possibilities of that fantasy relationship.  

I prefer the Boaz and Ruth story far more.  Ruth is loyal, hard-working and faithful.  She tells her mother-in-law, Naomi, “Where you go, I’ll go.  Where you stay, I’ll stay.  I will follow you.”  She is dedicated to what God has already given her and she will not leave Naomi's side.

Then, God providentially directs Ruth to Boaz’s field where Boaz provides, protects and cares for her even before he really knows her.  Notice though that Ruth cares for someone she doesn’t have to care for first.  The Lord was watching her.  She was making wise decisions.  And He was with her.    

I also love that Boaz, whose name means “pillar of strength,” was attracted not to Ruth’s remarkable beauty as Jacob was to Rachel but to her virtue and character.  He loved her for her heart.  What I think is also clear is that as a handsome and wealthy bachelor, Boaz had his pick of women and yet he chose Ruth.  That tells us a great deal about his character and values too.  It also says much about his relationship with God.  

Naomi also plays an important role in the story as she guides her to “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens.  For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.” – Ruth 3:18.    Naomi did not want Ruth’s heart to run ahead in case the circumstances didn’t go as expected.  Wise counsel at the right time is like pure gold.  Naomi loved her daughter-in-law and helped her to be patient.     

Conversely Jacob and Rachel gave their hearts to each other from the beginning.  They wanted the other and he worked for her but did the love each other more than God?  And did they idolize each other?  And then did God bless the union?  No.  He didn’t so I have to wonder – was it really love or just desire?  

I wasn’t there so I don’t really know but I do know that as much as things change, they stay the same.  Men and women are still chasing rainbows.  Love songs air on the radio all day long about the one that got away.  What a lie Satan has told us if we buy into the idea that someone who isn’t with us is more valuable than someone who is.   

Ruth’s choices resulted in her experiencing God’s overwhelming goodness.  Ruth and Boaz were also blessed with the privilege of bearing a son who would be part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.  The bible says that because Ruth waited on God, she was showered with His blessings through His vessel – Boaz.  As a Christ follower, I cannot think of anything I desire more than to know that my Lord is happy with me and to experience His goodness.   

So - what do you think?  Do you think Jacob's love is more real than Boaz's?  Which relationship do you want to be in?  And which relationship would you want your child to be in?