CCF International Church

Ruth 3:8-14
Now it happened at midnight that the man was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 And he said, “Who are you?”
So she answered, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.”
10 Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman. 12 Now it is true that I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. 13 Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the Lord lives! Lie down until morning.”
14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.”

There are many who would be attracted to grace; in Ruth’s case, she was sent to Boaz by Naomi. Leaders often find themselves in situations where there is a demand placed upon them to provide spiritual oversight. 
Ruth was commended by Boaz that she followed the protocols of the family in that she came to him, and had not sought relief and deliverance from any external, perhaps carnally more attractive options. 
Yet the integrity of Boaz does not allow him to exercise an option that actually is the right of another man…a “closer” relative from within the family. Boaz demonstrates extraordinary discipline and foresight as he advises Ruth    on this matter. Boaz acted in the best interests of the family. Did Naomi not know this? Did Naomi not know that there was a “closer” relative? Or did she knowingly send Ruth to the bed of Boaz for reasons of security (Ruth 3:1)
Ruth was able to spend the entire night at the feet of Boaz in submission to his instructions, whilst Boaz maintained his integrity. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NELSON MANDELA…YOUR INTEGRITY IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST OPPRESSIVE REGIMES WILL ALWAYS BE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL SOUTH AFRICANS.