I love the way Ruth chapter 3 ends. Boaz, having promised Ruth that he would redeem her life and situation, she goes back to her home where Naomi is waiting for her return from the threshing floor. In 3:16, Naomi asked Ruth how things went when she asked Boaz for redemption. Ruth then explained to Naomi that Boaz had promised to redeem her life, but there was one obstacle that had to be dealt with. In 3:18, Naomi’s response to Ruth concerning the obstacle that Boaz would have to overcome, to be able to redeem her situation, and her life reveals such a powerful truth. She tells Ruth to wait (rest) until Boaz has settled the matter. The word “settled,” in Hebrew, means to “finish.” She actually tells Ruth that Boaz will not “rest” until he settles the matter.
What an awesome statement. She tells Ruth that she can rest, concerning the situation, because Boaz won’t.
This is at the heart of living by faith; in every situation, and in every circumstance we can restfully trust that our great Boaz Jesus, will not rest until He finishes the matter. When I say rest, I don’t necessarily mean restful activity as much as I mean restful attitude. You may have to still be involved physically in the situation you’ve committed to Jesus, but in your heart you can be free from anxiety and fear, restfully knowing that He is at work, and whatever He does, He does victoriously, and Jesus’s victories are always majestic ones. (Ps.45:4)
We can joyfully live our days in restful anticipation, that what we’ve committed to Him, He will not rest until His will is “settled” in the matter.
