Ruth 3:14-18
14 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, 17 saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” 18 She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:[a] that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body[b] in holiness and honor
SOAP: Ruth 3:14-15
Boaz tells Ruth to lay at his feet, but he never touches her and protects her modesty by cautioning his servants to shield her from shame. Let’s be honest: Boaz shows extreme self-control that is rarely evident among wealthy, powerful men. Ruth was an easy target in a dark room full of men that night, but he championed her purity.
Sexual purity is designed by God to protect us from brokenness of body, mind, and soul. The world tells us that the holiness outlined in the Bible is out dated, and that we can do what feels good to us, but choosing to serve our flesh will always lead to emptiness. Like Boaz and Ruth, we must fear God and choose to deny our flesh and trust in God’s timing.
Father God, give us a pure heart that honors You even in dark corners where no one is watching. May we fear You and yield all of our body, mind, and soul to obeying Your commands. Amen.