Studies in Ruth

Marriage as a Rest (Part 2) : Ruth 1:9 ; 3:1

In the first part of this lesson we saw why marriage is connected with a rest through the Bible as well in the book of Ruth. Here we will seek to build upon that though and look at how our marriages can be a rest.

Review: Why did Israel not enter into God’s rest?

If we go back to Hebrews 3:19 ; 4:6 we will see that Israel did not enter into God’s rest because of unbelief. Therefore you could also say it was a lack of faith. As we will show in this lesson faith will be the key to having your marriage be one of rest.

The key to a restful marriage is Faith:

This may sound strange at first but marriage is really about two people doing what the word of God says is their part in the relationship for the sake of the other person. This takes great faith. As we will see the Husband is to love his wife and give himself for her and the wife is to submit to the husband. These things both take great faith. It also only works correctly if both parties do their part. One alone even with faith cannot carry the load themselves.

Looking back to Ruth we can look at the Faith of both Ruth and Boaz:

1)  Ruth (Ruth 1:16-18 ; 2:1-12 ; 3:1-5)

• Ruth’s faith and submission is clearly seen in these passages. She submits herself to the God of Israel, the Law that God gave Israel and to Naomi in regards to the kinsman redeemer.

2)  Boaz (Ruth 3:13 ; 4:1-10)

• I think it is clear that Boaz desires to do the part of the kinsman redeemer, but there is one closer than him.
• In this Boaz submits himself to God and the Law in faith that it will work out. But he was willing for it not to work out. The unmarried seeking to be married could learn a lot from Boaz and Ruth.

Are we doing our part in marriage? 

In the previous lesson we ended showing the relationship of being in the yoke of Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30). We must think of our marriage the same way we are yoked together with our spouse. If we both submit to God and do our part in marriage as described in Ephesians 5:19-33, we would find that our marriage would be a lot more restful. In closing let us read Proverbs 31:12-31 with Boaz and Ruth in our minds as the virtuous woman and her husband.