Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife. (Ruth 4:10 ESV)
Threats and Love
The story of Ruth and Boaz is not a typical Hollywood love story. Boaz is not seduced into ‘feelings’ by mere physical attraction. Boaz does not fall helplessly into an emotional love at the mysterious power of Ruth’s beauty, inward or external. Boaz does not ‘need’ a Ruth in his life, and finally find one.
Instead Boaz chooses to love Ruth. He decides to end the threats to Ruth (Ruth 2:8,9) NOT based on Ruth herself, but based solely on Boaz’s character.
Since Boaz is a metaphor for our Redeemer, Christ, this is a good thing.
The love of Christ ends every threat we face, too. Solely, wonderfully, and necessarily because of who our Redeemer, Christ is. NOT because of our loyalty, goodness, or value.
The love of Christ is the complete answer to every threat. Consider the three enemies of God that threaten us. Christ’s love ends the threat of the flesh, our sins nailed to the cross, and physical creation’s redemption guaranteed. Christ’s love ends the threat of the world, as His resurrection ends the evil hope of every other kingdom. Christ’s love ends the threat of Satan, binding him and ending his futile attempt to usurp God’s position.
Even on a day-by-day basis, the threats we face are beaten by the love of Jesus Christ. Are you lonely? He can solve that. Are you financially troubled? He can solve that. Are the effects of your sin overwhelming? He can solve that. Are you afraid? He can solve that.
The love of Christ is the absolute and greatest answer to whatever threatens you.
Take the love God grants you.