Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“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.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, June 20, 2026
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Naomi’s a sly one, she is. She obviously knew how much Boaz was into Ruth. She knew that once Ruth made it clear she was available for marriage, Boaz would jump. I wonder how well Naomi knew Boaz before she left for Moab during the famine. I get the sense he’s significantly older than Ruth, so he and Naomi might have been pretty well acquainted. Had he been friendly with Elimelech, his kinsman? I also wonder why Boaz wasn’t already married at this point. It’s never touched on. But even if he was significantly younger than I imagine (i.e. closer in age to Ruth) surely he would have been married by this time. Especially as a well-to-do landowner who would have been an attractive match for another girl. Especially especially as he is such an amazing, loving man. I mean, honestly! Yeah, it’s a short story, and why Boaz is single isn’t the point, but as a writer I always want more back-story!
But we’re running to the climactic moment, now, and Boaz is decisive—he knows what he wants, and he’s going to make it happen. All the past sorrow and uncertainty are soon to be behind them, and we’re on the edge of our seats.
When have I been absolutely certain about a decision I had to make? Did I feel like God had a hand in things?
