3 July 2026
“Naomi said, ‘My daughter, wait until you find out how things go, for he won’t rest unless he resolves this today.’”
Ruth had done all she could do. She had obeyed Naomi. She had approached Boaz in humility. She had received his promise. Now there was nothing left except to wait. In his sermon on this passage, Mark Penrith draws our attention to Naomi’s simple instruction. “Wait. Sit still. Remain quietly. It is out of your hands. You have done all you can do. Now we must wait.” That is often the hardest part of faith. We would rather keep doing than quietly trust the Lord.
The remarkable shift in this chapter is that Ruth rests while Boaz becomes restless. Mark explains, “Ruth has taken her bold initiative. She has done what Naomi asked. She has risked everything. And now she rests.” Then he adds, “The restless one is now the redeemer.” Boaz would not stop until the matter was settled. In the same way, our hope does not depend on our ability to secure our own salvation. Jesus has already done what we never could. As Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified.”
Many believers still live as though everything depends on them. We carry burdens Christ has already borne. We strive to earn acceptance that He has already secured. Mark reminds us, “Ruth rested. Boaz was restless. The woman slept. The redeemer did not.” Then comes this comforting application. “You are not the redeemer. You do not need to be. Your job is not to secure your rest. Your job is to trust the One who already has.” That truth frees weary hearts. Christ’s finished work is sufficient. We can stop striving and rest in Him.
When anxious thoughts arise today, pause and pray, “Lord Jesus, You are my Redeemer. Help me rest in what You have already accomplished.” Then leave the burden with Him. Around the supper table tonight, invite each family member to share one worry they need to place into Jesus’ hands. Pray together, trusting the Redeemer who never fails His people.
Discussion Question: What keeps you from resting in Christ’s finished work?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You have finished the work of my redemption. Help me to trust You, release my burdens to You, and rest in Your perfect care. Amen.