Matter Settled!

So I was preparing a sermon on a totally different topic than this blog post, but in my study, I came across Ruth 3:18.

“Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." (NIV)

 

A Very Brief Background

Ruth is the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Both Naomi and Ruth’s husbands have died. Ruth decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. In doing so, a series of events led to Ruth meeting Boaz, a wealthy and well-respected man. Ruth catches the eye of Boaz. He inquires more about her. Naomi advises Ruth as to how to approach Boaz. Ruth does as Naomi instructs. As a matter of tradition Boaz had rights to marry Ruth, but there was someone with greater rights to her than him. Boaz, as the respectable and seasoned man he was, tells Ruth that if the other guy doesn’t claim her, he would definitely do so. Ruth goes back to Naomi and tells her all that happened. Now we get to verse 18.

“Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." (NIV)

This passage is full of wisdom from the elder woman, Naomi sharing her wisdom with the younger woman, Ruth—to Ruth listening and heeding the words of wisdom. But the part that I noticed that I had never zoned into is: “For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

 

The Real

Honey, chile, if he wants you, he will not rest until the matter is settled! That’s one thing any man will tell you. When they are clear that you are the one; when they have removed all doubt about whether you are the one they want, they will not rest until the matter is settled. As women we always say, “He just needs to tell me.” Baby girl, he will. Many women are not clear about if a guy wants them, but if you aren't clear then he hasn't settled the matter. We say that they send mixed messages and sometimes he’s on and sometimes he’s off.  We mistake niceness for more than what it is. We overanalyze every word of every conversation to see if perhaps…maybe…probably…he wants me.  We make tons of excuses as to why he isn’t doing anything to show us that he wants to spend time and be with us. Girl, if he does he will settle the matter. And if he hasn’t then he hasn’t.  Either he’s not ready to settle the matter or just doesn’t want to settle it with you. Bottom line: When he’s sure, he will settle the matter. You have to decide whether you want to wait as Ruth did for the matter to be settled. Ruth had to settle the matter in her heart as well. (side note: be sure he is worth the wait)

Please hear me, if he does want you…if he is sure that you are the one for him…you will know.

 

How will you know?  

 

“For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

 

Don’t believe me?

 

Read Ruth 4:13 “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife.”

 

MATTER SETTLED!