In this episode, Arlin Horst takes listeners into the heart of Ruth chapter 2 with a message that’s both timely and timeless: “Be a Boaz.” Through careful reflection on the life and character of Boaz, this episode lays out a call for believers to embody godly character in a world that desperately needs it.
The episode opens with a powerful idea: “A godly man changed the world. Go be a godly man.” Boaz’s life shows us what that looks like—not in grand gestures, but in everyday actions that reflect a heart formed by God. His story reminds us that character is not built overnight. As Arlin notes, “It’s not something that you just invent one day. Your reputation is built over many days.”
Ruth chapter 2 is divided into three scenes that reveal Boaz as honorable (verses 1–4), kind (verses 5–13), and generous (verses 14–17).
Boaz enters the story with a reputation that speaks for itself. Described as a “mighty man of valor” or a “worthy man,” he is known not just for his wealth, but for his integrity. In a dark time for Israel, Boaz stands out—“When the society is dark… godly men stand out.”
And perhaps Boaz’s background helped form his unique perspective. As a descendant of Rahab, a foreign woman, it “wasn’t a strange thing to him” to show kindness to Ruth, another foreigner. His honorable reputation wasn’t just about avoiding evil—it was about pursuing good.
Boaz didn’t just talk kindly—his kindness ran deep. He noticed Ruth, asked about her, and took steps to ensure she was protected. “A godly man has that kind of effect—they’re safe, they’re protective.”
Even though she was a foreigner and had no standing in society, Boaz welcomed Ruth to glean in his fields. He gave her safety, dignity, and blessing:
“May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Boaz showed what it means to see someone—to truly notice their story and meet them with compassion. He didn’t have to go the extra mile. “Since she was a foreigner, he wouldn’t have had to be that nice—but he did.”
Boaz’s kindness wasn’t just words; it showed up in generosity. He invited Ruth to eat with his workers—“Come and eat with us.”—and then went beyond the letter of the law by instructing his reapers to intentionally leave extra for her to gather.
He operated with a mindset of “plenty.” As Arlin puts it: “It was God’s. He gives. He takes. There’s enough here for all of us.”
Because of this, Ruth walked away with an epha of barley—a surprisingly large amount, pointing to Boaz’s lavish generosity and care.
Boaz is more than a model of godly living. He points us to someone greater.
Every book of the Bible whispers the name of Jesus—and Ruth is no exception. Boaz, the man from Bethlehem, foreshadows Christ, the Lion of Judah, who would also come from Bethlehem.
Boaz saw a foreigner and extended grace—just like Jesus sees us, the spiritual outsiders, and welcomes us into His family.
And just as Boaz would redeem Ruth, Jesus would redeem the world.
This episode closes with a simple but urgent call: Live with open hands.
Boaz was honorable, kind, and generous—and we are called to follow in his footsteps.
We can’t control all the big moments in life. But as Arlin reminds us, “We can do right in this moment. We can do right where we’re at and change the world.”
Whether you’re a man or woman, young or old, rich or poor—the character of Boaz shows us what it looks like to walk in integrity, kindness, and grace.
So today… Be a Boaz.
