A few good men!

The other day I was commenting on how gentlemanly the gesture was when my dad served mom coffee at the restaurant.'Gentlemanly' is an adjective that can describe very rare men these days.These kind of men usually go unnoticed in a crowd but become the most admired once noticed.Coincidentally that week,I was reading  the book of Ruth, a story that revolves around a young widow named Ruth,when a man in the book grabbed  my attention -Yup...you're right-it was Boaz.Boaz was the son of Salmon and Rahab,the prostitute(She WAS a prostitute until she decided to be a part of God's people and identify with them)and one of the finest examples of a godly gentleman. Here are a few qualities of Boaz that made me his instant admirer-

Boaz-the boss

Boaz,being a wealthy landlord,in the second chapter of Ruth,enters the grainfield he owned and greets the harvestors with the words,“The LORD be with you!” and they answer,“The LORD bless you!”.I can see their smiling faces in response.Can you imagine that exchange of greeting taking place on shop floors or in offices today?Treating co-workers,subordinates even cleaning people with respect and courtesy is the trademark quality of a gentleman and a trait so vividly displayed in Boaz.

Boaz also took notice of a young woman at the fields and after inquiring about her,orders the men not to trouble her but offer her all the help they can.Note the conversation of Boaz with Ruth during mealtime as he wishes for her recompense from the Lord.The warmth of Boaz's reception is heightened by his sharing of food with her and even serving her.He was a man who truly respected a woman!

Boaz was a man of integrity too.As Ruth continues to glean in Boaz’s field, Naomi(Ruth's mother-in-law) plans to appeal to Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer(and thus marry her).When the appeal is made,Boaz tells Ruth that there is  a closer relative who can redeem her.He could've taken advantage of the situation or agreed to marry her immediately after the request was made.But he chose to abide by God's law and do the right thing. You see,he thought with his head,not with his heart.True character acts rightly,whether in secret or in the sight of men.I can imagine Ruth's fluttering heart and her butterfly-infested stomach as she awaited the decision of the closer relative the next day!Thankfully,the other man refused and Ruth was free to marry Boaz! A Divine plan at work,I would say.

Noteworthy throughout this story is the character of Boaz. A hospitable man, with a concern for duty and reputation. A kind man, with a strong sense of propriety.More importantly,a man who put God above his girl!And this was the man who turned out to be the great great grandfather of JC!

God needs these kind of men to build his kingdom-men of character,men of honor, good men who can be summed up in the lyrics of this song by the Gaither Vocal band:

A few Good men
What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.
God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.

Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.

He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed;
He calls the one who has the strength to stand up for the Truth.
Enlistment lines are open and He wants you to come in-
He just needs a Few Good Men.