The Marriage ceremony
Text
Ruth 4:1-17
Aims
to analyse the marriage of Boaz and Ruth as a biblical example of marriage ceremony,
to expound on the important aspects of marriage ceremony in a Christian setting and
to caution on expensive marriage ceremony.
Introduction
Sexagesima means sixty days before Easter. As we prepare to enter into the Lenten season, may we receive grace to be renewed towards all righteousness in Jesus name.
In every human race, there is always the tradition and custom of doing things including marriage. Our Bible passage today reveals a precursor for marriage proceedings in Christendom in the Levirate tradition and customary law that decrees that a widow should marry her dead husband's kinsman (brother). Boaz was a kinsman to Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, who had died with her (Naomi’s) two sons including Ruth’s husband (Rut 2). Boaz was a respectful man that takes care of the poor. He displayed grace towards Ruth, a very humble and hardworking daughter-in-law of Naomi (Rut 3) and thereafter paid her redemption bride price before marrying her according to the custom, tradition and law of Israel at the time. (Rut 4:7-12)
Study guide
How do you understand the Levirate marriage tradition and custom as revealed in the Bible via our introduction? Give a narration of the marriage custom in your locality.
Discuss the concept and possible challenges of bride price in our contemporary traditions and relate it with the bride-price, acceptance and marriage from Ruth 4:7-13.
In Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion liturgy on Holy matrimony, there is this section: The priest then invites and says to the parent: As N and N enter a new life together; will you their parents give them your blessings in the presence of this congregation? The Parents pray for the Couple: May God bless you both in Jesus name. Amen. Discuss this in the context of Ruth 4:11.
As Christians, should we incur financial debts because of marriage ceremony? Discuss in light of the expenses in contemporary Christian marriages. 1Cor 14:33, 40; Phil 4:5.
Conclusion
Marriage tradition varies from one custom to the other. However, as Christians, we must be careful never to start a new marital home with debts that was incurred during marriage ceremony. We should do all things modestly and moderately.
Food for thought
No ceremony is worth the stress of indebtedness including marriage.
Memory verse
Phil 4:5 “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand”.