Not Victims, But Heirs : Claiming Your God-Given Rights

Boaz was the goel—the kinsman-redeemer of Elimelech’s family (Ruth 2:20; 4:1–10). As such, he carried the responsibility to protect the family’s land, preserve their name, and redeem the widow by marriage, ensuring the continuation of the lineage (Deuteronomy 25:5–10; Leviticus 25:25). Yet, Ruth did not demand this right, nor did Boaz force it upon her. What unfolds instead is a story of humility, honor, and divine order.

Naomi counseled Ruth to wash, anoint herself, and put on her best garment (Ruth 3:3), symbolizing preparation, dignity, and intentionality. She instructed her to wait until Boaz had finished eating and drinking and had lain down. Then Ruth was to uncover his feet and lie down (Ruth 3:4). These actions were not seductive, but symbolic, expressing surrender and a respectful appeal for covering and redemption.

Ruth came to claim a legitimate right. Since Boaz was her goel (kinsman-redeemer), she had every reason to expect him to marry her and raise up offspring to preserve the name of Elimelech. Yet Naomi did not instruct her to demand this right or approach as a victim. Instead, she counselled Ruth to come in humility, as a servant, choosing character over entitlement, and posture over pressure.

When Boaz awoke, Ruth said, “Spread your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer”(Ruth 3:9).This was not merely a request for marriage, but a plea for covenantal protection.

This posture carries spiritual weight. Scripture teaches that a wife serves her husband (Ephesians 5:22), not as a sign of inferiority, but as an expression of honor and love.The term “servant” does not diminish a woman’s worth or authority; rather, it reflects the posture of the heart, one of humility and submission unto God.

Through this sacred and unusual approach, Ruth was essentially saying, “I come to you in total submission.” Her humility opened the door for redemption, not only for herself, but for an entire lineage, ultimately leading to the birth of David and later Christ (Ruth 4:13–22; Matthew 1:5).

Esther’s approach toward King Ahasuerus was unique and intentional. Though she, like Ruth, walked in humility and submission, her strategy differed because her position and calling were different.

When Mordecai learned of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and cried out with bitterness and lamentation (Esther 4:1). Yet, his mourning could only take him as far as the king’s gate, for no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter the palace (Esther 4:2). Had Esther adopted the same posture, she would have remained confined to the harem and deliverance would not have come to her people.

Instead, Esther humbled herself through prayer and fasting, seeking divine wisdom and timing (Esther 4:16). The Lord then led her to approach the king clothed in royal robes (Esther 5:1). These garments symbolized the authority entrusted to her within the palace. She was no longer outside the gates, but standing in the inner court. Therefore, she did not need to wear sackcloth or lie at the king’s feet. She was called to walk in the authority given to her.

So Esther stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, and when the king saw her, she obtained favor in his sight, and the golden scepter was extended toward her (Esther 5:2).

Had Ruth approached Boaz by saying, “I know you are the kinsman-redeemer. Redeem me and claim your authority,” it would have reflected arrogance rather than humility. Such an approach would likely have turned Boaz away instead of drawing his favor.

Boaz himself testified to her character, saying, “It has been fully reported to me all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and came to a people you did not know before” (Ruth 2:11). This reveals that Boaz was drawn not merely by position or entitlement, but by Ruth’s heart, character, and faithfulness. And Ruth beautifully displayed these qualities before him.

Had Esther approached the king in tears and wailing for her people, she would have missed her divine destiny. Instead, she entered the inner court clothed in royal robes, and rather than being put to death for approaching the king uninvited, the king extended his golden scepter toward her (Esther 5:1–2). Then he said, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom” (Esther 5:3).

“ I am a widow. Let me live my life like this till my death. I know pain is my portion. Let me gladly choose it”. She would then be labelled as a fool who never used her right of redemption. Imagine Esther saying “ Let my people and I die in this place. If I go to king without being called, I would die. Hence, i am scared to approach the king. Let Haman and his plans succeed. That’s our fate” Anyone would be tempted to say “Esther, you are already in the palace. Use the authority granted to you” 

Both Esther and Ruth employed unique strategies to claim their God-given rights, guided by divine wisdom. Neither operated from a victim mindset; instead, they walked in courage, and discernment Had they chosen fear and resignation, both would have missed their divine destinies.

Imagine Ruth saying, “I am a widow. Let me live like this until death. Pain is my portion, and I will gladly accept it.” She would have forfeited her right of redemption and ignored God’s provision through the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 4:13–15).

Or imagine Esther saying, “Let my people and I die. If I go to the king without being called, I will perish. Let Haman’s plans succeed, that is our fate.” Anyone would be compelled to say, “Esther, you are already in the palace. Use the authority granted to you.”

Child of God, you are an heir to the Kingdom of God (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7). Walk in your authority as an heir, not as a victim of your circumstances (Luke 10:19). It is when you choose to exercise your authority that you step into your promised land. Choosing fate will never move you forward, but only deeper into your situations. 

Esther and Ruth were ordinary women, yet God used them as powerful examples for us showing what happens when we use the right authority granted to us instead of resigning to our situations in sorrow and fear.

 Both stepped forward, not as victims, but as chosen ones. Take your rightful position. Stop living like a victim. Walk like the called.