We read a Biblical story of Cinderella with a few twists and differences in the book of Ruth. Ruth returned home with her mother-in-law after the death of her husband and father-in-law. She found her way into a field to pick grain owned by Boaz.
(Ruth 4:7 and following…The Message translation)
“In the olden times in Israel, this is how they handled official business regarding matters of property and inheritance: a man would take off his shoe and give it to the other person. This was the same as an official seal or personal signature in Israel.”
In the Cinderella story, she lost her shoe as she raced out of the ballroom at the stroke of midnight. The prince located his princess by fitting the shoe on the foot of the right girl.
Cinderella became the belle of the ball after she fell on her knees, scrubbed the floors, and got her hands dirty and wet doing the work of her step-mother. She was not chasing after a prince. She was only doing her chores and hoping to be included in the ball festivities.
Ruth became the belle of Boaz’s ball after she rummaged through his grain field. She was doing her chores of helping to care for and gather food for her mother-in-law, hoping to catch a glimpse of her prince.
All modern-day Cinderella and Prince wannabees must be willing to get their hands dirty and wet for the way to Glory.
—Cinderella story metaphor credited to Len Sweet, July 5, 2009.
