July 28, 2023
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Reading along with us in Ruth? Here’s today’s reading:
Ruth 4 (NIV)
Boaz Marries Ruth
1 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
2 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so.…..Continue Reading
Ruth and Boaz are the reason why Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So cool to see this short book of the Bible have such significance to us personally in regards to humility, character, and our treatment of others but also in the lineage of Jesus!
This tender story of choices made through much emotion and God’s hand being a part of each of those choices that then directly lead to Jesus’ earthly family and where He would be born as well is just a great example of God’s careful, meticulous steps in creating His masterpiece of salvation to save us.
I have just finished reading the books of Ruth.
I’ve read that the Book of Ruth was written sometime during the rule of the Judges. The Judges time was characterized by apostasy and moral degradation. With this backdrop, the people in this book seem amazing. Several things stand out to me: 1. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, 2. Naomi’s love, wisdom and knowledge of the law of the day were notable, and of course 3. Boaz, the kinsman redeemer who also showed great character throughout.
Boaz steps in and becomes the kinsman after the first wouldn`t do it because of Ruth. By buying the land from Naomi; Boaz also purchases Ruth by doing this and she becomes his wife. This was the Jewish custom in those days which was far greater for women than any other culture. They were to be honored and cherished. The right term would be for Boaz the kinsman–redeemer. In other cultures women weren`t given dignity. They were treated quite badly. This in many cultures women were just objects. This is not what God wanted when He brought Adam Eve together in marriage. For men and women were created in God`s image. They were not to act as animals. As in the Jewish culture so it is with Christian marriages. The home was to be a God fearing family ordained by Him. Ruth became the great grandmother of King David which in time many generations latter was born Jesus the Christ. Peace to all who love the Lord.
Boaz shows himself here to be a man of integrity, wisdom and industriousness. First, he addresses the situation quickly (just as Naomi said he would, his reputation proceeded him) so as to make sure he is orchestrating the situation and avoiding any miscommunication, mismanagement, or confusion. Second, he gets all the parties needed to make a resolution and who had a stake in the matter together. And third, he does it on the open. We could also add humility and faithfulness in the mix too because we clearly know what Boaz wants but he puts it all on the table for the one who had the first right to it, to get it. It is interesting that he does eventually make clear all that is involved in taking over Elimelech’s land, but just speaks of the land first. It would be easy for this kinsman redeemer to just add to his property, but when along with it would be someone who would now have rights to his land as well, he backs away. Because of his wealth, we know Boaz’s concern is more for Naomi and Ruth, but he puts it out there for everyone to hear what is being proposed and why, what is being accepted and what is being rejected. It all sounds good to what we can imagine is a fairly close knit community who know all the players involved and they pronounce blessing upon this arrangement. It is very interesting that they talk about the importance of the offspring and how famous Boaz and Ruth will be because of it. We can imagine this quaint and yet powerful story is told because of who is born of this line. Famous in Bethlehem? Can anyone say David? And Jesus? Awesome the way God works!
Ruth 4
Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel! 15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.”
Naomi transitions from bitter to blessed!
The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28