Ruth 3-4 God In The Middle

Ruth had not grown up in the Jewish culture, and many customs were unknown to her.  It was evident that she loved Boaz, but several cultural things were in play, and she had to trust her mother-in-law Naomi for the right advice to guide her.

 

She first had to approach Boaz and let him know, in the accepted way, that he needed to be the kinsman-redeemer.  Naomi’s husband’s land had been lost, and Ruth’s husband had inherited the rights to it, but he’d died as well.  God’s rules allowed for a close relative to have the duty to redeem the land and continue the family name.

 

Ruth had to step out of her comfort zone in faith, though.  She had to put herself out there by sleeping under the covers at Boaz’s feet to start the process.  This meant slipping out after dark, waiting until he’d fallen asleep, then assuming the posture of a servant at his feet, which likely hadn’t been washed after a day of labor.  It was a scary proposition, for there was always the risk of rejection.  But God was in the process.  God also let Boaz know not to give up and to know that with God all things are possible – for there was a closer relative who had to first decline the opportunity.

 

Boaz gladly accepted what God was doing, and ended up getting blessed and being a blessing to Ruth.  And the rest of the story was the best.  The son God gave them, Obed, had a son – Jesse – who had a son – David – who became king and God called him “a man after My own heart”.

 

Father, You are the Master of taking bad situations and bringing great glory to Yourself through them.  You give hope to the hopeless.  You overrule Satan at every turn.  Be that kind of God in our lives right now.  We need Jesus as our kinsman-redeemer, and I’m so thankful we have Him.  Show me Your will and allow me to watch as You do the incredible to overcome and overrule what looks impossible.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford