Ruth 4
Scripture
Ruth 4:4-6 4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you[b] will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said. 5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the[c] dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.” 6 At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.” Observation-What does it say?
[Now that we’ve had the “long, slow walk through Ruth” (courtesy of PG), this story holds a new meaning and interest for me.] As we know, Boaz had been smitten when he saw Ruth in the field; but he upheld tradition with honor, seeking out the appropriate process and associated guardian-redeemer to give him the opportunity to claim what was “rightfully his” [according to the times] – to include both land and Ruth.
Understanding-What does it mean?
This is a beautiful love story – one built on honor, respect and obedience. Just as PG had done in his sermon series, it’s also a great assimilation of the story of God, sending His son, Jesus, as the bridegroom – bearing our sins that we may have eternal life in heaven.
Even as amazing as Ruth was – a woman of character, a hard worker, a caretaker for Naomi – she was seen as a potential “endangerment” to the designated guardian-redeemer’s estate. An “endangerment” that Boaz was glad to take on because he saw her as valuable – not as property, but as a partner and someone he wanted in his life for the rest of it.
The reason this struck me is…even as broken, unworthy, sin-filled humans, God sees us as valuable, lovable and people he wants to partner with (as we submit, we become His hands and feet in the world) and spend the rest of His life with (eternity). It’s truly the greatest love story ever told! <3
Life Application
God, thank you for loving me and choosing me just as I am – in all my imperfection. I’m grateful that we don’t have to be “good enough” to be chosen, to be sought after, to be loved! Teach me to love like that. Use me to let people know they are seen, valued, loved…not by me, but by a heavenly Father with a Father’s heart for them.
Big love to you above! <3
-Rei