Our Ruth is waiting in obedience to Naomi. (I say “our Ruth” because we all feel a little bit protective over her at this point, don’t we?) And Boaz is pursuing a future with Ruth through the proper channels. He respects the law, and he’s demonstrating over and over again that he is an honorable guy.
Boaz wants this to be legal—for the agreement to be made in plain sight, in the presence of elders. When Boaz fairly and legally takes Ruth as his wife, the ten elders and those at the gate invoke this incredible, ancient blessing for fruitfulness on their union: “May the LORD make [Ruth]…like Rachel and Leah, who together built the house of Israel. May you be powerful in Ephrathah and your name well known in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11).
God reveals a peek at His awesome tapestry when we look at the bigger picture of Boaz and Ruth’s love story. We pull back the curtain and see that Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi was so much more than an address change; it is a tiny piece of God’s grand plan.
That blessing of fruitfulness would soon bring forth a son, Obed, who would be the father of Jesse. And one of Jesse’s sons was David. (The guy who slayed Goliath, was anointed king, and wrote many of the psalms.) David also happens to be the direct ancestor of a baby whose parents returned to their hometown, Bethlehem, to deliver Him in a manger. Jesus. Renowned in Bethlehem, indeed!
Ruth and Boaz have a remarkable family history of redemption. Even better, through this family tree, the Redeemer—our Redeemer—would come to buy back the world.
Christ has redeemed us like Boaz redeemed Ruth. In the most public way possible, Jesus redeemed us once and for all, a people for His possession. May we go forward today knowing we are loved so genuinely and incredibly by the One who redeemed us to be His. We are loved, indeed. And we are His.
@Traci I really appreciate your truthful comment. So often have often not liked the result, but knowing God is there is what has carried me through.
Good Evening She’s!
@Alexia- I LOVE your story of trusting in Jesus, and how you came through, and have two little twin babies now! I think it would be a great testimony to share especially in the current environment. I may be posting too late for you to read this, but there is a podcast done weekly by a lady from my radio station named Merideth and it’s called “The Unfolding.” It showcases people’s testimonies of going through trials, or struggles, or circumstances and where they are now and how God was with them. Find it by Google or on FB. Everyone else- highly recommend listening to them, all of them are worth the listen!
Thankful for SRT and the insights! I wonder where our friend Angie (the teacher that used to comment daily) has been?
I have gotten so much from this story.
That’s actually really interesting, I had not thought of that
I love how God uses the little decisions we make and uses if for his grand story.
I can’t remember if this was from the Moody Bible commentary or the Bible project’s overview of the book of Ruth, but one of those resources points out the irony that this ‘other redeemer’ is so concerned about his own name/lineage that he doesn’t want to take Ruth on as his wife. Yet, the Bible doesn’t record his name or anything about him, which effectively cuts off his name/lineage from memory. I think that is so fascinating! God honors those who fear Him, once again!
Praying for each of the requests lifted today!
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep. – Psalms 127:2 this really spoke to me as I have been so restless and heavy hearted lately.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep. – Psalms 127:2