Day 10 – Ruth 4:7-22
Opening Prayer: Abba, thank You for being my guardian redeemer and rescuing me from spiritual poverty. Thank you for covering me with Your garment and giving me eternal life!
Read: Ruth 4:7-22
In your 4R journal:
- Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
- Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.
In ancient Israel, when property was transferred, a sandal was removed and offered to the purchasing party. In the same way, a Kinsmen Redeemer who refused to fulfil his role would remove his sandal and offer it to the next in line. Like a handshake, this was a promise that the sole of his foot would not step on the land and possess it. However, in the case of redeeming a widow to preserve the family line, Deuteronomy 25:9 states that the widow could spit in the face of the man that refused to redeem her. In fact, Deuteronomy 25 states that it would have been the widow that would have gone before the elders and plead her own case. Yet, Boaz not only pursues her redemption, but he also intercedes on her behalf! Doesn’t that sound like Jesus?
Reflection:
- Share a time when someone interceded on your behalf.
- How do you see God’s hand it the situation?
In summary, when the closest relative gave up his right to redeem Ruth, he took off his own sandal and handed it to Boaz in front of witnesses. The closest relative was legally eligible to redeem but unable to follow through because he lacked love for Ruth. In short, he didn’t want to sacrifice himself for her.
Sadly, this is a picture of the Law. Even in its perfection it is powerless to save! Still, Boaz is a picture of Jesus–full of grace and truth–Who is all about His Bride! Only Boaz could redeem Ruth, the Moabitess, because he loved her and no price was too high to pay. Likewise, only Jesus has the love and the power to pull me out of spiritual poverty and usher me into Himself as His bride. Boaz covered Ruth with his garment on the threshing floor but Jesus covers me with His blood and declares me righteous and redeemed! Jesus was stripped of His robes (and sandals) and spat on for my transgressions. No price was too high.
My Verse: Ruth 4:11, “Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11 NIV).
My Response: Lord, I am a witness of Your love and redemption! Only through You do I have standing in Heaven and eternal life!
In one verse the elders bless, pray and prophesy. Not only was Ruth blessed beyond what she could have imagined but Boaz was renowned in Bethlehem and we are still talking about them today. Like Rachael and Leah, who gave birth to the nation of Israel, Ruth, a gentile woman, gave birth to the line of David and ultimately the son of David, Jesus Christ!
In the end, Ruth and Boaz are married and have a son named Obed. Holding the promised child, Naomi is no longer bitter. Praise and prayer flow from the lips of Naomi’s friends as they witness God’s amazing grace. Here, Boaz and Ruth fulfil their roles as stewards of the line of David and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen!
“May the Lord reward your work and may your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” (Ruth 2:12 NASB)
The next step:
When the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, chose a response to share:
- Share a time when someone interceded on your behalf.
- How do you see God’s hand it the situation?
Or
- Share your 4R Response
