Love That Never Fails

49. The Redeemer

Looking to the future in the midst of hard times can be very trying! For many who have lost loved ones or face great uncertainty regarding jobs and income, each day can seem like a fight for survival! We can be greatly encouraged during this difficult year, that God sees our plight and He cares! He hasn't left us! The mess left in the world due to COVID-19, is not too hard for our loving God to fix!

As we continue to read through the story of Ruth, we see two women in difficult circumstances and one who had given up so much to care for her mother in law. Ruth's kindness had not gone unnoticed by Naomi and had even gotten the attention of a man called Boaz.

"One day Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi said to her, "My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do." "I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do."
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭3:1-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

While Naomi had appreciated everything Ruth had done for her, she wanted to show her love in return by making sure that her daughter in law would be provided for in the future. Notice Ruth's immediate obedience, showing her respect for the wise woman she had spent so much time caring for.  Although perhaps not fully ready to grasp the significance of what Naomi was asking her to do, Ruth had no hesitation in following the very specific instructions.

In fact, this was how things were done under Israel law at this time, in Ruth's circumstances. The role of Kinsman Redeemer ensured that the family name was carried on through children, so they were to marry the childless widow in accordance with Deuteronomy 25:5-10. The act of laying at Boaz's feet was a way Ruth could demonstrate her humble submission. Spreading the corner of his garment over Ruth would have been akin to a marriage proposal!

"When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! "Who are you?" he asked. "I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family."

"The Lord bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning."

So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, "No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor." He also said, "Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out." When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he went back to town."
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭3:7-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Already Boaz was showing that he was eager to provide for Ruth and Naomi. He demonstrated such kindness and consideration for the younger woman, putting aside his own desires and acknowledging that there was a younger family member who could take care of Ruth. There was obviously quite an age gap between Ruth and Boaz, so he wanted the best for her. 

Although the future did not yet look entirely clear,  it seemed that Ruth and Boaz were on the way to developing a lasting relationship as they each showed great consideration for the other.  Naomi was understandably anxious to hear how things went when Ruth returned the next morning:

"When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, "How did it go, my daughter?" Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her and added, "He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, 'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.' " Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.""
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So the waiting continued just as it does for many people today who are stuck in uncertain situations. Thankfully, we have our own Redeemer, in Jesus who took all our sins on His body as He died on the cross. God raised Him to life so we could have eternal life! What a wonderful future we have beyond our current circumstances! Jesus is waiting for us to look beyond the present crisis and allow Him to turn things around, just as a Kinsman Redeemer would provide for a family member in need.  We are so blessed! Just bow in humble submission as Ruth did and be ready for things to be looking up!

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for this beautiful story which reminds me that You see my circumstances and You care about my future. I humbly come before You now, laying at Your feet, so thankful for loving me and sending Jesus to be my Redeemer! I am saved for all eternity and I am sure that You care about my current circumstances and desire the very best outcome. I bring before You my concerns .................. knowing that You can turn things around as I simply submit to Your will.

Help me to be patient and to trust You completely with my future.

Amen.