A Good Man...

Ruth 4:1-22

Now, Boaz went about doing what he promised Ruth he would do. As per Israelite custom, he met with the family redeemer outside the town gate. He called over ten leaders to act as witnesses to their transaction. He informed him of the situation regarding Naomi and the land she was selling which belonged to her late husband. Boaz told the man that he was giving him first dibs at it because it was rightfully his. He was even up front about wanting it for himself if the man was not willing.

The family redeemer agreed to purchase the land of his deceased relative. However, Boaz being the good businessman he was, then revealed, what I like to call, the 'Ruth clause'. He explained that with the land, he also had to agree to marry Ruth so she could have children and carry on the family name. That tidbit of information made the deal too much for the family redeemer. So, he changed his mind and agreed to let Boaz have it.

So, in the presence of the ten witnesses, the man removed his sandal and handed it to Boaz as he told him to buy the land. (There were some very odd customs during that time, but whatever.) With that, their agreement was made official and Boaz went to claim his new wife...oh yeah, and the land too.

They consummated their marriage and Ruth gave birth to a son, whom she named Obed, and the rest is history. That is to say, Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David; thereby continuing the line that led to Jesus. Isn't God awesome in the way he works? Using random people, who are simply willing to be obedient to him, to do great and mighty things for his Kingdom!

The same can be, and is, true of us today. God is still working miracles and fulfilling his ultimate plan in and through his people. All we have to do is let him use us. Also, as we see in this story, occasionally, we might even get something out of it that we really want in the process. Faithfulness and obedience to God are the order of the day; that seems to be a recurring theme...hmm.

Heavenly Father, I come to you, now, thanking you for all that you are and all you have done in my life and the lives of all your people. Thank you for being a provider and promise-keeper. Thank you for including us in your plan for the salvation of this world, even though we are unworthy. Thank you for your grace, that allows us to even benefit directly from the greater purpose of your will. Help us to continue to be willing vessels for your work and faithful servants to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.