April 22 – Ruth 3:6-13

April 22 – Ruth 3:6-13

⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. ⁷ And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. ⁸ At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! ⁹ He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings^[a] over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” ¹⁰ And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. ¹¹ And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. ¹² And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. ¹³ Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”

 

As Boaz begins to understand what is happening, he continues to act in an honorable manner. He knows that he is indeed a kinsman redeemer. He also knows that there is another redeemer that has the first option to take Ruth as his wife. He explains this to Ruth and encourages her to stay until the morning. He assures her that she is known as a worthy woman.

Again Boaz speaks words of kindness to Ruth. He makes her aware of the process and assures her she is well thought of in the town. I would think these kind words would help Ruth feel at ease and help her to realize she was about to be the wife of another man, one who would ease her way and help her, as well as Naomi, find provision and honor.

We too have a redeemer that has spoken for us and stands in the gap for us daily.  This story reflects the coming of Jesus, our Redeemer, in such a profound way.

Is there someone in your life that could reassurance and perhaps even provision? Ask God today to open you eyes and use you in his perfect plan.

 

Heavenly Father, I so love the story of Ruth as it is such a beautiful story of love, loyalty, and redemption.  How beautifully You give us a picture of the redemption that Jesus offers generations before He is born, and through one of His ancestors.  There are so many stories in the Bible that show us Your love and give a glimpse of the coming Redeemer in such subtle ways, yet when we think about Jesus, we can see Him throughout Your word.  Thank You for all the many ways You confirm Jesus as Messiah, Redeemer, and Savior.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!