The Book of Ruth
Day 6
In Hot Pursuit!
Read: Ruth 4:1-10
By the time we reach Ruth, chapter 4, Naomi and Ruth have lost their husbands and their future, traveled to Judah, and found a new beginning through Boaz. He is a relative who has the right and duty to keep their family land in place, and become a husband to Ruth.
(This is the role of the 'kinsman-redeemer according to Gen. 38; Lev. 25:25-31, 47-55; Deut. 25:5-10.)
Naomi had introduced the couple, and Boaz committed to marry her as long as the closer kinsman (who has first rights) will allow him. Boaz promised Ruth he would settle the matter. 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 3:18)
Listen to those words: "The man will not rest until the matter is settled." She knew the heart of the kinsman-redeemer; a heart that goes in hot pursuit of a lost family.
How did Boaz go in hot pursuit of the lost family of Naomi and Ruth?
| 1. | He sought to settle the matter swiftly and zealously. "Meanwhile, Boaz went up to the town gate; and there he took initiative in gathering together the other kinsman and ten elders of the people." (Ruth 4:1-2).
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| 2. | Boaz then brought things out in the open to be dealt with. "I thought I should bring the matter to your attention..." (Ruth 4:4) He didn't try to hide an uncomfortable and potentially disappointing situation (remember, it's possible he could lose Ruth to this other man!).
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| 3. | Then Boaz placed God's word in authority over his family. He said, "For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line." (Ruth 4:4) He submitted to God's law. No doubt he wished he were first in line! But he had the integrity to submit the situation to God's word.
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| 4. | Having been released by the other to be the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz then made commitments. "Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon." (Ruth 4:9) Boaz then made another commitment: he pledged to marry Ruth. (Ruth 4:10) |
May the example of Boaz inspire us to take the same four steps in our families
(especially husbands and fathers)
| 1. | Seek to settle family matters swiftly and zealously. "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." (Eph 4:26) Take initiative and don't delay in addressing issues, brewing conflicts, or necessary conversations.
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| 2. | Bring things out in the open to be dealt with. Confession, honesty, transparency, vulnerability, and clear communication. "I'm sorry." "We need counseling." "You mean so much to me."
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| 3. | Place God's word in authority over your family. Read it in family devotions. Apply it in each situation.
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| 4. | Make commitments. Let's not forget the sanctity of our marriage and baptism vows. "To love and cherish, for rich or poor, in sickness and in health, till death do us part." "'To bring this child up in the faith and live an exemplary life." |
Wow! We're not good enough for this! That's right, we often fail.
The good news is that Jesus does all the Kinsman-Redeemer stuff, too! And perfectly! And for us!
Jesus is in hot pursuit of your family's well-being! Jesus comes to seek and save the lost, brings things out in the open so the truth can set us free, places God's word in authority by giving us the Spirit to guide us, and commits Himself to us through His death on the cross.
Let's invite Him! Like Ruth, who bowed before Boaz in humility and asked him to marry her (Ruth 3:9), let's humbly acknowledge our honest need and simply ask Him to supply it.
Jesus, thank You for hotly pursing me and my family to redeem us! I humbly bow before You and ask You to save my family. I expect something to happen! I receive Your assurance that You will swiftly and zealously pursue us! Amen.