And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward, and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative." (verse 8-9)
Message: Ruth Asks Boaz to Redeem her
Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life.
What the Lord is Saying: The last lesson ended with Naomi giving instructions to Ruth to basically court Boaz and serve him in a way that puts him in a position to hopefully marry Ruth. This is to fulfill a law that states when a wife's husband is deceased, someone from the family, preferably the brother, will marry the widow an Naomi hopes that Boaz will be this person towards Ruth.
Ruth does as Naomi says and Boaz reciprocates with honorable words toward Ruth. In verse 11, "And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that are a woman of excellence." In verse 9, Ruth appeals to the idea of Boaz being a close relative and he agrees in verse 12, though he mentions a closer relative. Boaz will ask him to redeem Ruth, but if he does not then Boaz will follow through on that redemption.
Ruth returns to her mother, but with a gift - barley. It shows that Ruth came to Boaz to receive Barley. Ruth left early so as to not be seen by others. Perceptions are important and Ruth and Boaz made sure that although they were not doing anything wrong, they still made sure to convey to others that there was not question of what they were doing alone. Naomi felt good about how things had gone, agreeing that Boaz will not settle today until the matter is resolved.
One of the lessons Tabletalk mentions today is "When we see a possible answer to our prayers, we should pursue it if that possibility is righteous." This is what Naomi did with Ruth towards Boaz. She seized the day. She was involved in the answer to prayer, not simply waiting for things to occur but giving it an opportunity for success. This is a good reminder to me. We are not simply passive in our walk with God, but taking advantage of opportunities as they get presented.
Summary: Ruth follows threw on Naomi's advice in going to the threshing floor to pursue Boaz. He complies but wants to make sure there isn't another relative who will fulfill the close relative obligation toward Ruth.
Promise: When we have prayed and we see a possible answer to our prayer, we are free to pursue it. We should be willing to be the answer to our own prayers.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this message and reminder that when you are leading me in a direction, I should seize the day and the opportunity. You make things possible and I need to step into them. Give me wisdom and discernment to know what steps I need to take. Thank you for working everything out for my good.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
No comments:
Post a Comment