Ruth 4:5-‬10 KJV "Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day."

This passage of Scripture is the outcome of the suspense that has existed since Ruth went to Boaz's feet to ask him to take her under his protective wing.

Naomi had promised Ruth that Boaz would give himself no rest until he had settled the question of who would use the right of redemption. Indeed, Boaz kept his word, and as this passage reveals to us, it is finally him who will marry the young Moabite. This is a happy ending and we can imagine how happy Ruth and Naomi will be when they hear the good news. The party will be beautiful! Their patient and confident waiting has just been rewarded and Ruth's wish is granted. Boaz has kept his word and his mission is accomplished. He will marry Ruth the Moabite and ensure an inheritance to the deceased Machlon. They will live happily and in peace because he trusted God and allowed his Creator to lead him all the way through.

Boaz knew how to present and manage this situation in a remarkable way. He simply presented the facts without malice and without manipulation and God's perfect will for his life came true. It is certain that as a mature and established man, he also yearned for marriage and prayed that God would lead him to the one who would share his days. He trusted in God and let himself be guided by him, and now God was showing him His goodness by granting him the desire of his heart. This teaches us that when we are transparent and true, when we do not try to control the events of our lives and leave all control to the Lord, then we can be sure to come out victorious and be blameless. No one could ever accuse Boaz of trying to pull the strings in this matter to get his way. His dignity and good reputation are thus preserved and his notoriety in the city will be even more enhanced. He proved to God that he depends on him and God honored him by registering him in the genealogy of the King and Savior of mankind.

All the witnesses present at the city gate that day left with peace of mind, including Boaz's close relative who had the right of redemption. The case had been settled without any ambiguity and everyone was within his rights. When we let the Holy Spirit direct us, we have peace and we are blessed. But when we do not allow the wisdom and intelligence of God to work in our favor, then we become the lords of our own lives and run to our doom because we become easy preys for the devil. The Lord Jesus who is God manifested in the flesh has only plans of happiness and success for us. If we trust Him by being faithful and obedient, then we will find true happiness and rest for our souls. In this new year of grace that begins, let us resolve to surrender ourselves entirely in the hands of the Shepherd so that He can guide us. For he alone knows where the green pastures and the peaceful waters are, which we need for our souls. Happy New Year 2021 and may the blessings of the God of all flesh abound in your life. Amen. md