Message from the Monthly Flyer January 2021
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
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