The Plot Thickens

Scripture – Ruth 4:1-4: ¹Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there. When the kinsman-redeemer he had mentioned came along, Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. ²Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. ³Then he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. ⁴I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Boaz knows what he’s doing now. He wants Ruth. That is, he wants to marry her. But, according to his beliefs and the culture of his day, this other man had the first chance to do that. (The business of the land is tied to that. I don’t remember exactly how.) So Boaz is going by the book. He meets with the other fellow. He has witnesses in place. He explains the deal. However, the man says, “I will redeem it.” What does that mean for Boaz and Ruth?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll look up some information on this “kinsman-redeemer” business before tomorrow. I’ll keep Boaz in mind today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for this story and the example of Boaz. He lived according to his understanding of your word. If that means things might not turn out the way he wants them to, he’s ready to accept that. Please teach me to live with such faith.