[Ruth] Realizing the Covenant RelationshipSample
The Sit Down
After feeling they had lost everything, Naomi schemed to get some of the things she lost back through her own wisdom and interest; Ruth worked and obeyed. Then a time finally came when the two women could rest, knowing that the goel, the redeemer, would do his work. Naomi now relied on Yahweh to remain faithful to His covenant promises.
How often do we obey the Lord only when we have something to gain? How many times do we follow and obey Him simply to obey Him?
Boaz, being obedient and faithful, fulfills his promise to Ruth. He meets with the closest relative who might redeem Ruth and Naomi. He goes to the city gate to sit down with that possible redeemer, selecting ten elders to bear witness and hear his case.
He sets up the sit-down in his favor because he knows he has a winning strategy. He was willing to do all it took to win, just like Christ did everything necessary to win our salvation. There is a correlation between what the redeemer does in the book of Ruth and what our Redeemer does for all of us.
The other relative was unwilling to sacrifice his inheritance, so he refused to redeem Naomi and Ruth. In contrast, Boaz was ready to sacrifice and seal the deal in front of witnesses, in front of the entire city, as the man of integrity and truth he was. He was not interested in land or possessions. He was interested in Ruth and Naomi and wanted to redeem their legacy.
So he did what was necessary for front of witnesses who affirmed the legality of the deal. They bestowed blessings and prayers upon Boaz and Ruth, being prophetic in their storytelling of the things that would come to pass.
What do we do when we witness people coming to Christ? Do we pray for them, bless them, and confirm what Jesus did and will do in their lives?
Ruth and Boaz walked in the truth, and God blessed them abundantly.
Reflect on everything the goel did for Ruth and Naomi. Reflect on what the Redeemer has done for you. It is so humbling! Give thanks for all that Jesus was willing to do for you and me. Praise the Lord!
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About this Plan
God loves to be personal and intimate with us. There is goodness, mercy, and unconditional love in His house. The Book of Ruth resounds with this message. In the conclusion of our series on Ruth, we will see the full realization of the covenant in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and their descendants. It is a story of redemption for them and for us!
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Special thanks to Dr. Mark Rae of the Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD) at Grace School of Theology, in collaboration with El Centro Network, for offering this devotional plan. Grace is committed to training spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about Christ's love. For more information, please visit https://www.gsot.edu/center/ and http://www.elcentronetwork.com