Ruth – God’s Ending

Read: Ruth 4 Chapter four opens up to Boaz at the gate, in the center of the town. He is here because he would like to marry Ruth and is looking for her kinsmen redeemer. The nearest living relative to Ruth and Naomi is a man we don’t know, however we can learn quite a bit about his character just by this short passage. We know that this man is obligated to take care of the two women, but not once has he stepped up to offer them any help. Beyond that, when Boaz asks the man if he would like to redeem Ruth, he declines to do so. This was a man who lacked integrity and character, especially in comparison to Boaz. Boaz makes a legal transaction with the relative to have the redeeming rights to Ruth so that he may marry her. He had no legal obligation to do anything for Ruth, however he has done nothing but care for her throughout the book. Boaz has extended grace just as Jesus extends grace to us. God’s grace is sufficient for us. We have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, foreigners who deserved nothing but have been given the rights of an heir. Now as Jesus redeems his bride (the Church), Boaz redeems his bride (Ruth). He marries her and she conceives. Interestingly, Ruth had not conceived in her previous marriage of ten years. We can assume that she had been barren during this time, however God has opened her womb at this time in order to give birth. She does so to a little boy named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of the great King David. I want to paint one more picture of God’s grace and sovereignty through the birth of this child. Ruth was a Moabite; a foreigner who had no rights. However, through grace and redemption she becomes a part of the genealogy of Christ. How incredible of a story! It wasn’t an easy life for Ruth. She grew up in a wicked nation. She suffered the loss of her husband. She followed Naomi to a foreign land and lived in poverty. All very difficult circumstances to say the least. However, as I pointed out in the beginning of this series, we can see God’s fingerprints all over Ruth’s story and there is no doubt He was at work the entire time. It was a long and difficult journey, but it ended with redemption. Ruth started out empty, but she ended full! No matter what your season may be, remember that God is at work in your life. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry; it’s not finished, but it is in progress. Know that God is gracious, good, and that He loves you. If you find yourself discouraged on this journey, take another look at the life of Ruth and remember that God works for the good of His people.]]>