Ruth - 4th Chapter

Ruth chapter 4

When we left off from the third chapter last week, Naomi told Ruth that Boaz wouldn't rest until he had done all he was required, and all he could to make Ruth his rightful wife. We see as the forth chapter starts Naomi was right and Boaz follows the law and asks for the matter to be settled at the gate with elders. The same goes for what Christ did for us. He followed the law, then fulfilled it, that he might be the blameless sacrifice we needed for eternal life with him. There are no shortcuts to doing what is right, but if you get to work immediately, we'll find the time passes quickly.

Boaz stops the near kinsman (notice we never see his name, he is left off from history because he didn't want to take part) and asks him if to take his rightful inheritance. The man is all for taking the land, but he balks when he finds out that there is a woman involved where he will have to raise a child in another man's name. We can have eternal life, but it will cost us the world; we will have to live in Jesus's name and purpose and not our own.

Boaz purchases all that was Elimelech's and his family.Christ purchased all our sin debt and left nothing undone. Boaz declares to all what he has done and what his intentions are. We will have to declare with our mouth what Jesus has done in our hearts and lives. Boaz marries Ruth and Ruth conceives a son. This son would be the grandfather of king David. This gentile is brought into the fold and family of Christ just as we all are if we accept him.

The women of the city say something very profound to Naomi. They tell her that Ruth, this stranger from Moab is more of a blessing to her than seven sons. In that day and age, that is a staggering statement. Male children were everything to a woman. This goes to show, that no matter what the world may say, no matter what the world holds in regard, God lifts those up that seek his face regardless of their current state on this earth. Ruth is yet another story about the wonder of God's love for mankind.