Overview
Ruth went through the process to get ready and execute the plan.
1. Go and wash yourself
2. Anoint yourself
3. Put on your best garment
4. Go down to the threshing floor
5. Do not make yourself known until after he eats
6. Pay attention to where he lies down
Boaz makes a covenant with Ruth to take care of her, but he told her that he must first speak with the closest relative that is above him.
Verses 1-12
Boaz discusses the issue among the elders at the gate. Now the gate is where business generally took place. We know that Boaz had to be someone important and highly respected because when he summoned the elders they came and sat down where he asked them to sit.
There was no commotion or confusion. When he summoned the closest relative he also came and everyone listened to what Boaz had to say.
Boaz went through the steps of declaring what needed to be done:
1. Get the land back that was sold (relative agreed to this)
>>Now we learned in the last bible study that people were already talking about Ruth and Naomi so the question to be asked is: Why did Boaz have to bring it to the relatives and elders in order for something to happen? If everyone was talking about what Ruth was doing for Naomi, then they had to know about their situation.
There are people in the church and in the community that are going through hard times. There are people that know that these folk are going through hard times and do nothing about it. When someone is hungry they want food. When they are thirsty they want something to drink. They appreciate your prayers, but they want something to take care of their problem right then and there. They have already been praying and you came along and didn't do what you could have done. But for you who are feeling that God has forgotten about you and you are wondering when....just know that your Boaz is on the way. The story of Ruth is not just about her finding her man (as many like to teach it). It is about walking into your victory and your abundance!
2. Marry Ruth (relative was not willing to do this)
>>The relative wanted the land, but he wanted it for his children and not any children that would be birthed from the union of him and Ruth. He gave his right to Boaz and the deal was made at the gate in the presence of the elders.
Verses 13-18
Boaz and Ruth married and had a son. The name of the son was called Obed who was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David and from the lineage of David came the Messiah. Ruth was critical in bringing forth the Messiah. Why is that important? Society and the church have a way of making people feel less than what God has ordained them to be. These boxes that we put ourselves in and allow people to put us in are hinderances to us. But let me encourage you! Ruth came from a tainted heritage. Think back to the first bible study and the heritage of the Moab people and how they were birthed in incest. They were the lowest of the low in the eyes of the children of Israel. She was a Moabite, a woman, a widow, and childless. She was as good as dead in the eyes of the people. But God is willing to use anyone who wants to be used and who do not think of themselves higher than they should. Know that you are special in God's eyes and you are not defined by the world or by the church. You are what God says you are! Believe it and write it in your heart! It ain't over until God says it is over. From an outcast came our blessed Savior....how awesome is that!!!
Now understand, yes Boaz represents our abundance and our victory but remember that Ruth had to put in some time and hard work. She didn't just walk into the land and Boaz fell at her feet. No! She had to work and she had to labor and she had to endure. I can only imagine the looks that she got and the way that people talked to her and about her. But she had a purpose and she had focus. It didn't matter what they thought or said! Did you hear me....it does not matter what they think or what they say! Know your purpose and stay focused on that. There will be nay sayers and hell raisers, but God is still good and He will give you double for your trouble!
I also want all of the Naomi's in God's kingdom to understand their purpose as well. Naomi's job was to prepare Ruth for her purpose. Naomi had to lose everything and was left with a nobody! She had to love, nurture, and guide this young lady. She sacrificed the ultimate things that a mother and wife would have to sacrifice: her children and her husband. But in the end.....she received a blessing that was greater than seven sons. Remember that God never does anything just to do it.....He always has a purpose and a plan.
I pray that this bible study was a blessing to you! As always, leave me a message on the blog and let me know your thoughts, suggestions, and prayer requests!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor N. Smith
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