A Done Deal

O. T. #569  "A Done Deal"
July 30, 2015
Ruth 4-Part 2
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
Ruth 4:10

LET IT GLOW

Boaz kept his word and sought Ruth's kinsman in the city of Bethlehem. He gave the nearer of kin opportunity to redeem Elimilech's property and family, but the guy rejected the offer. As a result, the man took off his shoe and gave it to Boaz in the presence of 10 witnesses.  It was a done deal. Then Boaz announced that he would be the kinsman-redeemer of Naomi's deceased husband and two sons, buying her land and marrying Ruth so their son could carry on the Jewish line, which had temporarily been cut off by death.

A formal contract was then sealed in the customary fashion: the relative removed his sandal and gave it to Boaz (verse 8), in effect granting Boaz the right to stand in his stead as goel for Ruth and Naomi. (MacArthur)

The people and those 10 witnesses confirmed the transaction. They even pronounced a blessing on Boaz and his bride-to-be. They were saying may the Lord make you fruitful like Rachel, Leah, who were mothers of the tribes of Jacob, and Pharez was born to Judah and a his daughter in law Tamar, a Canaanite girl in the line of Jesus' ancestry (Gen. 38). The descendants of Perez made Judah a prominent tribe. Boaz, David, and all the Judean kings were descendants of Perez.

Do we trust the Lord to work out our situation according to His purpose? Remember, Naomi told Ruth to sit still for Boaz would handle the matter.

LET IT GROW

No word about the wedding of Ruth and Boaz is recorded. He took her and she was his wife. (verse 13)
Ruth's waiting, sitting still, was worth it. This couple was blessed with a child, who was named Obed, meaning worshiper, as in Obadiah, derived from the Hebrew word 'ebed meaning servant.

The one who trusts will never be dismayed. Isaiah 28:16

The bitter Mara became blessed Naomi, once again. Ruth was better to Naomi than 7 sons, the women noted.
How good the Lord God is to us! Do we acknowledge it?

LET IT GO

Let the past remain in the past. Look to today and tomorrow with faith.

Do what I can, trusting the Lord to do His will.

Wait for His timing.