Daily Scripture: Day 76—Ruth 4
READING: RUTH 4
As Naomi predicted, Boaz would not rest until he concluded the matter of redeeming the land Naomi had sold and marrying Ruth. Since there was a nearer kinsman, Boaz first had to offer the right of redemption to him, and this must have been a tense moment for him, since he had come to love Ruth. At first the nearer kinsman agreed to redeem the land, but then declined when he found he would also have to raise an inheritance through Ruth. Boaz then formalized his commitment to act as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer before the elders at the city gate, and they blessed him. Significantly, Obed, the son of Ruth and Boaz, would become the grandfather of King David.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that this story which began in tragedy and apparent hopelessness ended in joy and hope. In Your grace, You took this Gentile woman and made her a direct part of the Messianic line. You accomplish far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.
Meditation passage: verses 11–12, 14