This is how it should be
28 October 2020
Key Verse: Ruth 4 10 “I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, to maintain the dead man’s name on his inheritance, in order that the name of the dead may not be cut off from his kindred and from the gate of his native place; today you are witnesses.”
The book of Ruth was set in a period of Israel’s history when the Judges ruled, Israel had no King. Everyone did whatever they wanted to do “In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25. As we look again at the book of Ruth how refreshing it is to see that during these times a man like Boaz sought to use his wealth and position for the good of others.
At that time in Israel, every woman was the responsibility of the man who was their next of kin and according to family law, the nearest relative had certain obligations. These included providing an heir, when a man had died childless, to carry on his name. Remember Naomi’s comments to her daughters in law “But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands’?” Ruth 1:11. They also had to buy all the assets of that person in order to keep them in the family. Boaz was family and in line, though not immediate there was one before him who had that duty. Boaz became the redeemer of Ruth and Naomi, and the role of redeemer is described as: ‘to function on behalf of persons and their property within the circle of the larger family. To take on the responsibility for the unfortunate and stand as their supporters and advocates. To represent the basic principles of caring responsibly for those who may not have justice done for them.’ Because Boaz took on this responsibility that came his way, he lived up to his name (strength or substance), the energy that ran through his soul was not self-centered it was outward pouring. That is how it should be with everyone who is part of God’s story.
In Boaz we see a man in whose heart burns a desire not merely to keep the letter of the law, but to give of himself in the service of others. His concern was not to discover what was the least he could do, but what was the most he could do. Think on the words of Jesus “But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also, and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well, and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:39-42.
The theme of redemption is highlighted in this story by the fact that Boaz was not only conversant with the details of the old Mosaic law, but had a generous heart to go beyond it. There are people who use their strength and substance to maintain themselves, and possibly at the expense of others. We should ask ‘Where is the energy that drives our personalities being directed? Towards others or ourselves?’. People and some Christians regard their wealth as theirs by right and never consider the fact that with rights come responsibilities. Ruth saw that Boaz was an honourable person when she said “May the LORD reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge. Then she said, “May I continue to find favour in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, even though I am not one of your servants.” Ruth 2: 12-13 and “And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant; spread your cloak over your servant, for you are next-of-kin.” Ruth 3:9. When Boaz decided to act, in generosity rather than the mere keeping of the law then he demonstrated God’s wings of protection just as we are now redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Again I reiterate more is expected of us than just keeping the letter of the law, we are expected to go the second mile in all things. Because the Holy Spirit is dwelling and working in us we should expect to see this love for others flowing from us not in trickles or burns but in streams of living water, “and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38