Saturday, December 23, 2017

Hope: Redeemer


Ruth 3:6 - 4:12


Boaz wasn't alone on the threshing floor, but thankfully he was off to one side by himself.  The men were sound asleep from a long day's work and Ruth quietly weaved her way through the sleeping men to Boaz.  She did exactly as Naomi had instructed.  She uncovered his feet and then laid down, waiting.

It was only a few minutes that Boaz stirred. He sat and threw the blanket back over his feet, then paused.  "Who is there?"

Ruth sat up, as her heart skipped a beat.  Actually, it skipped a few.  "It's me, Ruth.  I am in need of a covering, as well, and I am praying you would be willing to help in this manner."  She could feel her heart beating in her temples. "You are a relative after all. "

Please, please, Boaz, understand my request.

He was silent for a moment, but in the darkness Ruth could see his head drop.  He brought a hand to his forehead and sat.  She was tempted to explain further, but chose silence instead.  This man knew the law, he understood what she was offering.  She didn't want to make it awkward for him, but the longer it took him to respond, the more she was confident this plan was failing.

He finally spoke, but in hushed tones.  "Ruth, you have honored me by requesting this of me.  There are so many younger men who would be willing to redeem you."  He reached for her hand and she willingly gave it. It was rough and yet gentle at the same time.  "You are a woman of excellence and it would be an honor to have you as a wife.  But there is one complication.  There is a relative who is closer than I am to your late father-in-law.  The law requires that he be offered the redemption first.  I will go in the morning and make the offer.  If he accepts, then your future will be with him.  But if he declines, then you and I will be married."

Ruth processed his words.  She was beginning to feel like property, like an item at auction, but the law must be upheld.  Then she saw it.  Boaz wiped a tear from his cheek.  He really did want her.  Ruth's heart swelled with love for this man.  He now fulfilled the three requirements to be her kinsman redeemer - he was related, he was able and he was willing.  Now her conversation with the Lord changed from requesting a redeemer, to requesting a specific one.

She stayed until the break of dawn, when she slipped out and returned home.  

Later that day, she stood with a group of women, as they watched the business of the town being discussed in the gates of the city.  After some time, it was Boaz's turn.  He stepped up and addressed one of the men.  Ruth couldn't hear the conversation, but she was watching the body language.  Boaz was talking, using a lot of gestures.  The man's face lit up and a couple of other men stepped forward and patted him on the back.  This was not good.  It was as if they were congratulating him.  Then she saw Boaz shake his hand.  

Ruth could feel tears welling up in her eyes.  The lump in her throat was growing and she was forcing herself to stay composed.  The men were laughing and talking.  She saw Boaz glance over to her and their eyes met.  In that brief moment, Ruth knew it was going to be okay.  He turned his attention back to the men, rubbed his head and then gestured at her.  Ruth realized that Boaz had just informed this gentleman that she came with the deal.  The celebration died down, as the realization of the obligations that came with the land settled upon the man.  

Then he shook his head.  She could see him talking,  She didn't know if it was his wife, her color or the inheritance issue, but it worked.  There was an exchange of a sandal (another interesting Israeli custom) and another handshake, and it was done.  Boaz was then the one being congratulated and after the excitement died down, he walked towards her.

Hope.  The things Ruth didn't dare let her mind imagine started to flood her heart.  A husband.  A home.  Children.  Grandchildren.  Love.  Security.  Someone to care for and sleep next to.  Someone to cook for and cheer on.  A bright future, not a hopeless one.  

All these thoughts flooded her soul and she struggled to remain composed as Boaz approached.  The women standing around her quieted, not knowing the transaction that had just transpired.  "Ruth, would you walk with me?"  Boaz smiled as he led Ruth away from the crowd.  "There's only one thing I have left to do."

Ruth's eyes were wide with wonder, and yet the tears had already started to fall.  

"Let's go talk with Naomi..."

2 comments:

  1. خدماتها متكاملة ومستواها غاية في الجودة فإذا أردت أن يكون منزلك مميزا كل ماهو واجب عليك فعلة سريعا أن تتصل بنا وتجد كل تحتاج إليه من خدمات. فنحن ندرب طاقم على أهم اصل المهنة وكيفية إستعمال المعدات والمواد الخاصة بالتنظيف ونعمل بإجتهاد لنضمن لكم خدمة متميزة
    شركة تنظيف المنازل
    تنظيف شقق
    تنظيف منازل
    شركات تنظيف شقق
    . فمثلا تنظيف الشقق ليس أمرا سهلا كما يعتقد الكثيرون نظرا لصغر المساحة لأن تنظيف الشقق مهما كانت صغيرة فهي تحتاج لعناية خاصة لأن المكان الصغير يكون فيه تفاصيل كثيرة وحتي وإن كانت بسيطة لأن المسئولية تقع على عاتق شركتنا فتلك مسئولية كبيرة حفاظا على اجزاء الأثاث وغيرها من المقتنيات
    خدماتها متكاملة ومستواها غاية في الجودة فإذا أردت أن يكون منزلك مميزا كل ماهو واجب عليك فعلة سريعا أن تتصل بنا وتجد كل تحتاج إليه من خدمات. فنحن ندرب طاقم على أهم اصل المهنة وكيفية إستعمال المعدات والمواد الخاصة بالتنظيف ونعمل بإجتهاد لنضمن لكم خدمة متميزة
    شركة تنظيف المنازل
    تنظيف شقق
    تنظيف منازل
    شركات تنظيف شقق
    . فمثلا تنظيف الشقق ليس أمرا سهلا كما يعتقد الكثيرون نظرا لصغر المساحة لأن تنظيف الشقق مهما كانت صغيرة فهي تحتاج لعناية خاصة لأن المكان الصغير يكون فيه تفاصيل كثيرة وحتي وإن كانت بسيطة لأن المسئولية تقع على عاتق شركتنا فتلك مسئولية كبيرة حفاظا على اجزاء الأثاث وغيرها من المقتنيات

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