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Truth for Today #30

Scripture: Ruth 4:1-8.

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We approach the climax of the book as we commence our study of the last chapter.

Boaz has promised to undertake for Ruth and fulfill the duty of a kinsman redeemer toward her but there is one that was a closer relative of her late husband than was Boaz. He must be seen first and asked if he will act as kinsman redeemer. Boaz acted immediately. It shows that he valued Ruth, indeed, loved her. He saw in her that of which the wise man in Proverbs 31:10 speaks. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
Please remember that we are considering this passage typically and seeing in Ruth the believer seeking to enter into the full experience of that redemption which is ours in Christ. Paul’s words in Eph 1:18 indicates just what we speak of. “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” The word to know includes the meaning to perceive with the senses. It means to experience the riches of Christ. That is what we seek when we pray for the infilling of the Holy Ghost. It is to know the fulness of Christ. But before we can enter upon such an experience there is a need to deal with one who has a claim over us. That situation is pictured for us in this passage.

I. THE IDENTITY OF THE NEARER KINSMAN.

Who is this “nearer kinsman” who stands between Ruth and Boaz union? I believe it to be the flesh, the old nature within us.

1. The flesh is our first nature. It has and does lay claim to us and stands in the way of our fruitful union with Christ. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would,” Galatians 5:17. Boaz had a will to take Ruth as his wife but this man stood between him and her. So is it with the flesh. It stands between us and a fruitful, fuller and happy union with Christ. Rom 7:23-24.

2. The flesh desires interests contrary to our wellbeing. The man was selfish, verses 4-6. He would redeem the land for it would profit him but not Ruth for she would not serve his purpose. Flesh does not serve our best interests. Rom 8:6-8.

Truth for Today #29

Stream or download Truth for Today #29


III. THE RESPONSE OF BOAZ.

1. Remember Boaz was there to guard the corn. Verse 7. Christ stand’s guard over the treasures of His harvest labours. He will keep it from robbers. The only ones who may partake of it are those who come in faith to ask.

2. Startled out of his sleep, he would have spoken interrogatively to Ruth. Matt 15:22-28. So the Lord tests those who come to Him.

3. He commended Ruth’s choice. Verse 10. It is a blessed thing to chose Christ above that which the world may consider more worthy of pursuing. To pursue Christ is the greatest kindness we can bestow upon our family.

4. He grants her a promise of marriage. Verse 11. “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman,” verse 11. Virtue will be seen even in the midst of poverty and will pay the virtuous well.

5. Immediate action was also promised.  “In the morning.” She was told to remain until the morning for it would not have been safe for her to travel at night nor seemly for him to escort her home at such an hour.

6. She went home enriched by her waiting upon Boaz. Verse 14-18.
Ruth is told to wait. “Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day,” verse 18. They have not long to wait who bring their needs to Christ and claim from Him their rights under the Covenant of Grace.

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD,” Psalms 27:14.