by Josh Moody Today’s Bible Reading: Ruth 4, Psalm 94, Mark 9:14-32, 1 Corinthians 16 The rest of the story is simply told, and nonetheless beautiful and powerful for that. Boaz has purposed to “redeem” Ruth (Ruth 3:12-13), and so goes to the town gate (4:1), where important transactions such as this were taken place in public. He asks the relative who is closer than he is whether he wishes to redeem (4:1-6). In the event the other “redeemer” cannot do so, Boaz will then be free to fulfill his heart’s desire and become the protector for Ruth (as well as Naomi). The addition of Naomi is not by happenstance. While Ruth is the object of the marriage, Naomi is also blessed, and she takes the child that comes of the marriage on her lap (4:16). She too is being protected by this redeemer (4:13-17). The story finishes with a wonderful flourish of understatement: “Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David” (4:21-22). All along, in case we have missed the point, the story is about how God has woven together the lives of these individuals for the purpose of raising up a king after his own heart. Ruth, the Moabitess, will also be named even in the heritage of the great King Jesus (Matt. 1:5). From such small beginnings come mighty oaks of righteousness (Is. 61:3). Be encouraged, O believer, that the details of your life are being arranged by a Sovereign Lord who is lovingly, caressingly, putting together each and every element for the purpose of the exaltation of great King David’s greater Son: Jesus. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>