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Ruth-4

Ruth's Redeemer: A Devotional Study on Ruth Chapter 4​

Introduction​

The book of Ruth might be a short and simple narrative, but it's loaded with spiritual lessons. It’s a story of repentance, redemption, and faith. In this study, we'll focus on chapter 4, where Boaz takes his kinsman's role, efficiently fulfilling the levirate custom, thereby redeeming Ruth and delivering her from poverty and isolation.

Section 1: The Final Step (Ruth 4:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: After the harvest, Boaz offers Ruth’s yellow rice as a merit to Naomi's neighbors, who faithfully followed Boaz's instructions. This final step of the procedure signifies Boaz's intention to complete the redemption process, which involves purchasing the property and marrying Ruth.

Reflection Questions:

  • Who in your life needs your final, committed acts to ensure redemption and restoration?
  • What actions could you take to aid in this person's restoration?

Section 2: Boaz's Redemption (Ruth 4:3-10)​

Devotional Thought: Boaz publicly declares his obligation to redeem Ruth as a kinsman of Elimelech. He takes appointed seats for his witness and honors the near kinsmen to be present as a part of the process. By this, Boaz ensures that all biblical rules are simulated, and the tradition is followed to the letter.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways do you honor traditional ways and religious/cultural practices mandated by God?
  • Who have you wrongly passed over while following tradition, and how have you allowed it to hinder redemption in their life?

Section 3: The Procession (Ruth 4:11-17)​

Devotional Thought: After Boaz's redemption process, he comfortably walks with the Spuris. Then, Ruth returns to her mother-in-law, and Naomi witnesses the restored future for Ruth, specifically from the Spuris' land which was promised to Ruth's late husband.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways have you recently enjoyed a transformation in your life that benefits from the bounty of a person or organization's land?
  • Are you currently denying the same heavenly refreshment or property to someone?

Section 4: Praise to God (Ruth 4:18-22)​

Devotional Thought: The book of Ruth concludes with Naomi's praise to God, who revived her daughter-in-law, avenged her, provided for her, and concluded Ruth's captivity. The narrative drives home the point revealing that God keeps his word, avenges the helpless, provides for the needy, and lifted us out of our miseries.

Reflection Questions:

  • Who in your life requires your glorification to God for their restoration, as Naomi did for Ruth?
  • Recall a pledge God made to you. Have you pursued Him regarding that pledge, and have the bounty been awarded, much like Ruth?

Conclusion:​

The narrative of Ruth concludes with the certainty of God's promise to deliver and redeem his people, revealing the dependability of His character. We should follow Boaz and honor tradition positively, particularly when it helps in redeeming others. Let's redouble our efforts by honoring God and His plan like Boaz did with Ruth, striving to aid those who require redemption and restoration like Ruth did. While we ought to learn the message of praising God whenever He redeems us amidst our fertility or poverty, let's adhere to the tradition of galvanizing our praises as Naomi did.