The plot to our story has
thickened as Boaz has just told the nearer kinsman that in order to
redeem the rights to Naomi's land, he must marry and raise a family
through Ruth. Anyone who has been involved in a real estate
transaction knows the importance of having every detail to the sale
or buy complete, but most of the time real estate doesn't come with a
bride attached. Of course, this little detail of extra obligation is
a deal changer. Let's look at the kinsman's response found in Ruth
chapter four and verse six:
And the kinsman said, I
cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: you
redeem my right to yourself; for I cannot redeem [it].
In order
to get a picture of this, we must climb into the story and imagine
this kinsman as he hears about having to marry Ruth. He rather
quickly responded, “I cannot redeem it for myself”. Now
upon first glance we may see in this kinsman a rejection of the deal
because of the extra detail for marrying Ruth, but if we dig a little
deeper, we will see the reason why he cannot marry her.
The
kinsman said, “lest I mar mine own inheritance”. There may
be a couple of reasons that this kinsman rejected Boaz' offer. First,
it might be that he was concerned that his own name would be
diminished by marrying Ruth. If he were to have children by her, his
name would in effect be folded into Elimelech's line rather than his
own. However, more than likely, the reason he was concerned is that
he was already married, probably had children, and was concerned for
dividing his inheritance with additional children that might come
through Ruth. The nearer kinsman didn't think his wife would go for
him having another family through Ruth. Wives are like that we know,
and so this became a very good reason that he could not redeem the
land nor marry Ruth.
Finally
we see where the nearer kinsman gives his right to Boaz: “you
redeem my right to yourself; for I cannot redeem it.” Boaz had
established in the presence of this man and the ten elders that he
was next in line to be the kinsman redeemer. When the nearer kinsman
rejected the offer, Boaz had the choice whether to accept or reject
the land and Ruth. This was the purpose of his waiting and
negotiating. Can we imagine the joy within Boaz as the last obstacle
for marrying Ruth has been eliminated? The path is clear, and the
love of Boaz' life may now be his wife.
The
actions and words of Boaz are a reminder of our kinsman redeemer
Jesus. Jesus desires that all obstacles be removed that he might be
in a relationship with us. He has negotiated on our behalf by paying
the ultimate price for us in giving His life on the cross. He is more
than willing to redeem the right to us because of His deep love for
people. If only we knew the depth of care and concern that He has and
the constant willingness to remove all other venues just to have a
relationship with us. As Boaz did for Ruth, Jesus has put Himself in
position to choose to redeem us, and He is willing, ready and able to
do so. May we choose to receive His redemption.
Next
time we will see the nearer kinsman's obedience to the law regarding
rejection of being a kinsman, so read ahead, and we shall join
together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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