Make it official. Boaz and the other relative have been discussing plans, but now it is time to make them official. Read Ruth 4:7-8. Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. So the closest relative said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” And he removed his sandal. RUTH 4:7‭-‬8 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.4.7-8.NASB There was a specified way of doing business and that needed to be followed. It wasn’t enough for the other relative to just say it…

Wait! Boaz has explained the situation to the relative that is closer than he is. There is land to acquire. The relative says, “Sure! I’ll buy the land.” Then Boaz shares, “But wait, there’s more.” Read Ruth 4:5-6. Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” The closest relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem…

Something must be done. Naomi needs to sell her land and by custom, it must stay in the same family. So, Boaz presents his case. Read Ruth 4:3-4. So I thought to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it before those who are sitting here, and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if not, tell me that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am after you.'” And he said, “I will redeem it. “ RUTH 4:4 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.4.4.NASB Boaz found the man that he needed to have a discussion with. Boaz then got a group…

Meanwhile, action. While Ruth and Naomi waited, Boaz was busy taking action. He set about to do exactly what he said he was going to do. Read Ruth 4:1-2. Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, “Turn aside, friend, sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. RUTH 4:1 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.4.1.NASB Boaz knew and understood that there was a closer relative who could redeem Ruth. However, he also knew that relative was not aware of the situation and did not understand all that was involved, so he set out…

Wait… again. Ruth and Naomi have been waiting, but now they are waiting again. They waited and they saw several things happen all of a sudden. Now they are back to waiting. Read Ruth 3:16-18. Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.” RUTH 3:18 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.3.18.NASB Boaz has already indicated that he has a plan and now, they have to wait for him to follow through. This reminds me of when I have brought situations to God and I know that He has a plan to address them, but then I…

Generosity. Are we generous with our possessions and our time? Boaz didn’t have to give Ruth anything, and yet, before she heads home for the morning, he gives her a gift. Read Ruth 3:14-15. Again he said, “Give me the cloak that is on you and hold it.” So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her. Then she went into the city. RUTH 3:15 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.3.15.NASB Ruth came that night just expecting to be able to ask Boaz about being her kinsmen redeemer. Yet, he would not allow her to leave without having something right then to show for her visit. He…

A plan. Boaz makes a plan based on what has happened with Ruth. She needs a savior and Boaz knows there are two potential candidates. Read Ruth 3:12-13. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.” RUTH 3:13 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.3.13.NASB Boaz is going to sort this once and for all. In this culture, if a man dies without any sons, a close family member is to marry the widow and raise a son that will carry on the name…

Reputation. People knew Ruth’s reputation and they shared it when they spoke about her. Read Ruth 3:10-11. Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. RUTH 3:11 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.3.11.NASB Ruth had asked Boaz to be the one to take care of her. Boaz is responding. He knows about her and he has heard what the people in town have said about her. Ruth was not asking this of him for purely selfish reasons. And because Boaz was familiar with her reputation, he saw her actions as ones that had…

Ask. I am a big advocate of just asking for what you need. You may not always get what you want, but sometimes you will. If you don’t ask, then the answer is always no. Read Ruth 3:7-9. He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.” RUTH 3:9 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.3.9.NASB Ruth followed her mother-in-law’s direction and found herself right where she needed to be in order to ask for what she wants. So she did. Do we recognize when we have needs? When we see a need, do we actually ask for…

Action. Yesterday, we saw that Ruth trusted Naomi and all that Naomi was asking her to do. Today, we see that she did it. Read Ruth 3:6. So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. RUTH 3:6 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/rut.3.6.NASB It’s one thing to tell someone that you will do what they say. It’s something else to actually do it. When we say that we are going to do something, it is important to follow through and actually do it. Ruth didn’t just give lip service to her mother-in-law, she followed through on what was asked of her. Can the…