Ruth 3:10-13 New International Version (NIV)
10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
Wed. Nov. 11
In ancient Israel a relative (kinsman) could “redeem” or pay for the family and estate of someone who died. In a way, this practice was a form of life insurance for the family. The family land would not be sold off and those left behind would not be completely destitute. However, Boaz is not the first in line to redeem Ruth, Naomi and the family estate. But he did what he could. Sometimes we might not have the power to help someone in the way we want to. I can’t save my children, but I can be a good, loving father. I can’t save my wife, but I can be a good, loving husband. We are not the savior. There is someone else who holds that position! But God can and does want to use us to bless others. Think about what is at your disposal. Can you forgive someone? Help a neighbor with yard work? Listen to a friend who is going through a hard time? Ask God to help you see and understand the ways that you can bless others. Pray for them. Ask God to save them. Do what you can.