The Good News is - God has Forgiven You!

Ruth 4:1-4 New International Version (NIV)

Boaz Marries Ruth

4 Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer[a] he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

2 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. 3 Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek. 4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you[b] will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.”

“I will redeem it,” he said.

Monday November 16

In Ruth chapter 4 the term "kinsman redeemer" becomes a central part of the story. When Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, and his two sons died they left no heir to take over the family estate. An Israelite custom held that a close family member (kinsman) should "redeem" or pay the price for the land in order to keep it in the family. Boaz summoned the closest relative of Elimelech to begin this legal process. At first the relative is eager. "I will redeem it!" he says. But he has spoken too soon (in tomorrow's reading we will see him rescind his offer). We often jump in eagerly thinking that we can take care of thing ourselves. Have you ever eagerly agreed to help with something, but later realized you do not have the time or energy to do a good job. Maybe it is hosting a big family event like Thanksgiving or Christmas. "I'll do it. It'll be great!" We often think this way about our relationship with God, too, In essence, we say to God, "Don't worry God, I've got everything under control! I can handle it." The good news is that God has forgiven you! You don't need to take care of anything. He is taking care of you!