BLEAK TO BLISS #TheExhange

Ruth 4:1-18 ; Deuteronomy 25:5-10 ; Isaiah 61:3 ; Isaiah 49:15-16

Found, redeemed and restored is what best describes this chapter. I’m heading straight to the tail end so you won’t get antsy in questioning how it panned out.  The previous chapter left me so excited and this last lap is somewhat contrasting. I’ll just go on and say that it is unromantic; it kicks off like legal negotiations in court.  But, I have had to center my mind to the reality that beautiful endings don’t have to be characterized by all the glam. Unromantic as it was, it still ranks as one of the most hopeful tales of love. Boaz being a man of integrity doesn’t jump at the opportunity but obeyed the laws as required. Needless to say, there are hints of rejection even as Ruth awaits to be redeemed (Ruth 4:6). Rejection, by the unnamed kinsman( lets call him John ) that was part of the grand plan of God as He kept weaving this awesome tapestry moving what seemed like a hopeless state in the beginning to a promising future that no one would’ve seen coming. Neither Naomi or Ruth could’ve foreseen the rewriting of their story. God will allow us to glimpse at His plan gradually and it ought to be settled in our hearts that sometimes denial/rejection can be God’s way of reserving the best for us.

Redemption and Restoration was God’s plan for Naomi and Ruth and even in this day, that is the hope we rest on. Charles Spurgeon referred to Jesus Christ as the great and glorious Boaz because both were characterized by their willingness and ability to redeem. Boaz had no obligation whatsoever to redeem Ruth. I believe he could’ve backed out just like John and it would’ve been alright and yet he choose to take responsibility (Ruth 4:10) “……I have acquired as my wife to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance that the name of the dead may not be cut off from his brethren.” This is why he is likened to Christ in redemption, because of  the love painted by his actions. Christ redeemed us with His blood when He was crucified (1 Peter 1:18-19)(Ephesians 1:7-8; Colossians 1:13) . In the case of Ruth, it started as earthly security while for us redemption by Christ is granted eternal security and spiritual rest that we get to enjoy in this day as we continually humble ourselves.

Right after, the ceremony seems to begin as blessings are declared over the newly weds. (Ruth 4:12) “The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachael and Leah , the two who build the house of Israel and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem….because of the offspring which the Lord will give you from this young woman“ …….and as they say, the rest is history but because we share in their love story through Jesus Christ, it is more like our present and future.

The confessions of the women towards Naomi in (Ruth 4:14-15) “Blessed be the Lord who has not left you this day without a close relative …..” must’ve been inferred from her initial statement when she had a name changing ceremony to help cope with her misery (Ruth 1:20). This goes to show that God is a God of exchange. He gives beauty for ashes , oil of joy for mourning and a garment of praise for heaviness (Isaiah 61:3) and He will bring hope to the desolate.

We are not subject to fate but continuously under the sovereign care of God. Even in the bleakest of circumstances, God can make good out of it. 

Prepare for an exchange and rest in the providential care of God. The entire book of Ruth depicts how God weaves situations (good and bad) to have outcomes that reflects His golden heart as well as accomplish the promises and purposes over our lives and your story is no exception. 

The cross is all the confidence you need. (Elevation Worship) and maybe that is all the truth you need to rely on as you await the manifestation of God’s plan over your life which is nothing short of glorious. Redemption is yours. May God’s grace strengthen you to continuously trace His fingerprints in your story because He is at work even when you cannot see it.

P.S There will be a downloadable pdf of this study (inclusive of specific character studies) with in depth study guide questions for use in your personal study or discussions.

You are light and you are so loved. Stay anchored and keep His light shining through.