Settled Matter
Ruth followed Naomi her mother-in-law, after her husband died in Moab. She stayed with Naomi to take care of her and went to find work in the nearby fields. She caught the attention of Boaz who owned one of the fields. He had high praises for her because of her kindness towards Naomi. “But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before” (Ruth 2:11). Boaz spoke a blessing over Ruth and allowed her to continue to gather grain from his field.
When Naomi heard how Boaz treated Ruth, she told her that he was one of her close relatives and one of her redeemers. Within the Old Testament context, a redeemer was anyone who would pay off the debt for another person. In this case, since Naomi’s husbands and sons died, she needed another male relative to take over her estate. Naomi had a plan to find rest and security for Ruth. She advised her to go to Boaz’s home and to lay down near his bed that evening. She obeyed her mother in law and when Boaz recognised her, she made her request known to him. “He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer”” (Ruth 3:9).
Boaz agreed to support Ruth and told her that there was another redeemer who was closer in line. Boaz agreed to discuss the matter with the other person and decide who would redeem Ruth and Naomi. When Ruth returned and told her mother in law what Boaz said, her response was that Boaz would not rest until he settled the matter that day. Either Naomi knew Boaz quiet well and spoke as a testament to his character, or she spoke prophetically concerning what God would do. In the end, Boaz did just as Naomi said and agreed to take over her inheritance. This included marrying Ruth in order to preserve Naomi’s lineage.
“Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel” (Ruth 4:14)! Jesus is our redeemer and restorer of all things lost or stolen. At times God will use other people as helpers to support our destiny. Either way, God will not leave us without help and support in times of need. When we trust him, he will not rest until we are completely redeemed and restored. For those people in authority who have the ability to help us, God will not allow them to rest until they have settled our case.
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
July 8, 2022July 8, 2022
