Daily Devotionals

Devotional: June 17th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ruth 4:2-4

Ruth, the Gentile widow from Moab, is to become the bride of the wealthy Boaz of Bethlehem. Before the marriage can take place, however, a special meeting has to be arranged with Naomi's next of kin so that the matter of redemption can be satisfactorily settled. The meeting is held at the gate of the city, the usual place for the elders to meet when resolving civic matters. Whatever was decided there usually became law. Boaz waits until the kinsman arrives and then proceeds to go into the details of Naomi's situation. Elimelech, Naomi's husband, had owned a field which Boaz wants to purchase. The next of kin has first claim, but Boaz asks if he wants to buy it. For a moment it appears that Boaz's plan might be thwarted for the kinsman says: "I will buy it.' If the nearest relative bought the dead man's land, Jewish law stated that he then had legal rights over the family. Should this happen now, Boaz would not be able to claim Ruth as his wife. Some might have turned away at this stage and said: "I have done all I can - there is nothing more I can do." But not Boaz. In his heart burned a love that would not be dampened by difficulties. This is the wonderful thing about true love - it leaps over all obstacles, opposes every argument, and moves on relentlessly until it possesses the object of its affection and makes it its own. Our Savior's love was of this kind also - but infinitely greater. He has argued the case on our behalf and won! Now we find ourselves owned by Him - forever.

O loving Savior, how can I sufficiently thank You for pleading my case in the courts of heaven and winning on the Cross my eternal freedom and redemption. What I feel is impossible to put into words. I love You Lord Jesus. Amen.

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