06
Happily ever after
Rod ShimabukuroThen the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” Ruth 4:6
Boaz is 2nd in line to purchase Naomi’s share of land, which comes with her daughter in law Ruth. Boaz is more interested in Ruth than he is the land but he has to negotiate with the closer of kin, who is next in line to redeem Naomi’s land.
The closest of kin says he will redeem Naomi’s land. Then Boaz reveals that the land will come with a widow (Ruth) from Moab. This communicates that if the kinsman and Ruth bear children, this would interfere with his present inheritance plans for his lineage. So the nearest kinsman gives way to Boaz --- thus happily ever after is the story for Ruth’s life.
To live happily ever after does not play out the way I would always plan for. In fact, most of the people I know have issues and the “Happily Ever After” story is a fairy tale of sorts. While Ruth’s story of redemption through Boaz seems like a fairy tale, I must remember who my Redeemer is and the kind of heart Ruth had.
Honestly, my application is - BE SUPER GRATEFUL FOR YOUR “Ruth” ROD! Her name is MARY REBECCA - my wife!! BECKIE is my real life “Ruth” who has made a covenant with me for life - till death does us part! I fall so short in giving her a “happily ever after life.” I feel so grateful, so honored, so humbled that God would allow me to partner with such a woman of God! Like Ruth, she has the God qualities of sacrifice, commitment, obedience, love, faithfulness, kindness, trust, perseverance and MORE...!!!!
God my Daddie, Jesus and Spirt of God.... Thank YOU!!!
Thank you for your redemptive work of love and grace in my life and heart! And WOW - thank you for Beckie. Please help me to live to satisfy her needs in Christ Jesus! I know You are her ultimate God and provision and her Everything. But I know you have called me to be her husband, to represent Your heart, hands and life to cherish, provide, protect and love her - as You would - as You do! I have a loooooooong way to go - Jesus please help. And thank you for filling her heart with Your grace, love and forgiveness - for me. Oh God...!!! I am overwhelmed and help me to feel and live this way - to be a godly husband to Your Beckie!
