April 11, 2025 • 29 mins
Chapter 4 of Heroes in the Bible: Ruth with Savannah Chrisley is inspired by the book of Ruth.
Redeeming Love - Ruth & Boaz Unite - Ruth and Boaz’s love story culminates in a powerful act of redemption that echoes through generations. In this finale, faithfulness meets fulfillment, and a once-broken family becomes part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Prelude to Chapter four. Mary's screams echoed throughout the cave
like stable. Sweat beat down her brow as her whole
body tensed in pain. Joseph was beside Mary, unwavering in
his devotion to her. For a few hours, Mary pushed
for the joys set before her. Mary endured the agony.
(00:23):
She willingly laid down her own comfort so that this
child may experience life. Mary did not know it at
the time, but the sun she was about to birth
would one day endure his own pain for the sake
of others. Her cries continued as the sun finally set
over the western hills. Then, as the stars began to
(00:45):
sprinkle across the sky like fireflies, Mary's wails were replaced
with the whimpering of a new born baby. In a
dusty stable, surrounded by a host of farm animals, The
promised child of God was born. Mary and Joseph cried
as the new born babe breathed in his first breaths
(01:07):
on earth. There were no priests to sound trumpets or
incense burned at his feet, just two doting parents, a
few donkeys and sheep, and silence. It was a truly
humble birth. For such a long awaited king. Yet this
was the prophecy of Isaiah long before that a virgin
(01:30):
would conceive and give birth to a son in the
city of Bethlehem and call him Immanuel, which means God
with us. This was that moment, the moment God had
promised since the fall of mankind, God himself, Creator and
the Word of Life came down to dwell among mankind.
(01:54):
He did not do so with a procession of gold
or a vast army. He did so by coming in
the likeness of man in the most humble of ways.
A baby swaddled in a manger, Mary leaned over and
kissed his nose. The spirit of God was present and near.
(02:15):
Joseph and Mary found themselves considering the words of Isaiah
long ago, saying, for to us a child is born,
to us, a son is given, and the government shall
be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful counselor Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. They
(02:39):
could not begin to imagine what this child would grow
up to do. For now they held him, kissed him,
listened to his cries, and attended to his every need.
For now they were doting parents humbly thanking God for
the burden and blessing of caring for a key.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Hey y'all, welcome back to pray dot COM's Heroes in
the Bible, Ruth. I'm your host, Savannah Chrisley, and I'm
so glad you've stuck with me through this journey. Subscribe
to this channel, hit the like button and follow the
podcast for more amazing stories like these. If you've been
(03:23):
here from the beginning, you've seen it all heartbreak, loyalty,
faith and bold moves. And now we are here at
Ruth Chapter four, the grand finale. If you're new here,
don't worry. I've got you covered. We've been following the
story of Ruth, a woman who's shown us what it
(03:45):
looks like to stay faithful even when life's falling apart.
In chapter one, we see Ruth's loyalty to Naomi when
she could have just walked away. In chapter two, we
saw Ruth's work and God's provision through Boaz. And chapter
three was all about bold moves, Ruth's risky step of
(04:10):
faith to ask Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer. But
now this is it. This is the chapter where it
all comes together. Redemption, restoration, legacy. We began today's episode
with a prelude, a different story that foreshadows today's themes.
(04:31):
We met another woman of courage, Mary, Ruth and Mary's
lives are connected in our profound way. We'll unpack that
after today's story. Today we're going to see Boaz step
up in a major way. We'll see Ruth's story go
from brokenness to blessing, and we'll get a glimpse of
(04:53):
God's bigger plan, a plan that's bigger than Ruth, bigger
than Boaz, and yes, bigger than us too.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
The morning was alive with the song of birds and
the whisper of a gentle breeze. Yet Boaz was far
from tranquil. Love, duty, loyalty, and affection. All of these
churned within him, pulling him in different directions. It was
hard to say which had first compelled him to heed
(05:25):
Ruth's request. Perhaps it was all of them. What was
certain was the grip her presence had upon him. Her smile,
radiant even in the flicker of torchlight, haunted him. Her voice,
gentle and resolute, echoed in his thoughts. She was a
marvel of steadfast devotion and quiet strength yet to marry her,
(05:50):
that was no simple matter. There was another man, a closer,
kinsman whose claim by law came before his own. Boaz
was a man of integrity, and he would not abandon
his honor now, no matter how much he wanted to.
He stood at the base of the path leading to
the other redeemer's estate, the gravel crunching beneath his sandals.
(06:14):
The road stretched before him, winding and still the echoes
of the previous night, Ruth's whispered words, her presence, like
a lantern in his darkened heart, still clung to him,
like a dream.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Half remembered.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
You are a kinsman, redeemer baas your wings are able
to uplift and raise up the broken and forgotten, Please
spread your wings over me as a redeemer.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
He steadied himself, taking slow, deliberate breaths as he approached
the entrance. Most important meetings happened at the gate. Boaz
lowered himself on to a stone near it and fixed
his gaze on the horizon. The rising sun cast its
golden light over the fields, turning them into a sea
(07:05):
of shimmering gold. It was a sight meant to inspire peace.
Yet Boaz felt a nod of anxiety tightening within him.
He thought of his mother, Rahab a harlot. Once marked
as irredeemable, she had become a hero of Israel. Boaz
knew the truth of redemption as few others did. It
(07:27):
was a costly, beautiful thing, one that transformed brokenness into splendor.
The thought of Ruth, of the legacy they might create together,
stirred his heart. It was both thrilling and terrifying to him.
He closed his eyes, offering a silent prayer for courage.
The other kinsman's approached with a few grunts. The man
(07:50):
was older, his beard streaked with gray, and his face
weathered from years spent beneath the unforgiving sun. His movements
were brusque and his own sharp.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
As he dismissed boas his polite bow.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
Ah boas to what do I owe this visit?
Speaker 3 (08:09):
The Lord be with you, brother.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
The man's reply was little more than a grunt. Boaz
hid his dismay. Truly, men of honor and kindness were
rare in those days. Yet despite his course demeanor, this
kinsman was not wholly without virtue. He had a reputation
for fairness at least. The two men sat side by side,
their eyes on the fields stretching before them. It was
(08:34):
a fitting backdrop for the conversation at hand.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Ah Ah. As you know, Naomi, wife of Elimelech, has
returned to Bethlehem. Being a widow, she's no longer able
to afford her property. It is up to a kinsman
redeemer to buy it keep it in the family. Is
this something you would desire to purchase? It is your
(09:01):
right before it is mine.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
The home at the corner of the city. I could
buy it from her. The ground hasn't been tilled in years,
but that shouldn't be a problem for my Oxen. I
can certainly buy it from her, so she may have
some well to live on for the rest of her days,
however long that may be.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
It's within your right. Yet there is another aspect of
this redemption though. Whoever buys the home will also redeem
her daughter in law, Ruth, the widow of myln. She
traveled with her to Bethlehem.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
As the words left his lips, Boaz felt the weight
of his own longing. Offering Ruth to another man stung
more than he expected, but it also crystallized his resolve.
He wanted her not merely as a duty, but as
a joy. He waited, the tension mounting like a drawn bowstring.
(09:55):
The kinsman sighed heavily, shaking his head.
Speaker 5 (09:58):
Ah, brass it, I can't that, bo as I have
a bride of my own and she's trouble enough for me.
Plus would muddy up the inheritance laid up for my children.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Messie, messy.
Speaker 5 (10:10):
I won't have that headache.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
He turned to Boaz and noticed the look of relief
on his face. A sly smile crept across his face.
Speaker 5 (10:21):
I had to do what is honorable, eh, you and
your honor, I do what's right in my own eyes. Meanwhile,
I prefer to be practical.
Speaker 6 (10:31):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
I do what makes sense, and frankly, this doesn't here.
Give me your sandal and let's be done with it.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
The two exchanged sandals, a gesture of tradition binding the transaction.
They embraced briefly, the older man slapping boaz Is back
with rough camaraderie.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
Thank you, Eh, don't thank me yet. You still need
the elders to approve of this mess. Many of them
wanted you to marry their daughters. I expect it will
be a disappointment.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Boaz rose his stride, firmer, his heart lighter. There was
a fire within him now, the unmistakable assurance of God's
hand upon his life. The spirit of the Lord surged
within him, filling him with the courage of a redeemer.
As he made his way toward Ruth, he thought of
the path ahead, not just the physical road, but the
(11:25):
life they would build together. The Lord was moving, and
Boaz was marching in step with his divine will, toward
a love that would shape generations to come. Boaz strode
into the heart of the town, where the elders gathered
at the gate. These men, the appointed stewards of Bethlehem,
(11:49):
were accustomed to weighing matters of law and inheritance. But
theirs was a generation marked by unrest and cynicism. The
time of the Judges had left them wary of hope,
suspicious of joy. Yet Boaz stood among them, younger than most,
a man whose courage and righteousness burned brighter than the
(12:10):
sun that lit the town square. Messengers spread word of
the meeting, and the elders convened in the place of judgment.
They formed a circle, voices low and murmurs, as if
unsure whether this summons would prove a waste of their time.
When all were assembled, Boaz took his place in their list,
(12:31):
his broad shoulders and steady eyes cutting a figure of resolve.
The murmurs died away as he raised his hand. When
Boaz spoke, his voice was steady, resonant, and filled with purpose.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Men of Bethlehem, hear my declaration, and give me your blessing.
You are witnesses to this day.
Speaker 6 (12:53):
That I planned to buy from the hand of Naomi
all that belonged to Alimelech, and all that belonged to
Chilean and to Marlon. I will redeem the land that
has gone untended and cultivated.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
And as for Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Marlon,
I intend to make her my wife. May the name
of the dead never be cut off from among his
brothers and from the gait of his native place. You
are all witnesses to this day.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
His words fell like stones into a still pond. For
a moment, there was only the shuffling of sandals against
the dusty ground, the rustle of rose. Then the murmurs
began growing louder as the elders exchanged looks of skepticism
and muttered their misgivings.
Speaker 5 (13:42):
Are you sure about this decision, Boaz? Tragedy has followed
the lineage of a limelech.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Perhaps they're cursed.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
She's a moabid pop best laver be.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Who knows what trouble this foreigner will bring. Their objections
carried the weight of prejudice, fear born of years when
hardship had dulled their faith. Boaz, however, was unmoved. He
stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he raised his voice
above the discord.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Now, wait right there, I've borne witnessed the result of ruth.
I have seen the resilience of Naomi. They are women
of character. Who have we come If we allow our ken.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
To wither away like this? Who are we as men?
Speaker 6 (14:30):
As Israelites?
Speaker 1 (14:32):
Did not the Lord say to our people?
Speaker 3 (14:35):
I am the Lord, and I will bring you out
from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will
deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you
with an outstretched arm and with great judgment. Then I
will take you for my people, and I will be
your God. Is it not the heart of the Lord
to redeem and uplift. If it is his heart, it
(14:56):
shall be mine as well. You are all witnesses that
I have made this decision.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
The elders grumbled, their voices low and indistinct, but one
by one they nodded. Their agreement was begrudging but sufficient.
Boaz had won them over, not through coercion, but through
the clarity of his conviction. Words spread quickly, and soon
all of Bethlehem buzzed with the news. Boaz the Honorable
(15:26):
and Generous, would marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. The threshing
floor became a place of celebration, transformed by garlands of
flowers and the laughter of those who came to prepare
the feast. Boaz worked among them, directing the arrangements with
care and precision. When at last the preparations were complete,
(15:47):
a messenger was dispatched to bring Ruth to him, and
Boaz stood waiting, his heart alight with expectation. The Lord
was in this union, his hand guiding it, his purpose
woven into the fabric of their story. Boaz felt it
in his very bones. History was turning, and he was
(16:07):
its instrument. Ruth and Naomi sat in silence, in their hovel.
Ruth's heart unsteady. She had heard nothing from Boaz, and
the silence gnawed at her. Every passing moment seemed to
stretch impossibly long, filled with the clamor of her own thoughts, anticipation, hope,
(16:29):
and a shadow of doubt. Then a knock at the
door broke the silence. A smile curved at the edges
of Naomi's mouth.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
My child, I think that may be for you.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Ruth's breath caught in her throat as she rose, her
feet hesitant but her heart racing. She reached the door
and opened it slowly. The creak of the wood was
the only sound, for the world erupted into joyous commotion.
A parade of people stood outside, their shouts of joy
and exultation filling the air. Trumpets blared triumphantly, and women
(17:07):
stepped forward with arms laden with fragrant oriors, flowers, and
garments of gleaming light. Before Ruth could process what was happening,
they swept into the house like a tide, their hands
gentle yet insistent, as they adorned her with the finery
of a bride. Arth They called her jos Read. The
(17:28):
words swirled around Ruth along with garlands of wild flowers.
She felt the press of hands smoothing her hair and
settling a delicate veil over her brow. When the men
knelt and presented her with a seat, she lowered herself foot.
The seat was lifted high, carried upon their shoulders as
they began their triumphant march. Ruth's heart swelled as the
(17:52):
cheers rose around her. The procession moved down the road
toward the threshing floor, where boats waited. Naomi walked behind
the parade, her heart brimming with an emotion she had
not felt in years. Delight. Tears streamed down Naomi's weathered
cheeks as she whispered praises to the Lord. She thought
(18:13):
of the bitter name she had once claimed, Mara, and
how far the Lord had brought her since those dark days.
The sweetness of her true name, Naomi, returned to her
in waves. The Lord had never abandoned her. His hand
was carrying her all along through the loyalty of her
daughter in law, Ruth. Faithful Ruth, redeemed Ruth. The crowd
(18:40):
reached the threshing floor. There stood Boaz. His posture was
tall and proud, his expression radiant with joy as he
caught sight of Ruth. The men set Ruth gently at
the start of the ayle. She remained there for a moment,
her hands trembling slightly as she took in the scene
(19:01):
before her. Her gaze lingered on Boaz, her redeemer, and
she thought of the journey that had led her to
this moment. She remembered the tears shed at Molly's grave,
the nights spent in prayer beneath the vast, unyielding sky.
She thought of the aching march from Moab, the weariness
of gleaning in the fields. All of it, every sorrow
(19:24):
and trial, had been a thread in the tapestry of
God's poor. She breathed deeply, steadying herself, and stepped forward.
Each step was a prayer of gratitude, a declaration of faith.
The brokenness of her past melted away with each stride,
her path illuminated by the rising sun of redemption. When
(19:48):
she reached Boaz, she took his hand. His fingers were rough,
but his touch was gentle. Boaz looked at Ruth, his
heart near to bursting. She was greedy, her beauty not
merely in her outward adornment, but in the strength and
faith that shone through her. She was a testament to
(20:09):
the grace of God, a living emblem of redemption.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Ruth, daughter of Moab, but beloved of Israel. To day
I take you to be my wife. In the sight
of the Lord, our God, and before the witnesses of
this assembly. You are no longer a stranger among us,
but grafted into the people of Israel, as the Lord
(20:35):
has redeemed me in my house. So I vow to
redeem you, to cherish you, and to honor you all
the days of my life.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
Boas I stand here today not because of my worth,
because of the kindness of our God and your steadfast heart,
pludge myself to you as your wife, to love you
and serve you with loyalty as I have loved and
served me. May the God of Israel, under whose wings
(21:09):
I have sought refuge, bless this union and guide our
steps together.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
As it is written the scroll of our forefathers, it
is not good for man to be author. I will
make a helper suitable for him.
Speaker 7 (21:26):
Ruth, you are my helper, my companion, and the delight
of my heart. I will love you as my own soul,
honor you as my partner, and protect you as my bride.
Speaker 4 (21:41):
Where you go, I will go, Where you dwell, I
will dwell. Your people will be my people, and your
God my God.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
The vows they exchanged echoed like music in the hearts
of all who gathered. The people cheered, and their voices
chorus of celebration. Their face is alight with the realization
that they were witnessing more than a union of two souls.
There was a foretaste of something greater, a glimpse of
God's ultimate plan of redemption for his people. Boaz and
(22:17):
Ruth's love story became a part of the grander narrative
of God's faithfulness. Through their union, a lineage was forged
that would bring forth kings and eventually ve King. Three
years later, when their son Obed was worn, Naomi cradled
him in her arms, her heart overflowing with joy. The
(22:39):
women of Bethlehem gathered around, their voices lifting its song.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Blessed be the Lord who has not left you without
a redeemer. This child so be to you a restorer
of light.
Speaker 1 (22:52):
Their words were not merely a blessing, but a prophecy.
O Bed would grow to Father Jesse and Jesse would
father David, the Shepherd, King of Israel. From David's line,
under the same Bethlehem's skies, a child would be born
in a stable, a child who would redeem not only
a family or a nation, but the entire world through
(23:16):
suffering and sorrow, through loyalty and love, God's redemptive plan unfolded.
The story of Ruth and Boaz was but a thread
in the grand tapestry, yet its beauty shone brightly, pointing
to the ultimate kinsman, redeemer, Jesus of Nazareth, the descendant
(23:39):
of faithful Ruth and righteous Bowers. He would bear the
weight of the storm and deliver his people, calling them
beloved and restoring what was lost.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Wow. Ruth Chapter four as one of my favorite at
full circle moments in the Bible. It proves that God's
promises are never empty. If you've been waiting for a breakthrough,
this chapter was for you. Here's the scene. Boaz goes
(24:16):
straight to the town gate to handle business. Back in
those days, the town gate was like city hall. It's
where all the legal and official stuff happened. Boaz is
ready to take action to Ruth. I absolutely love this.
Can we pause for a minute and talk about what
(24:39):
a man Boaz is. He's getting things done for this
woman that he's fallen in love with. He doesn't wait
for things to just happen. He's a man of action.
He's intentional. He's ready to do what it takes to
make Ruth his wife. I absolutely love it. And you
(25:00):
know every single Christian girl has a Boas on her
mind when looking for qualities in a future husband. Here's
what stands out to me. Boaz didn't have to do
any of this. He chose to. He didn't have to
love Ruth or protect Naomi's family line, but he did
(25:21):
it out of love, compassion, and obedience to God's ways.
I'm telling you right now, if you've ever wondered if
anyone would choose you, not out of obligation, but out
of love, let Ruth Chapter four be your reminder. Jesus
chose you. Jesus is your Boas, Jesus is your kinsman, redeemer.
(25:47):
Boas bought Naomi's land with money and married Ruth. Jesus
bought your salvation on the cross with his blood and
called you his bride. And this love for you isn't
based on obligation. He chose you every single time. Now
(26:08):
here's the part that's going to get you shouting. Boaz
and Ruth get married and then oh, y'all. Then they
have a son. His name is Obed. Here's why this matters.
Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. And if you're
familiar with the Bible, you know that Jesus, Yes, our Redeemer,
(26:33):
comes through the lineage of David. So Ruth, a woman
who started as a Moabite widow, becomes part of the
family line of Jesus Christ. That's why the birth of
Jesus was in our prelude. This moment between Ruth and
Boaz made the birth of Christ possible. Do you know
(26:56):
what this means? If Ruth's life, filled with tragedy, gave
way to the coming of Christ, then what is your
hardship making way for what is God have in store
for you? This is why I love god redemption story.
He takes what looks broken, lost and hopeless and uses
(27:19):
it for something eternal. Ruth's faithfulness didn't just change her story,
it changed generations. And here's my takeaway for all of us.
Your faithfulness matters, Your story matters. Ruth had no idea
she was part of something bigger than herself. She was
(27:42):
just trying to survive. But God took her ordinary acts
of faithfulness and built something extraordinary out of them. I'll
be honest with you, there have been seasons in my
life where I've asked, God, is any of this even
making a difference. I feel like that with much of
(28:05):
my work with inmates and prisons. It's hard, it's emotional,
it's exhausting. But Ruth's story reminds me that faithfulness in
the small things is never wasted. God's working in the background,
weaving it all together. So here's the challenge I'm giving
(28:25):
you today. Don't underestimate your ordinary faithfulness, your acts of love,
your hard work, your decision to stay when you could
walk away, because God sees it and He's using it
for something bigger than you could ever imagine. You might
feel like Ruth right now, doing what you've got to
(28:48):
do with no idea how it'll turn out. But just
know that God's got a Boas moment coming for you,
and I'm telling you it's coming. This wrap up our
series on Ruth. But y'all, this isn't the end. It's
just the beginning. God's still writing your story and I'm
(29:10):
cheering you on every step of the way. If this
message spoke to you, share it with someone in their
waiting season. Sometimes all it takes is one reminder that
redemption is coming. You could be the only Bible someone
ever reads. Thanks for joining me on this series, and
(29:32):
remember God's plans for you are good, even when you
can't see them. If you want more epic stories like these,
download Theprey dot Com app today
Prelude to Chapter four. Mary's screams echoed throughout the cave
like stable. Sweat beat down her brow as her whole
body tensed in pain. Joseph was beside Mary, unwavering in
his devotion to her. For a few hours, Mary pushed
for the joys set before her. Mary endured the agony.
(00:23):
She willingly laid down her own comfort so that this
child may experience life. Mary did not know it at
the time, but the sun she was about to birth
would one day endure his own pain for the sake
of others. Her cries continued as the sun finally set
over the western hills. Then, as the stars began to
(00:45):
sprinkle across the sky like fireflies, Mary's wails were replaced
with the whimpering of a new born baby. In a
dusty stable, surrounded by a host of farm animals, The
promised child of God was born. Mary and Joseph cried
as the new born babe breathed in his first breaths
(01:07):
on earth. There were no priests to sound trumpets or
incense burned at his feet, just two doting parents, a
few donkeys and sheep, and silence. It was a truly
humble birth. For such a long awaited king. Yet this
was the prophecy of Isaiah long before that a virgin
(01:30):
would conceive and give birth to a son in the
city of Bethlehem and call him Immanuel, which means God
with us. This was that moment, the moment God had
promised since the fall of mankind, God himself, Creator and
the Word of Life came down to dwell among mankind.
(01:54):
He did not do so with a procession of gold
or a vast army. He did so by coming in
the likeness of man in the most humble of ways.
A baby swaddled in a manger, Mary leaned over and
kissed his nose. The spirit of God was present and near.
(02:15):
Joseph and Mary found themselves considering the words of Isaiah
long ago, saying, for to us a child is born,
to us, a son is given, and the government shall
be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful counselor Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. They
(02:39):
could not begin to imagine what this child would grow
up to do. For now they held him, kissed him,
listened to his cries, and attended to his every need.
For now they were doting parents humbly thanking God for
the burden and blessing of caring for a key.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
Hey y'all, welcome back to pray dot COM's Heroes in
the Bible, Ruth. I'm your host, Savannah Chrisley, and I'm
so glad you've stuck with me through this journey. Subscribe
to this channel, hit the like button and follow the
podcast for more amazing stories like these. If you've been
(03:23):
here from the beginning, you've seen it all heartbreak, loyalty,
faith and bold moves. And now we are here at
Ruth Chapter four, the grand finale. If you're new here,
don't worry. I've got you covered. We've been following the
story of Ruth, a woman who's shown us what it
(03:45):
looks like to stay faithful even when life's falling apart.
In chapter one, we see Ruth's loyalty to Naomi when
she could have just walked away. In chapter two, we
saw Ruth's work and God's provision through Boaz. And chapter
three was all about bold moves, Ruth's risky step of
(04:10):
faith to ask Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer. But
now this is it. This is the chapter where it
all comes together. Redemption, restoration, legacy. We began today's episode
with a prelude, a different story that foreshadows today's themes.
(04:31):
We met another woman of courage, Mary, Ruth and Mary's
lives are connected in our profound way. We'll unpack that
after today's story. Today we're going to see Boaz step
up in a major way. We'll see Ruth's story go
from brokenness to blessing, and we'll get a glimpse of
(04:53):
God's bigger plan, a plan that's bigger than Ruth, bigger
than Boaz, and yes, bigger than us too.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
The morning was alive with the song of birds and
the whisper of a gentle breeze. Yet Boaz was far
from tranquil. Love, duty, loyalty, and affection. All of these
churned within him, pulling him in different directions. It was
hard to say which had first compelled him to heed
(05:25):
Ruth's request. Perhaps it was all of them. What was
certain was the grip her presence had upon him. Her smile,
radiant even in the flicker of torchlight, haunted him. Her voice,
gentle and resolute, echoed in his thoughts. She was a
marvel of steadfast devotion and quiet strength yet to marry her,
(05:50):
that was no simple matter. There was another man, a closer,
kinsman whose claim by law came before his own. Boaz
was a man of integrity, and he would not abandon
his honor now, no matter how much he wanted to.
He stood at the base of the path leading to
the other redeemer's estate, the gravel crunching beneath his sandals.
(06:14):
The road stretched before him, winding and still the echoes
of the previous night, Ruth's whispered words, her presence, like
a lantern in his darkened heart, still clung to him,
like a dream.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Half remembered.
Speaker 4 (06:31):
You are a kinsman, redeemer baas your wings are able
to uplift and raise up the broken and forgotten, Please
spread your wings over me as a redeemer.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
He steadied himself, taking slow, deliberate breaths as he approached
the entrance. Most important meetings happened at the gate. Boaz
lowered himself on to a stone near it and fixed
his gaze on the horizon. The rising sun cast its
golden light over the fields, turning them into a sea
(07:05):
of shimmering gold. It was a sight meant to inspire peace.
Yet Boaz felt a nod of anxiety tightening within him.
He thought of his mother, Rahab a harlot. Once marked
as irredeemable, she had become a hero of Israel. Boaz
knew the truth of redemption as few others did. It
(07:27):
was a costly, beautiful thing, one that transformed brokenness into splendor.
The thought of Ruth, of the legacy they might create together,
stirred his heart. It was both thrilling and terrifying to him.
He closed his eyes, offering a silent prayer for courage.
The other kinsman's approached with a few grunts. The man
(07:50):
was older, his beard streaked with gray, and his face
weathered from years spent beneath the unforgiving sun. His movements
were brusque and his own sharp.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
As he dismissed boas his polite bow.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
Ah boas to what do I owe this visit?
Speaker 3 (08:09):
The Lord be with you, brother.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
The man's reply was little more than a grunt. Boaz
hid his dismay. Truly, men of honor and kindness were
rare in those days. Yet despite his course demeanor, this
kinsman was not wholly without virtue. He had a reputation
for fairness at least. The two men sat side by side,
their eyes on the fields stretching before them. It was
(08:34):
a fitting backdrop for the conversation at hand.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
Ah Ah. As you know, Naomi, wife of Elimelech, has
returned to Bethlehem. Being a widow, she's no longer able
to afford her property. It is up to a kinsman
redeemer to buy it keep it in the family. Is
this something you would desire to purchase? It is your
(09:01):
right before it is mine.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
The home at the corner of the city. I could
buy it from her. The ground hasn't been tilled in years,
but that shouldn't be a problem for my Oxen. I
can certainly buy it from her, so she may have
some well to live on for the rest of her days,
however long that may be.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
It's within your right. Yet there is another aspect of
this redemption though. Whoever buys the home will also redeem
her daughter in law, Ruth, the widow of myln. She
traveled with her to Bethlehem.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
As the words left his lips, Boaz felt the weight
of his own longing. Offering Ruth to another man stung
more than he expected, but it also crystallized his resolve.
He wanted her not merely as a duty, but as
a joy. He waited, the tension mounting like a drawn bowstring.
(09:55):
The kinsman sighed heavily, shaking his head.
Speaker 5 (09:58):
Ah, brass it, I can't that, bo as I have
a bride of my own and she's trouble enough for me.
Plus would muddy up the inheritance laid up for my children.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Messie, messy.
Speaker 5 (10:10):
I won't have that headache.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
He turned to Boaz and noticed the look of relief
on his face. A sly smile crept across his face.
Speaker 5 (10:21):
I had to do what is honorable, eh, you and
your honor, I do what's right in my own eyes. Meanwhile,
I prefer to be practical.
Speaker 6 (10:31):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
I do what makes sense, and frankly, this doesn't here.
Give me your sandal and let's be done with it.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
The two exchanged sandals, a gesture of tradition binding the transaction.
They embraced briefly, the older man slapping boaz Is back
with rough camaraderie.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
Thank you, Eh, don't thank me yet. You still need
the elders to approve of this mess. Many of them
wanted you to marry their daughters. I expect it will
be a disappointment.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Boaz rose his stride, firmer, his heart lighter. There was
a fire within him now, the unmistakable assurance of God's
hand upon his life. The spirit of the Lord surged
within him, filling him with the courage of a redeemer.
As he made his way toward Ruth, he thought of
the path ahead, not just the physical road, but the
(11:25):
life they would build together. The Lord was moving, and
Boaz was marching in step with his divine will, toward
a love that would shape generations to come. Boaz strode
into the heart of the town, where the elders gathered
at the gate. These men, the appointed stewards of Bethlehem,
(11:49):
were accustomed to weighing matters of law and inheritance. But
theirs was a generation marked by unrest and cynicism. The
time of the Judges had left them wary of hope,
suspicious of joy. Yet Boaz stood among them, younger than most,
a man whose courage and righteousness burned brighter than the
(12:10):
sun that lit the town square. Messengers spread word of
the meeting, and the elders convened in the place of judgment.
They formed a circle, voices low and murmurs, as if
unsure whether this summons would prove a waste of their time.
When all were assembled, Boaz took his place in their list,
(12:31):
his broad shoulders and steady eyes cutting a figure of resolve.
The murmurs died away as he raised his hand. When
Boaz spoke, his voice was steady, resonant, and filled with purpose.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Men of Bethlehem, hear my declaration, and give me your blessing.
You are witnesses to this day.
Speaker 6 (12:53):
That I planned to buy from the hand of Naomi
all that belonged to Alimelech, and all that belonged to
Chilean and to Marlon. I will redeem the land that
has gone untended and cultivated.
Speaker 3 (13:07):
And as for Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Marlon,
I intend to make her my wife. May the name
of the dead never be cut off from among his
brothers and from the gait of his native place. You
are all witnesses to this day.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
His words fell like stones into a still pond. For
a moment, there was only the shuffling of sandals against
the dusty ground, the rustle of rose. Then the murmurs
began growing louder as the elders exchanged looks of skepticism
and muttered their misgivings.
Speaker 5 (13:42):
Are you sure about this decision, Boaz? Tragedy has followed
the lineage of a limelech.
Speaker 4 (13:48):
Perhaps they're cursed.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
She's a moabid pop best laver be.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Who knows what trouble this foreigner will bring. Their objections
carried the weight of prejudice, fear born of years when
hardship had dulled their faith. Boaz, however, was unmoved. He
stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he raised his voice
above the discord.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Now, wait right there, I've borne witnessed the result of ruth.
I have seen the resilience of Naomi. They are women
of character. Who have we come If we allow our ken.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
To wither away like this? Who are we as men?
Speaker 6 (14:30):
As Israelites?
Speaker 1 (14:32):
Did not the Lord say to our people?
Speaker 3 (14:35):
I am the Lord, and I will bring you out
from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will
deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you
with an outstretched arm and with great judgment. Then I
will take you for my people, and I will be
your God. Is it not the heart of the Lord
to redeem and uplift. If it is his heart, it
(14:56):
shall be mine as well. You are all witnesses that
I have made this decision.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
The elders grumbled, their voices low and indistinct, but one
by one they nodded. Their agreement was begrudging but sufficient.
Boaz had won them over, not through coercion, but through
the clarity of his conviction. Words spread quickly, and soon
all of Bethlehem buzzed with the news. Boaz the Honorable
(15:26):
and Generous, would marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. The threshing
floor became a place of celebration, transformed by garlands of
flowers and the laughter of those who came to prepare
the feast. Boaz worked among them, directing the arrangements with
care and precision. When at last the preparations were complete,
(15:47):
a messenger was dispatched to bring Ruth to him, and
Boaz stood waiting, his heart alight with expectation. The Lord
was in this union, his hand guiding it, his purpose
woven into the fabric of their story. Boaz felt it
in his very bones. History was turning, and he was
(16:07):
its instrument. Ruth and Naomi sat in silence, in their hovel.
Ruth's heart unsteady. She had heard nothing from Boaz, and
the silence gnawed at her. Every passing moment seemed to
stretch impossibly long, filled with the clamor of her own thoughts, anticipation, hope,
(16:29):
and a shadow of doubt. Then a knock at the
door broke the silence. A smile curved at the edges
of Naomi's mouth.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
My child, I think that may be for you.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Ruth's breath caught in her throat as she rose, her
feet hesitant but her heart racing. She reached the door
and opened it slowly. The creak of the wood was
the only sound, for the world erupted into joyous commotion.
A parade of people stood outside, their shouts of joy
and exultation filling the air. Trumpets blared triumphantly, and women
(17:07):
stepped forward with arms laden with fragrant oriors, flowers, and
garments of gleaming light. Before Ruth could process what was happening,
they swept into the house like a tide, their hands
gentle yet insistent, as they adorned her with the finery
of a bride. Arth They called her jos Read. The
(17:28):
words swirled around Ruth along with garlands of wild flowers.
She felt the press of hands smoothing her hair and
settling a delicate veil over her brow. When the men
knelt and presented her with a seat, she lowered herself foot.
The seat was lifted high, carried upon their shoulders as
they began their triumphant march. Ruth's heart swelled as the
(17:52):
cheers rose around her. The procession moved down the road
toward the threshing floor, where boats waited. Naomi walked behind
the parade, her heart brimming with an emotion she had
not felt in years. Delight. Tears streamed down Naomi's weathered
cheeks as she whispered praises to the Lord. She thought
(18:13):
of the bitter name she had once claimed, Mara, and
how far the Lord had brought her since those dark days.
The sweetness of her true name, Naomi, returned to her
in waves. The Lord had never abandoned her. His hand
was carrying her all along through the loyalty of her
daughter in law, Ruth. Faithful Ruth, redeemed Ruth. The crowd
(18:40):
reached the threshing floor. There stood Boaz. His posture was
tall and proud, his expression radiant with joy as he
caught sight of Ruth. The men set Ruth gently at
the start of the ayle. She remained there for a moment,
her hands trembling slightly as she took in the scene
(19:01):
before her. Her gaze lingered on Boaz, her redeemer, and
she thought of the journey that had led her to
this moment. She remembered the tears shed at Molly's grave,
the nights spent in prayer beneath the vast, unyielding sky.
She thought of the aching march from Moab, the weariness
of gleaning in the fields. All of it, every sorrow
(19:24):
and trial, had been a thread in the tapestry of
God's poor. She breathed deeply, steadying herself, and stepped forward.
Each step was a prayer of gratitude, a declaration of faith.
The brokenness of her past melted away with each stride,
her path illuminated by the rising sun of redemption. When
(19:48):
she reached Boaz, she took his hand. His fingers were rough,
but his touch was gentle. Boaz looked at Ruth, his
heart near to bursting. She was greedy, her beauty not
merely in her outward adornment, but in the strength and
faith that shone through her. She was a testament to
(20:09):
the grace of God, a living emblem of redemption.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Ruth, daughter of Moab, but beloved of Israel. To day
I take you to be my wife. In the sight
of the Lord, our God, and before the witnesses of
this assembly. You are no longer a stranger among us,
but grafted into the people of Israel, as the Lord
(20:35):
has redeemed me in my house. So I vow to
redeem you, to cherish you, and to honor you all
the days of my life.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
Boas I stand here today not because of my worth,
because of the kindness of our God and your steadfast heart,
pludge myself to you as your wife, to love you
and serve you with loyalty as I have loved and
served me. May the God of Israel, under whose wings
(21:09):
I have sought refuge, bless this union and guide our
steps together.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
As it is written the scroll of our forefathers, it
is not good for man to be author. I will
make a helper suitable for him.
Speaker 7 (21:26):
Ruth, you are my helper, my companion, and the delight
of my heart. I will love you as my own soul,
honor you as my partner, and protect you as my bride.
Speaker 4 (21:41):
Where you go, I will go, Where you dwell, I
will dwell. Your people will be my people, and your
God my God.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
The vows they exchanged echoed like music in the hearts
of all who gathered. The people cheered, and their voices
chorus of celebration. Their face is alight with the realization
that they were witnessing more than a union of two souls.
There was a foretaste of something greater, a glimpse of
God's ultimate plan of redemption for his people. Boaz and
(22:17):
Ruth's love story became a part of the grander narrative
of God's faithfulness. Through their union, a lineage was forged
that would bring forth kings and eventually ve King. Three
years later, when their son Obed was worn, Naomi cradled
him in her arms, her heart overflowing with joy. The
(22:39):
women of Bethlehem gathered around, their voices lifting its song.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Blessed be the Lord who has not left you without
a redeemer. This child so be to you a restorer
of light.
Speaker 1 (22:52):
Their words were not merely a blessing, but a prophecy.
O Bed would grow to Father Jesse and Jesse would
father David, the Shepherd, King of Israel. From David's line,
under the same Bethlehem's skies, a child would be born
in a stable, a child who would redeem not only
a family or a nation, but the entire world through
(23:16):
suffering and sorrow, through loyalty and love, God's redemptive plan unfolded.
The story of Ruth and Boaz was but a thread
in the grand tapestry, yet its beauty shone brightly, pointing
to the ultimate kinsman, redeemer, Jesus of Nazareth, the descendant
(23:39):
of faithful Ruth and righteous Bowers. He would bear the
weight of the storm and deliver his people, calling them
beloved and restoring what was lost.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Wow. Ruth Chapter four as one of my favorite at
full circle moments in the Bible. It proves that God's
promises are never empty. If you've been waiting for a breakthrough,
this chapter was for you. Here's the scene. Boaz goes
(24:16):
straight to the town gate to handle business. Back in
those days, the town gate was like city hall. It's
where all the legal and official stuff happened. Boaz is
ready to take action to Ruth. I absolutely love this.
Can we pause for a minute and talk about what
(24:39):
a man Boaz is. He's getting things done for this
woman that he's fallen in love with. He doesn't wait
for things to just happen. He's a man of action.
He's intentional. He's ready to do what it takes to
make Ruth his wife. I absolutely love it. And you
(25:00):
know every single Christian girl has a Boas on her
mind when looking for qualities in a future husband. Here's
what stands out to me. Boaz didn't have to do
any of this. He chose to. He didn't have to
love Ruth or protect Naomi's family line, but he did
(25:21):
it out of love, compassion, and obedience to God's ways.
I'm telling you right now, if you've ever wondered if
anyone would choose you, not out of obligation, but out
of love, let Ruth Chapter four be your reminder. Jesus
chose you. Jesus is your Boas, Jesus is your kinsman, redeemer.
(25:47):
Boas bought Naomi's land with money and married Ruth. Jesus
bought your salvation on the cross with his blood and
called you his bride. And this love for you isn't
based on obligation. He chose you every single time. Now
(26:08):
here's the part that's going to get you shouting. Boaz
and Ruth get married and then oh, y'all. Then they
have a son. His name is Obed. Here's why this matters.
Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. And if you're
familiar with the Bible, you know that Jesus, Yes, our Redeemer,
(26:33):
comes through the lineage of David. So Ruth, a woman
who started as a Moabite widow, becomes part of the
family line of Jesus Christ. That's why the birth of
Jesus was in our prelude. This moment between Ruth and
Boaz made the birth of Christ possible. Do you know
(26:56):
what this means? If Ruth's life, filled with tragedy, gave
way to the coming of Christ, then what is your
hardship making way for what is God have in store
for you? This is why I love god redemption story.
He takes what looks broken, lost and hopeless and uses
(27:19):
it for something eternal. Ruth's faithfulness didn't just change her story,
it changed generations. And here's my takeaway for all of us.
Your faithfulness matters, Your story matters. Ruth had no idea
she was part of something bigger than herself. She was
(27:42):
just trying to survive. But God took her ordinary acts
of faithfulness and built something extraordinary out of them. I'll
be honest with you, there have been seasons in my
life where I've asked, God, is any of this even
making a difference. I feel like that with much of
(28:05):
my work with inmates and prisons. It's hard, it's emotional,
it's exhausting. But Ruth's story reminds me that faithfulness in
the small things is never wasted. God's working in the background,
weaving it all together. So here's the challenge I'm giving
(28:25):
you today. Don't underestimate your ordinary faithfulness, your acts of love,
your hard work, your decision to stay when you could
walk away, because God sees it and He's using it
for something bigger than you could ever imagine. You might
feel like Ruth right now, doing what you've got to
(28:48):
do with no idea how it'll turn out. But just
know that God's got a Boas moment coming for you,
and I'm telling you it's coming. This wrap up our
series on Ruth. But y'all, this isn't the end. It's
just the beginning. God's still writing your story and I'm
(29:10):
cheering you on every step of the way. If this
message spoke to you, share it with someone in their
waiting season. Sometimes all it takes is one reminder that
redemption is coming. You could be the only Bible someone
ever reads. Thanks for joining me on this series, and
(29:32):
remember God's plans for you are good, even when you
can't see them. If you want more epic stories like these,
download Theprey dot Com app today
Host
Dr. Tony Evans
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