The book of Ruth presents the story of a family that moved to search for bread during a famine and ended up losing it all. Naomi lost her two sons in Moab within a period of ten years. The grieving Naomi decided to return to her home because the Lord had visited them and there was no longer a famine. The decision to go back was a difficult one as Naomi’s daughters-in-law also wanted to join the journey back home. In the long run, Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her (Ruth 1:14).
In Bethlehem, Ruth joined the women to pick leftover grain in the field of Boaz. One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for (Ruth 3:1). Ruth herself was content with her life in Bethlehem but Naomi knew that for Ruth to settle in well, she needed to help Ruth find a home. According to the law at that time, Naomi’s late husband’s property could be acquired by a family member and that person should also be ready to marry Ruth and raise children for the dead. Thus, whoever marries Ruth is helping to extend the lineage of Naomi’s family. Although this sounds strange today, it was no news to the people in Naomi’s days. The search for the redeemer began with Boaz who informed Ruth that another person is closer than him. Will this person redeem Ruth? Will Ruth find a home?
The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! (Ruth 4:14)
The one expected to redeem Ruth did not because he didn’t want to endanger his own estate (Ruth 4:6). Ultimately, Boaz became the guardian-redeemer who provided a home for Ruth, the Moabite. Ruth’s sacrifice of leaving her own family and following Naomi to Bethlehem paid off. She was no more alone, because God provided a guardian-redeemer. After losing her husband and her home in Moab, Ruth found a husband and a home in Bethlehem. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! (Ruth 4:14). Boaz and Ruth’s marriage brought forth Obed and Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of king David. The great ancestor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever Ruth lost in Moab, was restored in Bethlehem through the provision of the guardian-redeemer.
Many of us have been through a similar circle as Ruth, life has been harsh and we have lost precious people, time and resources. Leaving our Moab (place of comfort) to Bethlehem (the place to start again) seems unpleasant. However, until Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, she remained the widowed daughter-in-law of Naomi. If God had positioned your guardian-redeemer in Bethlehem, it is in Bethlehem you will receive your breakthrough. May we be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that we do not miss the prompting of God. He will always provide a guardian-redeemer but we must be aligned to His will, His time and His place. Be encouraged!