Ruth Chapter 4
Alas, we have come to the end of yet another book.
However, in stark contrast with the way the book of Judges concluded, loosely likened to the warmth of an embrace after a rough day, the book of Ruth is full of hope, a neat and compact outline of how God’s sovereignty is fulfilled, whose will unfolds under some of the most idealised circumstances – an initial descent into seeming potential lifelong tragedy, followed by a steady ascent into a multi-layered, multigenerational happy ending.
Although this story is set in the violent and tumultuous time of the judges, there is no reference, trace or remnant of any of its horrors, successfully setting apart the events of the story, allowing it to come across almost as a standalone piece of history, beautifully weaved into the tapestry of God’s salvation plan.
In this last chapter, we see how Boaz embodies the mercy and lovingkindness of God, making the life-changing decision to (willingly) take over the role and responsibilities of a kinsman-redeemer from his relative in order to preserve the family name/line of Elimelech, and consequently, the genealogy of Jesus Christ Himself, our ultimate Redeemer.
As compared to many books in the old testament, where the presence, guidance and works of God are quite explicitly mentioned, this book makes little mention of them.
The intentional exclusion of God’s actions somewhat parallels the way God works in our present lives.
From start to finish, the literary structure of this book provides the firm reassurance that God is indeed our Saviour, ever-present, always working, regardless of the state of the world we live in. This book reminds us to include God in all of our lives’ moments, so much so that His abidance speaks unto itself.
Truly, similar to how this book has been written, when we turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Even as the overwhelming raging waves of the sum of the issues of life come crashing down on us, let us go back to God, faithfully wait and stand on His promises, knowing wholeheartedly even before our eyes have seen, that God is our Restorer of life, and has already dropped the anchor.
And in the cloudy midst of uncertainty, misery, trouble and strife, therein lies a flickering flame, illuminating the corners of a tiny crevice in a wall, a flickering flame that cannot and must not be put out.
May we continue to learn and grow to see God, always and in all ways.