Where words of doubt, piety and snobbery had gathered in the Bethlehem streets, there was now silence. A little more than a year had passed since the first redeemer cast his sandal, in an act of relinquished right, at the feet of Boaz. The delighted Boaz took up that sandal swiftly and pursued his bride to be like a whirlwind. In unmatched acts of generosity, he bestowed upon a foreigner the wealth and stature of a Sovereign in his heart and household. She was the twinkle in his eye and the receptor of all his goodness. He held nothing back.
The women became hushed within the market place. Who dares to speak a word on this subject? This foreigner had proved praiseworthy in conduct and become the single desire and wife of a prominent Jewish citizen. All were equally amazed...
...and it ought not be surprising to we who know the deep truths of this story. The “once upon a time” fairy tale of an eminent King who has cared not about the whisperings of others, but, has sought lawfully and strategically to gain the hearts of foreigners. He who has become our Brother in all respects, has also pursued His right to be our Kinsmen Redeemer, our Great Goel….
The story continues...
In a small part of Bethlehem a saintly drama was taking place. Ruth, the restored and exalted, gave birth to her first born son. Her face shown with the pride of full restitution; everything lost had been redeemed and rewarded a hundred-fold. She gathered up the ruddy infant and gently placed him in the arms of Naomi. “Your son,” she whispered. Naomi’s heart staggered. She inwardly groaned and sighed; she rocked and stirred with deep, precious feeling. The soul was moving and waking to lost pain. Her depressed belly of emotion began to resurface words of real thanksgiving as she held all of her sons in this one child. Jewish prayers of Yahweh’s goodness and faithfulness poured in whispers from her lips. In ascending strength and volume they rose. Whispers. Prayers. Songs. Songs. Songs!
The vocals went up into the halls of heaven and filled the Bethlehem streets. The women of all ages heard them. Their ears received the sound of God’s graces; His sweet vindication upon those who wait. They gloried in remembrance. Yes, Yahweh was the helper of foreigners. He was the restorer and vindicator of all the oppressed. He makes the barren woman glad. This was the Lord! These were His ways!
“Then the women said to Naomi. ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him,” Ruth 4:14-15. From that day forward, in the Bethlehem neighborhood, it was proclaimed, “A son has been born to Naomi.” The words danced upon the tongues of women. Both young and old gave testimony of what the Lord had done to restore Naomi and satisfy Ruth. A young foreigner was exalted. An old Jewess had been revived. Blessed be the Lord of Israel!
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