Sacrifice is Necessary

Ruth 4:1–12
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Boaz went to the city gate and sat down to wait for his relative (v. 1). In those days, the gate was a meeting place and a place to do legal business. Naomi’s land had to be redeemed by some legal representative of the family. The nearest relation always got first choice. At first the man was eager to redeem the land, but he grew hesitant once Boaz explained that the land would also come with Ruth, the widow of Mahlon and a Moabite (vv. 3-6). Whoever ended up with the field would be expected to marry Ruth and produce a male heir for the land. This was not a simple matter of attaching a small property on to his other property. No, whoever bought the land was going to be responsible for restarting a family tree through Ruth. Perhaps the man was already married with children of his own. He had to think of their inheritance and their future. Or maybe he was single but had not heard of Ruth’s excellent reputation. In his eyes, she was just a widow and a Moabite at that. He withdrew his claim, giving Boaz his opportunity to be the kinsman redeemer (v. 6). 

To make a sale legal in those days, one person would take off a sandal and give it to the other. The shoe symbolized motion and wandering, but it also symbolized rest and possession as one walks the earth with the shoe. Boaz’s action showed everyone that Elimelech’s property was now his, and that he would marry Ruth, the widow of Mahlon. Boaz took upon himself all the losses the unnamed kinsman feared, and the joyous task of marrying Ruth. He promised to bring up a child for the dead kinsman. 

Application

Ruth had given up her home, her country, and her family to go God’s way. She desired to please God and not herself. When she chose His way, God was working for her and on her behalf. This reminds me of Jesus who left His heavenly home because of His love for us. What kind of a sacrifice have I made for His sake?