The Beauty of Redemption: Seeking God's Best
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
**Devotional: The Beauty of Redemption: Seeking God's Best**
**Scripture Reference: Ruth 3:12 (KJV)**
*"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."*
The story of Ruth provides a beautiful tapestry of loyalty, love, and redemption woven together through divine providence. Ruth, a Moabite widow, exemplifies unwavering devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and a commitment to the God of Israel despite her foreign roots. The verse in Ruth 3:12 presents us with a crucial moment of decision, revealing the nature of God's redemptive plans and His provision for His people.
When Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi's deceased husband, acknowledges himself as a "near kinsman," he identifies his role in God's plan to redeem Ruth and Naomi. However, just before he can act on this desire, he states, "howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." This statement carries profound implications for Ruth and Naomi, reflecting both the complexity of the situation and God's perfect timing.
At first glance, the words of Boaz might seem disheartening. Here is a man who admires Ruth’s character and has a heart to redeem her, yet there stands another kinsman with a closer connection, one who holds the first right of redemption. For Ruth and Naomi, this may have appeared as a setback in their quest for security and hope, but it illustrates a deeper truth about God's intervention in our lives.
Often, when we think we understand God's plan, we can find ourselves surprised or disheartened by unforeseen circumstances. The kinsman who is closer represents the obstacles we encounter in our journey of faith. Just when we are ready to move forward, we may sense that another opportunity seems to be a barrier to our desires. Perhaps it feels as if progress is stymied by someone who was supposed to be an opportunity but has turned into an obstacle. This divine interruption, however, is not a denial of our hopes, but a redirection toward God’s greater blessing.
Just like Ruth and Naomi, we tend to focus on what is in front of us – the close kinsman who might hinder our progress. We might ask, "What if I miss out? What if this is my only chance?" Yet, the nature of God is such that His plans are never thwarted by human limitations. They are not bound by what appears as immediate barriers but are crafted with an exceeding abundance of grace and mercy.
In the grand narrative of redemption, Boaz’s acknowledgment of the nearer kinsman serves a purpose. It emphasizes the holiness of God’s processes. For God to fulfill His promise and bring forth a redeemer, each step of the way must align with His divine order. This reminds us that His choices and timing are infallibly perfect. The importance of obtaining the correct redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who is our eternal Kinsman Redeemer, fulfilling every requirement and bringing complete reconciliation.
In our lives today, we must learn to trust in God’s provision, especially in moments of uncertainty. The seeming delays or obstacles we face may just be God preparing something better for us. This does not mean we won't face disappointment; it means we should remain poised, faith-filled, and expectant. It calls us to relinquish our human desires for control and instead embrace the surprising ways of His covenantal love.
As we reflect on Ruth 3:12, let’s remember that even when we encounter obstacles, God is at work. He orchestrates our lives for His glory, fulfilling His purposes in ways we may not immediately understand. In trusting Him, our hearts find peace and assurance in the knowledge that, like Ruth and Naomi, we are ultimately being drawn closer to the fullness of His grace and the beauty of redemption.
**Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wise and perfect plans for us. Help us to trust in Your timing, even when things seem out of reach or when obstacles arise. Grant us the patience to wait for Your best, knowing that Your redemptive work is perfect. May we look to You for guidance and sustenance in every season of our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 2:12 - "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 4:12 - "And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12
Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
"And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman." - Ruth 4:12
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."