Daily Devotions – I’ll Do What I Can…

Daily Devotions – I’ll Do What I Can…

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

Ruth 3:10-13 

““The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”” 

In Ruth’s day if someone died a relative could “redeem” or pay for that person’s family and estate. It was far more than a commercial transaction, it was about care for the deceased family and the family’s prosperity. In a way, this practice was a form of life insurance for the family.  However, Boaz is not the first in line to redeem Ruth, Naomi and their family estate. But he is going to make sure that they are taken care of. Sometimes we might not have the power to help someone in the way we want to. For example, homelessness has root problems that are more complicated than a lack of money. But what can we do? First, focus on what Jesus has already done for us and all people! We are not the savior, but God can and does want to use us to bless others. Second, think about what is at you disposal. Can you forgive someone? Help a neighbor with yardwork? Just listen to a friend who is going through a hard time? Ask God to help you see and understand the ways that you can help and be a blessing to others.