Here's the Deal "Sparky"

When you are laying out a plan do you lay out all the details or do you hope the parties involved don't ask the challenge questions. Do you insist they "trust you" with the details? Don't let them be caught off guard, give them all the details.

Boaz lays out all the details of redeeming the property of Naomi's.

Ruth 4:3-6 3 Then he said to the closest relative, "Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab, has to sell the piece of land which belonged to our brother Elimelech. 4 "So I thought to inform you, saying, ' Buy it before those who are sitting here, and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if not, tell me that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am after you.'" And he said, "I will redeem it." 5 Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance." 6 The closest relative said, "I cannot redeem it for myself, because I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it." NASU

Notice before Boaz provides the requirement of marrying Ruth the "closest relative" was willing to exercise his option however, when he knew the full requirement he was not willing. Sadly, he gave up the best to get something less valuable....he never knew God's blessings.

Today, many people want to come to Jesus because they want blessing in their lives...but when they learn of requirements to be obedient in their lives they walk away never know that it is in obedience to God's commands that God's greatest blessing lie.

Are you being obedient to God in all things? Or are you only willing to be obedient in some areas of your life?

Getting It Done

If you are like me there are some projects around the house that just don't seem to get our attention. This is usually (but not always) a clue as to where are priorities lay. All to often we work on the things that are important to us. But let me ask a question, when the priorities are between the things of God and things for us which things do we work on first?


Boaz has been faced with a request. We have seen that Ruth has presented herself to be redeemed. I think it is important that this is something which God provided instruction for so Boaz was taking steps to complete what God intended to happen.

Ruth 4:1-2
4 Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there, and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz spoke was passing by, so he said, "Turn aside, friend, sit down here." And he turned aside and sat down. 2 He took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down. NASU

Boaz did not delay, he went up to the gate the next day and pulled the kindsmen redeemer aside as well as city elders to witness this transation. Boaz did not delay, he did not avoid the situation because of possible outcome (the "closer relative" could have chosen to redeem Naomi's property and acquire Ruth).

Has God called you to do something? Has He provided you with instructions? Then I want to encourage you today, do not delay. seek to deal with the matter as soon as possible.