1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:05,440 Speaker 1: Prelude to Chapter four. Mary's screams echoed throughout the cave 2 00:00:05,600 --> 00:00:09,360 Speaker 1: like stable. Sweat beat down her brow as her whole 3 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:14,320 Speaker 1: body tensed in pain. Joseph was beside Mary, unwavering in 4 00:00:14,360 --> 00:00:18,280 Speaker 1: his devotion to her. For a few hours, Mary pushed 5 00:00:19,000 --> 00:00:22,680 Speaker 1: for the joys set before her. Mary endured the agony. 6 00:00:23,200 --> 00:00:26,440 Speaker 1: She willingly laid down her own comfort so that this 7 00:00:26,640 --> 00:00:30,720 Speaker 1: child may experience life. Mary did not know it at 8 00:00:30,720 --> 00:00:33,559 Speaker 1: the time, but the sun she was about to birth 9 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:36,600 Speaker 1: would one day endure his own pain for the sake 10 00:00:36,640 --> 00:00:40,880 Speaker 1: of others. Her cries continued as the sun finally set 11 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:45,320 Speaker 1: over the western hills. Then, as the stars began to 12 00:00:45,360 --> 00:00:50,360 Speaker 1: sprinkle across the sky like fireflies, Mary's wails were replaced 13 00:00:50,800 --> 00:00:54,640 Speaker 1: with the whimpering of a new born baby. In a 14 00:00:54,720 --> 00:00:58,960 Speaker 1: dusty stable, surrounded by a host of farm animals, The 15 00:00:59,040 --> 00:01:04,160 Speaker 1: promised child of God was born. Mary and Joseph cried 16 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:07,840 Speaker 1: as the new born babe breathed in his first breaths 17 00:01:07,920 --> 00:01:12,720 Speaker 1: on earth. There were no priests to sound trumpets or 18 00:01:12,760 --> 00:01:17,480 Speaker 1: incense burned at his feet, just two doting parents, a 19 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:21,880 Speaker 1: few donkeys and sheep, and silence. It was a truly 20 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:26,080 Speaker 1: humble birth. For such a long awaited king. Yet this 21 00:01:26,319 --> 00:01:30,600 Speaker 1: was the prophecy of Isaiah long before that a virgin 22 00:01:30,640 --> 00:01:33,600 Speaker 1: would conceive and give birth to a son in the 23 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:38,399 Speaker 1: city of Bethlehem and call him Immanuel, which means God 24 00:01:38,480 --> 00:01:43,520 Speaker 1: with us. This was that moment, the moment God had 25 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:49,280 Speaker 1: promised since the fall of mankind, God himself, Creator and 26 00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:53,360 Speaker 1: the Word of Life came down to dwell among mankind. 27 00:01:54,480 --> 00:01:57,200 Speaker 1: He did not do so with a procession of gold 28 00:01:57,440 --> 00:02:01,680 Speaker 1: or a vast army. He did so by coming in 29 00:02:01,760 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 1: the likeness of man in the most humble of ways. 30 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:10,320 Speaker 1: A baby swaddled in a manger, Mary leaned over and 31 00:02:10,440 --> 00:02:14,440 Speaker 1: kissed his nose. The spirit of God was present and near. 32 00:02:15,560 --> 00:02:20,000 Speaker 1: Joseph and Mary found themselves considering the words of Isaiah 33 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:24,359 Speaker 1: long ago, saying, for to us a child is born, 34 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:28,480 Speaker 1: to us, a son is given, and the government shall 35 00:02:28,520 --> 00:02:31,880 Speaker 1: be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called 36 00:02:32,240 --> 00:02:39,880 Speaker 1: Wonderful counselor Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. They 37 00:02:39,880 --> 00:02:42,959 Speaker 1: could not begin to imagine what this child would grow 38 00:02:43,040 --> 00:02:47,359 Speaker 1: up to do. For now they held him, kissed him, 39 00:02:47,720 --> 00:02:51,240 Speaker 1: listened to his cries, and attended to his every need. 40 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:56,520 Speaker 1: For now they were doting parents humbly thanking God for 41 00:02:56,600 --> 00:03:01,840 Speaker 1: the burden and blessing of caring for a key. 42 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:07,000 Speaker 2: Hey y'all, welcome back to pray dot COM's Heroes in 43 00:03:07,080 --> 00:03:11,840 Speaker 2: the Bible, Ruth. I'm your host, Savannah Chrisley, and I'm 44 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:16,080 Speaker 2: so glad you've stuck with me through this journey. Subscribe 45 00:03:16,120 --> 00:03:19,560 Speaker 2: to this channel, hit the like button and follow the 46 00:03:19,639 --> 00:03:23,760 Speaker 2: podcast for more amazing stories like these. If you've been 47 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:28,200 Speaker 2: here from the beginning, you've seen it all heartbreak, loyalty, 48 00:03:28,560 --> 00:03:33,200 Speaker 2: faith and bold moves. And now we are here at 49 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:37,880 Speaker 2: Ruth Chapter four, the grand finale. If you're new here, 50 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:41,440 Speaker 2: don't worry. I've got you covered. We've been following the 51 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:45,080 Speaker 2: story of Ruth, a woman who's shown us what it 52 00:03:45,120 --> 00:03:49,640 Speaker 2: looks like to stay faithful even when life's falling apart. 53 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:54,560 Speaker 2: In chapter one, we see Ruth's loyalty to Naomi when 54 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:58,960 Speaker 2: she could have just walked away. In chapter two, we 55 00:03:59,040 --> 00:04:05,080 Speaker 2: saw Ruth's work and God's provision through Boaz. And chapter 56 00:04:05,120 --> 00:04:10,160 Speaker 2: three was all about bold moves, Ruth's risky step of 57 00:04:10,320 --> 00:04:14,440 Speaker 2: faith to ask Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer. But 58 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:18,200 Speaker 2: now this is it. This is the chapter where it 59 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:26,040 Speaker 2: all comes together. Redemption, restoration, legacy. We began today's episode 60 00:04:26,200 --> 00:04:30,800 Speaker 2: with a prelude, a different story that foreshadows today's themes. 61 00:04:31,640 --> 00:04:36,360 Speaker 2: We met another woman of courage, Mary, Ruth and Mary's 62 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:40,880 Speaker 2: lives are connected in our profound way. We'll unpack that 63 00:04:41,160 --> 00:04:45,560 Speaker 2: after today's story. Today we're going to see Boaz step 64 00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:49,360 Speaker 2: up in a major way. We'll see Ruth's story go 65 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:53,720 Speaker 2: from brokenness to blessing, and we'll get a glimpse of 66 00:04:53,839 --> 00:04:58,080 Speaker 2: God's bigger plan, a plan that's bigger than Ruth, bigger 67 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:01,680 Speaker 2: than Boaz, and yes, bigger than us too. 68 00:05:05,520 --> 00:05:08,839 Speaker 1: The morning was alive with the song of birds and 69 00:05:08,880 --> 00:05:12,720 Speaker 1: the whisper of a gentle breeze. Yet Boaz was far 70 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:18,599 Speaker 1: from tranquil. Love, duty, loyalty, and affection. All of these 71 00:05:18,800 --> 00:05:23,000 Speaker 1: churned within him, pulling him in different directions. It was 72 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:25,680 Speaker 1: hard to say which had first compelled him to heed 73 00:05:25,800 --> 00:05:30,279 Speaker 1: Ruth's request. Perhaps it was all of them. What was 74 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:34,640 Speaker 1: certain was the grip her presence had upon him. Her smile, 75 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:40,000 Speaker 1: radiant even in the flicker of torchlight, haunted him. Her voice, 76 00:05:40,279 --> 00:05:44,440 Speaker 1: gentle and resolute, echoed in his thoughts. She was a 77 00:05:44,480 --> 00:05:50,200 Speaker 1: marvel of steadfast devotion and quiet strength yet to marry her, 78 00:05:50,839 --> 00:05:55,919 Speaker 1: that was no simple matter. There was another man, a closer, 79 00:05:56,040 --> 00:06:00,680 Speaker 1: kinsman whose claim by law came before his own. Boaz 80 00:06:00,839 --> 00:06:03,520 Speaker 1: was a man of integrity, and he would not abandon 81 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:06,600 Speaker 1: his honor now, no matter how much he wanted to. 82 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:09,680 Speaker 1: He stood at the base of the path leading to 83 00:06:09,760 --> 00:06:13,919 Speaker 1: the other redeemer's estate, the gravel crunching beneath his sandals. 84 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:19,760 Speaker 1: The road stretched before him, winding and still the echoes 85 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:24,279 Speaker 1: of the previous night, Ruth's whispered words, her presence, like 86 00:06:24,320 --> 00:06:28,440 Speaker 1: a lantern in his darkened heart, still clung to him, 87 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:29,320 Speaker 1: like a dream. 88 00:06:29,240 --> 00:06:30,120 Speaker 3: Half remembered. 89 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:36,760 Speaker 4: You are a kinsman, redeemer baas your wings are able 90 00:06:36,800 --> 00:06:41,760 Speaker 4: to uplift and raise up the broken and forgotten, Please 91 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:45,479 Speaker 4: spread your wings over me as a redeemer. 92 00:06:45,920 --> 00:06:50,680 Speaker 1: He steadied himself, taking slow, deliberate breaths as he approached 93 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:55,200 Speaker 1: the entrance. Most important meetings happened at the gate. Boaz 94 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:58,359 Speaker 1: lowered himself on to a stone near it and fixed 95 00:06:58,360 --> 00:07:02,320 Speaker 1: his gaze on the horizon. The rising sun cast its 96 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:05,800 Speaker 1: golden light over the fields, turning them into a sea 97 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:10,120 Speaker 1: of shimmering gold. It was a sight meant to inspire peace. 98 00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:14,680 Speaker 1: Yet Boaz felt a nod of anxiety tightening within him. 99 00:07:14,920 --> 00:07:18,440 Speaker 1: He thought of his mother, Rahab a harlot. Once marked 100 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:23,280 Speaker 1: as irredeemable, she had become a hero of Israel. Boaz 101 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:27,200 Speaker 1: knew the truth of redemption as few others did. It 102 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:32,720 Speaker 1: was a costly, beautiful thing, one that transformed brokenness into splendor. 103 00:07:33,800 --> 00:07:37,280 Speaker 1: The thought of Ruth, of the legacy they might create together, 104 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 1: stirred his heart. It was both thrilling and terrifying to him. 105 00:07:42,480 --> 00:07:46,200 Speaker 1: He closed his eyes, offering a silent prayer for courage. 106 00:07:47,040 --> 00:07:50,480 Speaker 1: The other kinsman's approached with a few grunts. The man 107 00:07:50,640 --> 00:07:53,960 Speaker 1: was older, his beard streaked with gray, and his face 108 00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:58,720 Speaker 1: weathered from years spent beneath the unforgiving sun. His movements 109 00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:00,720 Speaker 1: were brusque and his own sharp. 110 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:03,720 Speaker 3: As he dismissed boas his polite bow. 111 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:08,559 Speaker 5: Ah boas to what do I owe this visit? 112 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:10,320 Speaker 3: The Lord be with you, brother. 113 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:14,800 Speaker 1: The man's reply was little more than a grunt. Boaz 114 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:18,680 Speaker 1: hid his dismay. Truly, men of honor and kindness were 115 00:08:18,760 --> 00:08:22,920 Speaker 1: rare in those days. Yet despite his course demeanor, this 116 00:08:23,120 --> 00:08:26,520 Speaker 1: kinsman was not wholly without virtue. He had a reputation 117 00:08:26,680 --> 00:08:30,520 Speaker 1: for fairness at least. The two men sat side by side, 118 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:34,120 Speaker 1: their eyes on the fields stretching before them. It was 119 00:08:34,160 --> 00:08:36,679 Speaker 1: a fitting backdrop for the conversation at hand. 120 00:08:37,640 --> 00:08:44,640 Speaker 3: Ah Ah. As you know, Naomi, wife of Elimelech, has 121 00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:49,040 Speaker 3: returned to Bethlehem. Being a widow, she's no longer able 122 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:52,920 Speaker 3: to afford her property. It is up to a kinsman 123 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:57,080 Speaker 3: redeemer to buy it keep it in the family. Is 124 00:08:57,120 --> 00:09:01,000 Speaker 3: this something you would desire to purchase? It is your 125 00:09:01,080 --> 00:09:02,440 Speaker 3: right before it is mine. 126 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:06,000 Speaker 5: The home at the corner of the city. I could 127 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:09,000 Speaker 5: buy it from her. The ground hasn't been tilled in years, 128 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:11,720 Speaker 5: but that shouldn't be a problem for my Oxen. I 129 00:09:11,760 --> 00:09:13,680 Speaker 5: can certainly buy it from her, so she may have 130 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:15,600 Speaker 5: some well to live on for the rest of her days, 131 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:17,600 Speaker 5: however long that may be. 132 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:23,000 Speaker 3: It's within your right. Yet there is another aspect of 133 00:09:23,040 --> 00:09:27,040 Speaker 3: this redemption though. Whoever buys the home will also redeem 134 00:09:27,120 --> 00:09:32,120 Speaker 3: her daughter in law, Ruth, the widow of myln. She 135 00:09:32,240 --> 00:09:33,720 Speaker 3: traveled with her to Bethlehem. 136 00:09:34,360 --> 00:09:37,440 Speaker 1: As the words left his lips, Boaz felt the weight 137 00:09:37,520 --> 00:09:41,320 Speaker 1: of his own longing. Offering Ruth to another man stung 138 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:45,240 Speaker 1: more than he expected, but it also crystallized his resolve. 139 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:49,559 Speaker 1: He wanted her not merely as a duty, but as 140 00:09:49,559 --> 00:09:54,319 Speaker 1: a joy. He waited, the tension mounting like a drawn bowstring. 141 00:09:55,480 --> 00:09:58,439 Speaker 1: The kinsman sighed heavily, shaking his head. 142 00:09:58,679 --> 00:10:01,600 Speaker 5: Ah, brass it, I can't that, bo as I have 143 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:04,280 Speaker 5: a bride of my own and she's trouble enough for me. 144 00:10:04,440 --> 00:10:08,520 Speaker 5: Plus would muddy up the inheritance laid up for my children. 145 00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:09,960 Speaker 3: Messie, messy. 146 00:10:10,240 --> 00:10:11,920 Speaker 5: I won't have that headache. 147 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:15,480 Speaker 1: He turned to Boaz and noticed the look of relief 148 00:10:15,520 --> 00:10:19,360 Speaker 1: on his face. A sly smile crept across his face. 149 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:25,160 Speaker 5: I had to do what is honorable, eh, you and 150 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:29,360 Speaker 5: your honor, I do what's right in my own eyes. Meanwhile, 151 00:10:29,440 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 5: I prefer to be practical. 152 00:10:31,080 --> 00:10:31,440 Speaker 6: Thank you. 153 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:36,880 Speaker 5: I do what makes sense, and frankly, this doesn't here. 154 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:39,600 Speaker 5: Give me your sandal and let's be done with it. 155 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:45,320 Speaker 1: The two exchanged sandals, a gesture of tradition binding the transaction. 156 00:10:46,040 --> 00:10:49,720 Speaker 1: They embraced briefly, the older man slapping boaz Is back 157 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:51,079 Speaker 1: with rough camaraderie. 158 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:55,439 Speaker 5: Thank you, Eh, don't thank me yet. You still need 159 00:10:55,440 --> 00:10:58,280 Speaker 5: the elders to approve of this mess. Many of them 160 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:00,959 Speaker 5: wanted you to marry their daughters. I expect it will 161 00:11:00,960 --> 00:11:01,760 Speaker 5: be a disappointment. 162 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:07,079 Speaker 1: Boaz rose his stride, firmer, his heart lighter. There was 163 00:11:07,120 --> 00:11:11,320 Speaker 1: a fire within him now, the unmistakable assurance of God's 164 00:11:11,360 --> 00:11:15,280 Speaker 1: hand upon his life. The spirit of the Lord surged 165 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:18,800 Speaker 1: within him, filling him with the courage of a redeemer. 166 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:22,160 Speaker 1: As he made his way toward Ruth, he thought of 167 00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:25,640 Speaker 1: the path ahead, not just the physical road, but the 168 00:11:25,720 --> 00:11:29,480 Speaker 1: life they would build together. The Lord was moving, and 169 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:33,520 Speaker 1: Boaz was marching in step with his divine will, toward 170 00:11:33,600 --> 00:11:42,199 Speaker 1: a love that would shape generations to come. Boaz strode 171 00:11:42,240 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 1: into the heart of the town, where the elders gathered 172 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:49,040 Speaker 1: at the gate. These men, the appointed stewards of Bethlehem, 173 00:11:49,320 --> 00:11:53,200 Speaker 1: were accustomed to weighing matters of law and inheritance. But 174 00:11:53,280 --> 00:11:57,960 Speaker 1: theirs was a generation marked by unrest and cynicism. The 175 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:00,880 Speaker 1: time of the Judges had left them wary of hope, 176 00:12:01,400 --> 00:12:06,480 Speaker 1: suspicious of joy. Yet Boaz stood among them, younger than most, 177 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:10,520 Speaker 1: a man whose courage and righteousness burned brighter than the 178 00:12:10,559 --> 00:12:14,760 Speaker 1: sun that lit the town square. Messengers spread word of 179 00:12:14,800 --> 00:12:18,120 Speaker 1: the meeting, and the elders convened in the place of judgment. 180 00:12:18,840 --> 00:12:22,760 Speaker 1: They formed a circle, voices low and murmurs, as if 181 00:12:22,880 --> 00:12:26,160 Speaker 1: unsure whether this summons would prove a waste of their time. 182 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:30,920 Speaker 1: When all were assembled, Boaz took his place in their list, 183 00:12:31,520 --> 00:12:35,480 Speaker 1: his broad shoulders and steady eyes cutting a figure of resolve. 184 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:39,960 Speaker 1: The murmurs died away as he raised his hand. When 185 00:12:39,960 --> 00:12:45,080 Speaker 1: Boaz spoke, his voice was steady, resonant, and filled with purpose. 186 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:50,400 Speaker 3: Men of Bethlehem, hear my declaration, and give me your blessing. 187 00:12:51,360 --> 00:12:53,319 Speaker 3: You are witnesses to this day. 188 00:12:53,200 --> 00:12:56,040 Speaker 6: That I planned to buy from the hand of Naomi 189 00:12:56,320 --> 00:12:59,240 Speaker 6: all that belonged to Alimelech, and all that belonged to 190 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:03,440 Speaker 6: Chilean and to Marlon. I will redeem the land that 191 00:13:03,480 --> 00:13:06,040 Speaker 6: has gone untended and cultivated. 192 00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:10,960 Speaker 3: And as for Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Marlon, 193 00:13:11,679 --> 00:13:15,120 Speaker 3: I intend to make her my wife. May the name 194 00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:17,720 Speaker 3: of the dead never be cut off from among his 195 00:13:17,800 --> 00:13:21,600 Speaker 3: brothers and from the gait of his native place. You 196 00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:23,680 Speaker 3: are all witnesses to this day. 197 00:13:24,280 --> 00:13:28,440 Speaker 1: His words fell like stones into a still pond. For 198 00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:31,640 Speaker 1: a moment, there was only the shuffling of sandals against 199 00:13:31,679 --> 00:13:35,720 Speaker 1: the dusty ground, the rustle of rose. Then the murmurs 200 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:40,200 Speaker 1: began growing louder as the elders exchanged looks of skepticism 201 00:13:40,559 --> 00:13:42,080 Speaker 1: and muttered their misgivings. 202 00:13:42,320 --> 00:13:46,680 Speaker 5: Are you sure about this decision, Boaz? Tragedy has followed 203 00:13:46,679 --> 00:13:47,920 Speaker 5: the lineage of a limelech. 204 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:49,680 Speaker 4: Perhaps they're cursed. 205 00:13:50,440 --> 00:13:53,599 Speaker 5: She's a moabid pop best laver be. 206 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:58,360 Speaker 1: Who knows what trouble this foreigner will bring. Their objections 207 00:13:58,440 --> 00:14:02,240 Speaker 1: carried the weight of prejudice, fear born of years when 208 00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:07,440 Speaker 1: hardship had dulled their faith. Boaz, however, was unmoved. He 209 00:14:07,480 --> 00:14:11,680 Speaker 1: stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he raised his voice 210 00:14:11,760 --> 00:14:12,839 Speaker 1: above the discord. 211 00:14:13,080 --> 00:14:17,640 Speaker 3: Now, wait right there, I've borne witnessed the result of ruth. 212 00:14:18,520 --> 00:14:22,320 Speaker 3: I have seen the resilience of Naomi. They are women 213 00:14:22,440 --> 00:14:26,680 Speaker 3: of character. Who have we come If we allow our ken. 214 00:14:26,560 --> 00:14:30,080 Speaker 1: To wither away like this? Who are we as men? 215 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:31,600 Speaker 6: As Israelites? 216 00:14:32,680 --> 00:14:34,680 Speaker 1: Did not the Lord say to our people? 217 00:14:35,160 --> 00:14:37,480 Speaker 3: I am the Lord, and I will bring you out 218 00:14:37,520 --> 00:14:39,960 Speaker 3: from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will 219 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:43,600 Speaker 3: deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you 220 00:14:43,640 --> 00:14:47,480 Speaker 3: with an outstretched arm and with great judgment. Then I 221 00:14:47,560 --> 00:14:50,040 Speaker 3: will take you for my people, and I will be 222 00:14:50,120 --> 00:14:52,600 Speaker 3: your God. Is it not the heart of the Lord 223 00:14:52,680 --> 00:14:56,920 Speaker 3: to redeem and uplift. If it is his heart, it 224 00:14:56,960 --> 00:15:00,720 Speaker 3: shall be mine as well. You are all witnesses that 225 00:15:00,840 --> 00:15:02,240 Speaker 3: I have made this decision. 226 00:15:02,920 --> 00:15:07,160 Speaker 1: The elders grumbled, their voices low and indistinct, but one 227 00:15:07,200 --> 00:15:12,280 Speaker 1: by one they nodded. Their agreement was begrudging but sufficient. 228 00:15:12,920 --> 00:15:16,840 Speaker 1: Boaz had won them over, not through coercion, but through 229 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:21,640 Speaker 1: the clarity of his conviction. Words spread quickly, and soon 230 00:15:21,920 --> 00:15:26,440 Speaker 1: all of Bethlehem buzzed with the news. Boaz the Honorable 231 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:31,240 Speaker 1: and Generous, would marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. The threshing 232 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:35,480 Speaker 1: floor became a place of celebration, transformed by garlands of 233 00:15:35,560 --> 00:15:38,680 Speaker 1: flowers and the laughter of those who came to prepare 234 00:15:38,720 --> 00:15:42,960 Speaker 1: the feast. Boaz worked among them, directing the arrangements with 235 00:15:43,040 --> 00:15:47,000 Speaker 1: care and precision. When at last the preparations were complete, 236 00:15:47,360 --> 00:15:50,720 Speaker 1: a messenger was dispatched to bring Ruth to him, and 237 00:15:50,800 --> 00:15:55,440 Speaker 1: Boaz stood waiting, his heart alight with expectation. The Lord 238 00:15:55,560 --> 00:15:59,280 Speaker 1: was in this union, his hand guiding it, his purpose 239 00:15:59,400 --> 00:16:03,360 Speaker 1: woven into the fabric of their story. Boaz felt it 240 00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:07,800 Speaker 1: in his very bones. History was turning, and he was 241 00:16:07,840 --> 00:16:13,360 Speaker 1: its instrument. Ruth and Naomi sat in silence, in their hovel. 242 00:16:14,080 --> 00:16:18,280 Speaker 1: Ruth's heart unsteady. She had heard nothing from Boaz, and 243 00:16:18,360 --> 00:16:22,600 Speaker 1: the silence gnawed at her. Every passing moment seemed to 244 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:28,920 Speaker 1: stretch impossibly long, filled with the clamor of her own thoughts, anticipation, hope, 245 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:32,480 Speaker 1: and a shadow of doubt. Then a knock at the 246 00:16:32,520 --> 00:16:36,160 Speaker 1: door broke the silence. A smile curved at the edges 247 00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:37,160 Speaker 1: of Naomi's mouth. 248 00:16:37,640 --> 00:16:40,800 Speaker 3: My child, I think that may be for you. 249 00:16:43,400 --> 00:16:46,440 Speaker 1: Ruth's breath caught in her throat as she rose, her 250 00:16:46,440 --> 00:16:50,640 Speaker 1: feet hesitant but her heart racing. She reached the door 251 00:16:50,680 --> 00:16:53,840 Speaker 1: and opened it slowly. The creak of the wood was 252 00:16:53,880 --> 00:16:58,000 Speaker 1: the only sound, for the world erupted into joyous commotion. 253 00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:02,600 Speaker 1: A parade of people stood outside, their shouts of joy 254 00:17:02,600 --> 00:17:07,520 Speaker 1: and exultation filling the air. Trumpets blared triumphantly, and women 255 00:17:07,640 --> 00:17:11,639 Speaker 1: stepped forward with arms laden with fragrant oriors, flowers, and 256 00:17:11,720 --> 00:17:16,160 Speaker 1: garments of gleaming light. Before Ruth could process what was happening, 257 00:17:16,400 --> 00:17:19,520 Speaker 1: they swept into the house like a tide, their hands 258 00:17:19,600 --> 00:17:23,680 Speaker 1: gentle yet insistent, as they adorned her with the finery 259 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:28,639 Speaker 1: of a bride. Arth They called her jos Read. The 260 00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:33,000 Speaker 1: words swirled around Ruth along with garlands of wild flowers. 261 00:17:33,600 --> 00:17:36,359 Speaker 1: She felt the press of hands smoothing her hair and 262 00:17:36,480 --> 00:17:40,080 Speaker 1: settling a delicate veil over her brow. When the men 263 00:17:40,160 --> 00:17:44,359 Speaker 1: knelt and presented her with a seat, she lowered herself foot. 264 00:17:44,520 --> 00:17:47,920 Speaker 1: The seat was lifted high, carried upon their shoulders as 265 00:17:47,920 --> 00:17:52,280 Speaker 1: they began their triumphant march. Ruth's heart swelled as the 266 00:17:52,359 --> 00:17:56,240 Speaker 1: cheers rose around her. The procession moved down the road 267 00:17:56,400 --> 00:18:01,200 Speaker 1: toward the threshing floor, where boats waited. Naomi walked behind 268 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:04,440 Speaker 1: the parade, her heart brimming with an emotion she had 269 00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:09,600 Speaker 1: not felt in years. Delight. Tears streamed down Naomi's weathered 270 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:13,440 Speaker 1: cheeks as she whispered praises to the Lord. She thought 271 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:16,639 Speaker 1: of the bitter name she had once claimed, Mara, and 272 00:18:16,760 --> 00:18:19,719 Speaker 1: how far the Lord had brought her since those dark days. 273 00:18:20,520 --> 00:18:24,280 Speaker 1: The sweetness of her true name, Naomi, returned to her 274 00:18:24,440 --> 00:18:28,879 Speaker 1: in waves. The Lord had never abandoned her. His hand 275 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:32,560 Speaker 1: was carrying her all along through the loyalty of her 276 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:40,600 Speaker 1: daughter in law, Ruth. Faithful Ruth, redeemed Ruth. The crowd 277 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:45,919 Speaker 1: reached the threshing floor. There stood Boaz. His posture was 278 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:50,320 Speaker 1: tall and proud, his expression radiant with joy as he 279 00:18:50,400 --> 00:18:54,399 Speaker 1: caught sight of Ruth. The men set Ruth gently at 280 00:18:54,440 --> 00:18:57,760 Speaker 1: the start of the ayle. She remained there for a moment, 281 00:18:58,080 --> 00:19:01,280 Speaker 1: her hands trembling slightly as she took in the scene 282 00:19:01,320 --> 00:19:05,840 Speaker 1: before her. Her gaze lingered on Boaz, her redeemer, and 283 00:19:05,920 --> 00:19:08,080 Speaker 1: she thought of the journey that had led her to 284 00:19:08,200 --> 00:19:11,960 Speaker 1: this moment. She remembered the tears shed at Molly's grave, 285 00:19:12,600 --> 00:19:16,399 Speaker 1: the nights spent in prayer beneath the vast, unyielding sky. 286 00:19:17,359 --> 00:19:20,920 Speaker 1: She thought of the aching march from Moab, the weariness 287 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:24,720 Speaker 1: of gleaning in the fields. All of it, every sorrow 288 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:28,000 Speaker 1: and trial, had been a thread in the tapestry of 289 00:19:28,040 --> 00:19:33,640 Speaker 1: God's poor. She breathed deeply, steadying herself, and stepped forward. 290 00:19:34,320 --> 00:19:38,600 Speaker 1: Each step was a prayer of gratitude, a declaration of faith. 291 00:19:39,160 --> 00:19:42,960 Speaker 1: The brokenness of her past melted away with each stride, 292 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:48,800 Speaker 1: her path illuminated by the rising sun of redemption. When 293 00:19:48,800 --> 00:19:53,000 Speaker 1: she reached Boaz, she took his hand. His fingers were rough, 294 00:19:53,119 --> 00:19:57,240 Speaker 1: but his touch was gentle. Boaz looked at Ruth, his 295 00:19:57,359 --> 00:20:01,439 Speaker 1: heart near to bursting. She was greedy, her beauty not 296 00:20:01,600 --> 00:20:04,959 Speaker 1: merely in her outward adornment, but in the strength and 297 00:20:05,040 --> 00:20:08,960 Speaker 1: faith that shone through her. She was a testament to 298 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,320 Speaker 1: the grace of God, a living emblem of redemption. 299 00:20:13,359 --> 00:20:19,680 Speaker 3: Ruth, daughter of Moab, but beloved of Israel. To day 300 00:20:19,880 --> 00:20:23,240 Speaker 3: I take you to be my wife. In the sight 301 00:20:23,320 --> 00:20:26,959 Speaker 3: of the Lord, our God, and before the witnesses of 302 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:31,520 Speaker 3: this assembly. You are no longer a stranger among us, 303 00:20:32,080 --> 00:20:35,800 Speaker 3: but grafted into the people of Israel, as the Lord 304 00:20:35,840 --> 00:20:39,679 Speaker 3: has redeemed me in my house. So I vow to 305 00:20:39,720 --> 00:20:43,880 Speaker 3: redeem you, to cherish you, and to honor you all 306 00:20:43,920 --> 00:20:45,200 Speaker 3: the days of my life. 307 00:20:45,560 --> 00:20:50,520 Speaker 4: Boas I stand here today not because of my worth, 308 00:20:51,359 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 4: because of the kindness of our God and your steadfast heart, 309 00:20:57,000 --> 00:21:00,679 Speaker 4: pludge myself to you as your wife, to love you 310 00:21:01,080 --> 00:21:04,359 Speaker 4: and serve you with loyalty as I have loved and 311 00:21:04,400 --> 00:21:09,680 Speaker 4: served me. May the God of Israel, under whose wings 312 00:21:09,760 --> 00:21:14,240 Speaker 4: I have sought refuge, bless this union and guide our 313 00:21:14,280 --> 00:21:15,119 Speaker 4: steps together. 314 00:21:16,480 --> 00:21:20,119 Speaker 3: As it is written the scroll of our forefathers, it 315 00:21:20,200 --> 00:21:22,800 Speaker 3: is not good for man to be author. I will 316 00:21:22,840 --> 00:21:25,800 Speaker 3: make a helper suitable for him. 317 00:21:26,240 --> 00:21:31,680 Speaker 7: Ruth, you are my helper, my companion, and the delight 318 00:21:31,960 --> 00:21:35,680 Speaker 7: of my heart. I will love you as my own soul, 319 00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:40,639 Speaker 7: honor you as my partner, and protect you as my bride. 320 00:21:41,040 --> 00:21:46,000 Speaker 4: Where you go, I will go, Where you dwell, I 321 00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:50,280 Speaker 4: will dwell. Your people will be my people, and your 322 00:21:50,359 --> 00:21:51,800 Speaker 4: God my God. 323 00:21:52,800 --> 00:21:56,199 Speaker 1: The vows they exchanged echoed like music in the hearts 324 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:59,840 Speaker 1: of all who gathered. The people cheered, and their voices 325 00:22:00,119 --> 00:22:03,800 Speaker 1: chorus of celebration. Their face is alight with the realization 326 00:22:04,200 --> 00:22:07,520 Speaker 1: that they were witnessing more than a union of two souls. 327 00:22:08,400 --> 00:22:11,760 Speaker 1: There was a foretaste of something greater, a glimpse of 328 00:22:11,800 --> 00:22:16,879 Speaker 1: God's ultimate plan of redemption for his people. Boaz and 329 00:22:17,040 --> 00:22:20,320 Speaker 1: Ruth's love story became a part of the grander narrative 330 00:22:20,600 --> 00:22:25,360 Speaker 1: of God's faithfulness. Through their union, a lineage was forged 331 00:22:25,560 --> 00:22:30,400 Speaker 1: that would bring forth kings and eventually ve King. Three 332 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:34,920 Speaker 1: years later, when their son Obed was worn, Naomi cradled 333 00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:39,840 Speaker 1: him in her arms, her heart overflowing with joy. The 334 00:22:39,880 --> 00:22:43,960 Speaker 1: women of Bethlehem gathered around, their voices lifting its song. 335 00:22:44,680 --> 00:22:47,639 Speaker 2: Blessed be the Lord who has not left you without 336 00:22:47,640 --> 00:22:51,480 Speaker 2: a redeemer. This child so be to you a restorer 337 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:52,080 Speaker 2: of light. 338 00:22:52,880 --> 00:22:56,119 Speaker 1: Their words were not merely a blessing, but a prophecy. 339 00:22:56,840 --> 00:23:00,280 Speaker 1: O Bed would grow to Father Jesse and Jesse would 340 00:23:00,280 --> 00:23:04,480 Speaker 1: father David, the Shepherd, King of Israel. From David's line, 341 00:23:04,760 --> 00:23:08,280 Speaker 1: under the same Bethlehem's skies, a child would be born 342 00:23:08,359 --> 00:23:11,960 Speaker 1: in a stable, a child who would redeem not only 343 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:16,760 Speaker 1: a family or a nation, but the entire world through 344 00:23:16,840 --> 00:23:23,520 Speaker 1: suffering and sorrow, through loyalty and love, God's redemptive plan unfolded. 345 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:27,399 Speaker 1: The story of Ruth and Boaz was but a thread 346 00:23:27,640 --> 00:23:32,640 Speaker 1: in the grand tapestry, yet its beauty shone brightly, pointing 347 00:23:32,680 --> 00:23:39,240 Speaker 1: to the ultimate kinsman, redeemer, Jesus of Nazareth, the descendant 348 00:23:39,359 --> 00:23:43,840 Speaker 1: of faithful Ruth and righteous Bowers. He would bear the 349 00:23:43,880 --> 00:23:47,640 Speaker 1: weight of the storm and deliver his people, calling them 350 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:50,840 Speaker 1: beloved and restoring what was lost. 351 00:23:56,280 --> 00:24:00,320 Speaker 2: Wow. Ruth Chapter four as one of my favorite at 352 00:24:00,320 --> 00:24:05,119 Speaker 2: full circle moments in the Bible. It proves that God's 353 00:24:05,160 --> 00:24:10,480 Speaker 2: promises are never empty. If you've been waiting for a breakthrough, 354 00:24:11,240 --> 00:24:16,680 Speaker 2: this chapter was for you. Here's the scene. Boaz goes 355 00:24:16,760 --> 00:24:20,760 Speaker 2: straight to the town gate to handle business. Back in 356 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:25,320 Speaker 2: those days, the town gate was like city hall. It's 357 00:24:25,359 --> 00:24:30,520 Speaker 2: where all the legal and official stuff happened. Boaz is 358 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:35,640 Speaker 2: ready to take action to Ruth. I absolutely love this. 359 00:24:36,359 --> 00:24:39,159 Speaker 2: Can we pause for a minute and talk about what 360 00:24:39,359 --> 00:24:43,400 Speaker 2: a man Boaz is. He's getting things done for this 361 00:24:43,480 --> 00:24:46,800 Speaker 2: woman that he's fallen in love with. He doesn't wait 362 00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:50,960 Speaker 2: for things to just happen. He's a man of action. 363 00:24:51,560 --> 00:24:55,480 Speaker 2: He's intentional. He's ready to do what it takes to 364 00:24:55,680 --> 00:25:00,720 Speaker 2: make Ruth his wife. I absolutely love it. And you 365 00:25:00,840 --> 00:25:04,560 Speaker 2: know every single Christian girl has a Boas on her 366 00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:08,760 Speaker 2: mind when looking for qualities in a future husband. Here's 367 00:25:08,760 --> 00:25:13,119 Speaker 2: what stands out to me. Boaz didn't have to do 368 00:25:13,280 --> 00:25:17,560 Speaker 2: any of this. He chose to. He didn't have to 369 00:25:17,720 --> 00:25:21,680 Speaker 2: love Ruth or protect Naomi's family line, but he did 370 00:25:21,720 --> 00:25:26,679 Speaker 2: it out of love, compassion, and obedience to God's ways. 371 00:25:27,320 --> 00:25:30,400 Speaker 2: I'm telling you right now, if you've ever wondered if 372 00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:35,120 Speaker 2: anyone would choose you, not out of obligation, but out 373 00:25:35,160 --> 00:25:40,920 Speaker 2: of love, let Ruth Chapter four be your reminder. Jesus 374 00:25:41,040 --> 00:25:46,520 Speaker 2: chose you. Jesus is your Boas, Jesus is your kinsman, redeemer. 375 00:25:47,320 --> 00:25:53,920 Speaker 2: Boas bought Naomi's land with money and married Ruth. Jesus 376 00:25:53,960 --> 00:25:57,800 Speaker 2: bought your salvation on the cross with his blood and 377 00:25:57,880 --> 00:26:01,920 Speaker 2: called you his bride. And this love for you isn't 378 00:26:01,960 --> 00:26:08,560 Speaker 2: based on obligation. He chose you every single time. Now 379 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:12,560 Speaker 2: here's the part that's going to get you shouting. Boaz 380 00:26:12,720 --> 00:26:17,520 Speaker 2: and Ruth get married and then oh, y'all. Then they 381 00:26:17,560 --> 00:26:22,400 Speaker 2: have a son. His name is Obed. Here's why this matters. 382 00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:27,600 Speaker 2: Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. And if you're 383 00:26:27,640 --> 00:26:32,679 Speaker 2: familiar with the Bible, you know that Jesus, Yes, our Redeemer, 384 00:26:33,080 --> 00:26:37,280 Speaker 2: comes through the lineage of David. So Ruth, a woman 385 00:26:37,359 --> 00:26:41,040 Speaker 2: who started as a Moabite widow, becomes part of the 386 00:26:41,080 --> 00:26:46,199 Speaker 2: family line of Jesus Christ. That's why the birth of 387 00:26:46,280 --> 00:26:51,639 Speaker 2: Jesus was in our prelude. This moment between Ruth and 388 00:26:51,760 --> 00:26:56,800 Speaker 2: Boaz made the birth of Christ possible. Do you know 389 00:26:56,880 --> 00:27:01,879 Speaker 2: what this means? If Ruth's life, filled with tragedy, gave 390 00:27:01,960 --> 00:27:05,440 Speaker 2: way to the coming of Christ, then what is your 391 00:27:05,480 --> 00:27:09,280 Speaker 2: hardship making way for what is God have in store 392 00:27:09,320 --> 00:27:13,640 Speaker 2: for you? This is why I love god redemption story. 393 00:27:14,320 --> 00:27:19,520 Speaker 2: He takes what looks broken, lost and hopeless and uses 394 00:27:19,560 --> 00:27:25,160 Speaker 2: it for something eternal. Ruth's faithfulness didn't just change her story, 395 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:30,840 Speaker 2: it changed generations. And here's my takeaway for all of us. 396 00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:38,640 Speaker 2: Your faithfulness matters, Your story matters. Ruth had no idea 397 00:27:38,920 --> 00:27:42,760 Speaker 2: she was part of something bigger than herself. She was 398 00:27:42,920 --> 00:27:47,440 Speaker 2: just trying to survive. But God took her ordinary acts 399 00:27:47,480 --> 00:27:53,080 Speaker 2: of faithfulness and built something extraordinary out of them. I'll 400 00:27:53,119 --> 00:27:56,040 Speaker 2: be honest with you, there have been seasons in my 401 00:27:56,280 --> 00:28:01,399 Speaker 2: life where I've asked, God, is any of this even 402 00:28:01,560 --> 00:28:05,679 Speaker 2: making a difference. I feel like that with much of 403 00:28:05,720 --> 00:28:10,760 Speaker 2: my work with inmates and prisons. It's hard, it's emotional, 404 00:28:10,880 --> 00:28:16,320 Speaker 2: it's exhausting. But Ruth's story reminds me that faithfulness in 405 00:28:16,359 --> 00:28:21,840 Speaker 2: the small things is never wasted. God's working in the background, 406 00:28:22,080 --> 00:28:25,760 Speaker 2: weaving it all together. So here's the challenge I'm giving 407 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:32,160 Speaker 2: you today. Don't underestimate your ordinary faithfulness, your acts of love, 408 00:28:32,640 --> 00:28:37,280 Speaker 2: your hard work, your decision to stay when you could 409 00:28:37,320 --> 00:28:41,640 Speaker 2: walk away, because God sees it and He's using it 410 00:28:41,680 --> 00:28:45,440 Speaker 2: for something bigger than you could ever imagine. You might 411 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:48,600 Speaker 2: feel like Ruth right now, doing what you've got to 412 00:28:48,680 --> 00:28:52,160 Speaker 2: do with no idea how it'll turn out. But just 413 00:28:52,280 --> 00:28:55,200 Speaker 2: know that God's got a Boas moment coming for you, 414 00:28:55,960 --> 00:29:00,440 Speaker 2: and I'm telling you it's coming. This wrap up our 415 00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:05,360 Speaker 2: series on Ruth. But y'all, this isn't the end. It's 416 00:29:05,720 --> 00:29:10,200 Speaker 2: just the beginning. God's still writing your story and I'm 417 00:29:10,280 --> 00:29:14,600 Speaker 2: cheering you on every step of the way. If this 418 00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:17,960 Speaker 2: message spoke to you, share it with someone in their 419 00:29:18,000 --> 00:29:23,320 Speaker 2: waiting season. Sometimes all it takes is one reminder that 420 00:29:23,440 --> 00:29:27,160 Speaker 2: redemption is coming. You could be the only Bible someone 421 00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:31,880 Speaker 2: ever reads. Thanks for joining me on this series, and 422 00:29:32,040 --> 00:29:36,440 Speaker 2: remember God's plans for you are good, even when you 423 00:29:36,520 --> 00:29:40,680 Speaker 2: can't see them. If you want more epic stories like these, 424 00:29:41,400 --> 00:29:44,120 Speaker 2: download Theprey dot Com app today