by John O’Malley
“And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi” (Ruth 4:9).
A crowd had gathered now around these twelve men. Boaz personally gathered eleven of them for this moment of redemption. However, it was not every day a resident of Bethlehem-judah sought to redeem a Moabite woman. Certainly, there were hushed whispers in the gate of the city.
Many in the city knew about Ruth. The town buzzed with excitement when Naomi returned with this Moabite girl. They wondered why she had come home with Ruth and without her Elimelech and two boys. The word quickly spread throughout the town. With amazement, they watched how Ruth's heart was drawn to her mother-in-law. They saw how selflessly she served to provide. They learned by observation of her conversation and conduct. Now, they gathered to see what would be the future of this Moabite by birth and Israelite by faith.
Boaz spoke to those invited and to all who showed interest “Ye are witnesses this day.” Yes, they were the legal witnesses who would bear record of this event. They were there to answer anyone’s question as to how Boaz married Ruth. Just as the town learned quickly of their return, they would shortly learn of their redemption.
This event was certain to be remembered. Some would speak of it in days to come because they were bound legally to do so when a dispute arose. If someone ever doubted Ruth’s redemption, the proper witnesses could be consulted, and the truth would be learned. If accusations were made as to her right in Israel, the many townspeople present could quickly bear witness of her redemption. Were any to ask Boaz or “such a one,” they too would tell the story of how Boaz had set aside all that he had and was to redeem this one. Yes, any of these three groups could bear record of her redemption.
The child of God is blessed with witnesses that bear record of their redemption. If we were to question the validity of our redemption, we have three witnesses who were there. John wrote in his first epistle of these three witnesses: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).
The Father bears record because He made your invitation for redemption possible. The Word stands as the record of the truth of our redemption. The Holy Ghost stands as witness to our redemption, for He was at work in our lives, bringing us down the path of conviction to Him and showing us our need of redemption. Our redemption may be questioned, but it can never be doubted. We have three perfect Witnesses in heaven of our redemption. However, if someone were to doubt, remember: “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son” (1 John 5:9).
If you are among the redeemed, heaven has recorded it in the witness of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Your redemption is settled. Do not spend another moment fretting over what He has done for you. It is time for you to build a bridge over your doubts and get over it.
Think about it...