by John O’Malley
“And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11).
The elders and the others in the gate replied to Boaz in accepting their responsibility in unison. It is interesting to consider that only the ten had to be in agreement, yet all of them said they would be witnesses. This response indicates that the citizens from Bethlehem-judah were delighted and thrilled at what had taken place. God had opened a place in their hearts for Ruth.
God’s opening of their hearts took place over time. Ruth’s accompanying Naomi home from Moab, along with their arrival in Bethlehem-judah, gave an opportunity for the townspeople to be hospitable. Ruth’s attitude and activities indicated to the people that, though her conception made her Moabite, her conversion made her Israelite.
In the second chapter, we learned that Boaz had the information presented to him about Ruth’s demeanor, duty, and devotion with Naomi. This information certainly came from the residents of Bethlehem-judah. Their interest in Ruth is confirmed by their gathering in the city gate and by their getting involved in the witnessing of such a gracious redemption.
They did not stop with just the promise of involvement as witnesses of this transaction. They added to their promise a pronouncement of a blessing on the union between Boaz and Ruth. This blessing, whether spoken in unison or by different individuals in the crowd, indicated their desire for Boaz and Ruth to be fruitful.
Not a selfish word was recorded in Scripture by any in the crowd. No words of envy were spoken. Gathered there that day were people with a genuine joy for Ruth’s redemption and the wedding that would take place. Ruth’s tomorrows would never be the same; they rejoiced in God’s goodness shown though Boaz to Ruth.
There are people today in our churches who are delighted when God is blessing them. However, when God blesses another in an extraordinary way, they cannot be happy. This is not the way it was in Bethlehem-judah. Is it that way in your church?
When others around you are experiencing the goodness of God, what is your response? Are you able to share in the enjoyment of others? Do you enjoy their blessing only as long as they do not fare better than you do?
Think about it...