by John O'Malley
“And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel” (Ruth 4:14).
The women in Naomi’s hometown knew how special this day was. Ruth had conceived by her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. Today, she had given birth to a son. The townspeople understood it was the hand of God which brought this to pass. No other but God would see to it in such a manner.
The words of the women merely echo the initial blessings issued at the gate of the city where the proclamation of Ruth’s redemption was made. The gathering on that auspicious day about a year ago had their own blessing for Boaz: “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.” Now, the women who knew Naomi best gathered to see this precious child. To these women, Boaz and Ruth’s child represented God’s grace.
Their words represented the very thoughts of their heart. They desired “that his name may be famous in Israel.”For Boaz, playing the part of the kinsman-redeemer, they wanted more than their tiny village, often overshadowed by Jerusalem, to know it. They desired all Israel to know it.
Yet little did they realize just how famous the name of Boaz would become. Boaz—son of Rahab the harlot, kinsman-redeemer to all that was Elimelech’s, father to a son which restored the family line of Elimelech, great-grandfather to King David, great-great-grandfather to the world’s wisest king, and one of the forty-two mentioned in Scripture in the line of the Messiah. Yes, he did become famous in all of Israel and the world.
They wanted Israel to know the graciousness and goodness of Boaz extended to the most unlikely candidate for redemption in all of Israel. Their desire for Boaz to stand out and be recognizable by all Israel was appropriate. When a kinsman-redemption like this is done, everyone should know about it.
Similarly, we should desire the same thing for our Eternal Boaz. His redemption of our pitiful state and status should be declared around the world. The fame of His goodness and grace should reach every heart on earth. It is the responsibility of the redeemed to proclaim His glory among the heathen. We are to bring news of His redemption to all. We do this with our going and giving. How much going and giving have you done lately?
Think about it...