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THE BLESSING OF THE HOME (1)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Ruth 4:11-22

Malachi 2:13-16

 

“…the LORD hath been
witness between thee

and the wife of thy youth…”

 

THE BLESSING OF THE HOME (1)
 
This final scene in the book of Ruth presents to us the necessity of not only entering into marriage lawfully, but also entering into it publicly. Christian weddings take place in the church and in the presence of God’s people as witnesses for the blessing of the home. It was Boaz who called the people at the gate of the city that morning, and placed before them a matter that many in this age would consider a private matter as it involved and concerned the lives of Boaz, Ruth and the nearer kinsman alone. It seemed to be a family matter.
 
“And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses…” (Ruth 4:11). The first part of Ruth chapter 4 had only Boaz and the nearer kinsman speaking. Verse 11 begins with the response of “all the people that were in the gate, and the elders.” Recall that, according to verse 2, Boaz had called and chosen only “ten men of the elders of the city.” Therefore, it must mean that by the time the matter was settled, there was a larger gathering than that which was assembled at the beginning of the matter. Public knowledge of certain matters makes men more careful in their dealings. One may be more easily conned into buying a land or property when the ownership is not known as compared to that whose owners are known to all. Similarly, a secret engagement or betrothal leaves room for licentious living, and one may have multiple partners if it is not known that one is already in a relationship. Boaz did apply discretion when it was needed and said, “…Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor” (Ruth 3:14), but he laid the matter before the elders in the hearing of the people when it was necessary. The legality of Boaz’s possession of Elimelech’s property and of his marriage to Ruth was publicly established and would not be subject to questioning from that time forward, because there were witnesses who would testify that he acted honourably and pursued all things lawfully. Integrity is achieved and established by the processes and steps that one takes in doing things. Determination to do that which is lawful and right, coupled with wisdom and discretion to involve those who need to be involved, help set forth the integrity of a man.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 10:9.)

PRAYER: Father, grant that I may walk in integrity.

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