Just Wait

We must wait for answers to come. Sometimes we receive answer right away other times we just have to wait. I admit--waiting can be hard. I want to know the result, the outcome--NOW.

Naomi traveled to a foreign land with her husband to seek provisions. In that land her husband died. Her sons married local women and then later her two sons also died. When Naomi started to return to her homeland, both her daughters-in-law wanted to go with her. Naomi, feeling bitter from her tragedies, told them to return to the house of their fathers. She could not do any more for them. Orpah returned to her land, but Ruth stayed with Naomi.

When they arrived, Ruth went out to the fields to glean grain. Boaz, the owner of the field took notice of Ruth. He told her to stay in his fields as he instructed his servants not to touch her and to allow her to drink water from his vessels. Boaz heard Ruth was faithful to her mother-in-law leaving her own father and mother as well as her native land to live a life in an unknown land. He even fed her bread and wine until she was full. She had leftovers to take home to her mother-in-law.

When she arrived home, Naomi asked Ruth how her day went. When Ruth told her, she remembered that Boaz was a kinsman redeemer. Naomi instructed Ruth what to do next. Ruth followed the instructions she received sleeping at the feet of Boaz on the threshing floor. When Boaz stirred around in the night, he was startled to find a woman at his feet. When he asked who she was, she informed him that he was her redeemer. Apparently, he had done some checking around already. He knew he was in line, but there was someone before him who had the legal right to be the redeemer. He told her this matter and then sent her on her way before anyone would see her there.

Ruth then informed Naomi of the situation. Naomi told Ruth:

"Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today." ~~ Ruth 3:18 ESV

Ruth had to wait. Not knowing the answer. She knew Boaz. She had been treated kindly by him finding favor in his eyes. Do you really think she wanted another redeemer? I don’t think so. I wonder if Ruth paced the floor in her home and if Naomi told her to sit still or to calm down. Did she fret or worry about the decision at all? She had to wait.

In the meantime while Ruth waited, Boaz went to the city gate to take care of the legal matters. The first in line redeemer declined his right to purchase the property and redeem Ruth. Once the matters where handled in appropriate fashion, Boaz became Ruth’s redeemer. Then they were married.

What would have happened if Ruth did not wait? What if she had gone herself to the other redeemer attempting to take matters into her own hands? But she did not.

Ruth waited and then Ruth was blessed. Sometimes we have to just wait on the Lord to work through other people.

Engrafted by His Grace--