Back in June I submitted a devotion for consideration in Proverbs 31 Ministries First Five Devotions. Though my submission was not selected, it includes some personal lessons I’ve learned over the past several years that I wanted to share with you. Enjoy.

Today’s Reading: Ruth 4:1-4

Key Verse: “Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, ‘Turn aside, friend; sit down here.’ And he turned aside and sat down.”

The sterile paper of the exam table crunched under me as my weight shifted from my doctor’s awkward question, “What are you doing to manage your stress levels?” She reviewed my symptoms and concluded the answer to my health concerns was unresolved stress and anxiety. Soon after I began the long, hard work of seeing a counselor. On this journey I have cried, laughed, revealed new wounds, and healed old ones. God used my physical health concerns to point me down a road I may not have chosen for myself, but God in his goodness knew this road was the one that would lead to me trusting Him wholeheartedly.

In today’s passage we see Boaz on his own journey, one that will culminate in the redemption of Ruth and Naomi. The first stop on his journey required him to travel through the city gate, which served as a meeting place for important business transactions.

This is where Boaz goes and waits for the man that is first in line to redeem Naomi’s property. Tradition at this time tells us that businessmen would pass through this city gate daily either on their way to work or on their way home from work. Boaz would have expected to encounter the man in this very location.

Boaz spots the individual and invites him along with 10 elders to sit. This simple invitation, due to the number of elders involved, would have immediately been recognized as a request to conduct business of great importance, such as the transference of property or marriage. Boaz lays out the situation, and the man agrees to purchase Naomi’s property.

In some ways this may seem like a step backwards for Boaz in his efforts to redeem Ruth. After all, another man just agreed to purchase Naomi’s land. But before Boaz could rightfully purchase the land himself, he needed to present the situation to the induvial who had first claim to the property. If Boaz skipped this step in the redemption process, he would have risked his ability to properly redeem Naomi and Ruth.

God often uses places and circumstance to strengthen our faith. For Boaz, the city gate represented the place where redemption was possible if he surrendered his own desire to redeem Ruth by trusting God to orchestrate the details in the necessary order. Boaz demonstrated great faith when he presented the sale of Naomi’s land and trusted God with the results. Ultimately, his faith paved the way for him to properly purchase Naomi’s land and redeem Ruth.

We are all on a spiritual journey that takes us through different cities and gates. These gates represent places and circumstances we must walk through to experience God’s best for us. For me, the Lord used complications with my physical health to guide me through a gate of emotional and spiritual healing I likely would have missed otherwise.

As we navigate life’s twists and turns, may we always remember the true gate, Jesus Christ, for He is the way, the truth and the life. Our own redemption is in Him alone (John 14:6).

Reflection:

What journey has God taken you on that has led to spiritual growth and healing? What lessons would you have missed if you hadn’t walked through that gate? See my answer in the comments 🙂

More Moments About Ruth 4:1-4:

The scriptures don’t tell us how long Boaz waited at the city gate. We know from cultural practices that he likely waited a few minutes to possibly an entire workday. I can only image how many times Boaz rehearsed his business proposal while waiting for the businessman to arrive.

So often in my own life I want to rush to the finish line. I attempt to hurry away the pain and uncomfortable emotions so I can move on and put it behind me. But God is close to those who wait. All He asks is that I listen for his voice and look for his presences around me. Boaz waited a day. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for their promised son. Whether God has us waiting minutes or years, let’s trust that His timing is perfect. Sometimes waiting is the most transformational part of the journey.