Ruth 3:9-13 (NIV)
9 “Who are you?” he [Boaz] asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” 10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”
In those days, a woman had no protection if she was not covered by a man. She could not own property, she could not appear as a witness in court and she basically had no standing on her own. It was also the custom for men related to them to step up as a kinsman-redeemer so the family land and property could remain in the family. If the husband died before he had a son, the kinsman-redeemer would marry her to provide her with a son to carry on their family name. This was serious business. Also, it was a big responsibility for the redeemer. He had to be sure he could afford the extra responsibility. On top of all of that, would he want to be associated to this woman?
Ruth went to Boaz asking for his protection. She asked him to “spread the corner of your garment over me….” Boaz was impressed with Ruth. All the people of his town knew she was a woman of noble character. How could he refuse such a wonderful person? When you do the right things long enough, people will notice. Stay with it and work as if unto the Lord.
Living according to God’s will and ways is important but not always easy. When you do what He asks, He promises to bless you. In fact, He was willing to come into this world and give it all for you! Talk about a Redeemer. He not only gives you a place to live, He gives you a new life. So why not ask Him to spread the corner of His garment over you? His offer is there for the asking.
Thank You Lord that You are always willing to redeem us from whatever situation we find ourselves. Thank You for Your great love which knows no bounds. Greater love has no one than this. That He would lay down His life for His friends! Thank You that You call us friends. In Your name we pray and praise!