“Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance.”” – Ruth 4:6a 

Scripture reading: Ruth 4:1-6

The first thing, the next morning, Boaz is at the city gate. It’s essentially Bethlehem’s courthouse and city hall wrapped into one. Before long, we see in verse 1, “The redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by.” God sovereignly directed that man through the city gate that morning. Boaz said to him “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” That translation “friend” is a little generous towards that man. More literally it’s “Mr. So-and-so.” The divine narrator deliberately leaves this man nameless. He’s not half the man that Boaz is.

Mr. So-and-so hears about the possibility of acquiring a parcel of land, and he doesn’t hesitate for a second. The end of verse 4 states, “And he said, “I will redeem it.”” But as soon as Mr. So-and-so is told that the transaction involves, a certain “Ruth the Moabite the widow of the dead” and that he will be called upon to “perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance” he back-pedals.

Notice his response at the end of verse 6 “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance.” This response lacks self-sacrificial love. This man is no true redeemer.

Reflect for a moment: when is the last time you were called on to assist another, but you refused because it was going to take too much of your time, or too much of your money, or too much of your energy? May our Redeemer forgive us when we fail to speak redemption into the lives of others.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask God to help us understand when we sinfully fail to give assistance to others when we are called upon to do so. Thank God that our Redeemer didn’t do that to us.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.