One of the things that people cherish in life is to associate with influential people. It is also seen as a thing of honour to be linked with rich people. We often shower them with love and respect; especially in their presence.
However, the less privileged ones are easily stigmatized. Very few people talk to them in a respectful manner. Many would not want to associate with them because they are more of liabilities.
This was the case of Naomi and Ruth.
After many years of sojourning abroad, the duo returned to the village empty handed. People that heard the tidings of the return rushed to the scene to grab goodies. But they were disappointed because of the unusual sight they witnessed. Naomi was a shadow of her old self because of the pain of losing her husband and two sons. The surprise look on the faces of the people was not hidden. They even went ahead to express their feelings by asking “Is this Naomi” (Ruth 1:19).
However, a particular man saw them in a different light. His name was Boaz. He did not only sympathize, he also empathized with them. Of all the negative stories that might have trailed the home coming of Naomi and Ruth, he chose to embrace the good one.
“And Boaz answered and said unto her, it hath fully been shewed me, all that thou has done unto thy mother in law since the death of thy husband……… The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:11-12).
Ruth would have died as a widow. But Boaz said No! Boaz had an opportunity of labeling Ruth a prostitute but he chose not to thread that path. He could as well accuse her of witchcraft because of the sudden death of her husband. That would have given them right to inherit properties without responsibilities; but he didn’t.
The nearest kinsman was quick to accept the asset(parcel of land) but rejected liability. (Ruth 4:3-6) Boaz accepted the perceived liability (Ruth) before thinking of the asset.
We are always quick to grab assets. Who do we leave the liabilities for? Let’s not forget that assets might be hidden in some perceived liabilities. After all, it took the intervention of Boaz for the Obed in Ruth to be discovered.
Most celebrities today were unknown yesterday. Majority might not have seen anything good in them. Even some people running around them now may have despised them in the past. It takes only a brave heart to invest in a cause when there is no hope of possible returns. Dare to be different!
Boaz was a human- redeemer. His acceptance to redeem Naomi and Ruth delivered them from the clutches of poverty. In extension, it took away barrenness from Ruth.
In our neighborhood, there might be Naomi and Ruth. Can we be a Boaz to them? It is not all about money; our kind words and smile can perform the magic. If we let our light shine before them, the good works they see in us will point them to a Saviour.
My prayer today is that God will make us Boaz. May our lives radiate light that will brighten up dark places and help sinners locate our Greatest Redeemer!
The time to dare is now…..
Let us pray!
©️ Nzubechi Queen Ozabor
