And the close relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance.” (Ruth 4:6a NKJV)

In Old Testament times, if a man died before his wife bore him a child, a close family member of the deceased, called a kinsman redeemer, would marry the widow. The first son born from that marriage was then named after the deceased man. God prescribed the practice in Israel so the deceased man’s name wouldn’t be “cut off from among his brethren” (Ruth 4:10 NKJV). Doing so would ensure that, despite death, a family lineage would continue.

Enter Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner who married an Israelite named Mahlon. But Mahlon died before Ruth bore him a son. When Ruth went to Israel with her mother-in-law, Boaz brought the matter to the close relative’s attention. The close relative was the first one in line to do God’s will by marrying Ruth.

So, what was the close relative’s response? He refused. Why? He was worried about destroying his own heritage. In short, he was more concerned about his own name. He wanted to ensure that his name lived on. Because the close relative refused, Boaz (the next in line after the close relative) stepped in and married Ruth.

In the end, we have no idea what the name of that close relative was. But Boaz? His name has been recorded. Even thousands of years later, we know that he was the one who married Ruth. Not only that, but Boaz was the great-grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:21–22), and he is listed in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:5).

The point is: We can be deterred from doing what God wants us to do when our own plans don’t align with God’s. We sometimes worry that God’s plan will interfere with our desires.

But God’s plans and ways are always better than ours. He is sovereign and omniscient. He knows the beginning from the end. God can see how everything will fit together to accomplish His perfect plan and bless us along the way.

So, what’s keeping you from doing God’s will? What does God want you to do that you have refused to do?

• Is He asking you to go to church to worship Him with your brothers and sisters in Christ, but you feel more comfortable watching the service online in your kitchen or living room?
• Has His Spirit prompted you to serve in the children’s ministry, but you don’t want to give up your “me” time?
• Is He calling you to the mission field, but you’re afraid of losing your possessions or of not having enough money?

Don’t miss out on the blessing that comes with obedience. Whatever it is, take time this week to do business with God. Pray and tell God about your fears and concerns. Ask Him for forgiveness for refusing to do His will. Then put aside the things that are keeping you from doing God’s will and walk by faith with Him.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash