Let’s view what God can do with a shoe! It is a Hebrew custom that if a husband dies his brother becomes the near kinsman to take his brother’s wife and all her obligations. But if he is unable, he looses his shoe and gives it to another, saying, “I am unable to take her.” He became known as the man with a loose shoe (Deut. 25:5-10). This story actually happened in Ruth (4:7-8). Ruth needed a near kinsman to replace her dead husband and restore properties for both her and Naomi, her mother-in-law. Also, Boaz wanted to marry Ruth, but was unable as he was not the near kinsman. Boaz then used the situation to his advantage. He took ten witnesses and visited the near kinsman. He detailed all the debts of Ruth and Naomi. Then wisely said, “If thou will not redeem it – I will redeem it.” Finally, the unnamed near kinsman said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it… So he drew off his shoe.” Selah!
With great joy Boaz shouted, “Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s… Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife.” Boaz joyfully took Ruth as his wife, and she bare a son named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David (4:17). Incomprehensible – Scriptures and traditions were satisfied and fulfilled because of a shoe. The silent unseen hand of God providentially worked in the lives of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi. It was no accident that Naomi returned home and that Boaz and Ruth were attracted to each other. Note: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz were never ever aware of the silent controlling unseen hand of God.
Unbelievable – The unseen silent providential hand of God “worked” all things together to fulfill all Scriptures (Rom. 8:28). Generations later, the unseen Hand of God worked. “Booz (Boaz) begat Obed …Obed begat Jesse… Jesse begat David the king.” Boaz and Ruth were unaware that they were the great-grandmother and great-grandfather of King David. They never knew that fourteen generations later, Jesus Christ was born through the lineage of their son, Obed. Inconceivable – Because of a shoe, all generational Scriptures were fulfilled exactly as prophesied (Matt.1:5-16; Luke 3:23-32). Amazing – What God could do with a shoe! Supernatural – The unseen silent Hand of God still provides, prevents, and also uses providential control in your life. Remember, while you wait, the unseen Hand of God still “works” all things together for your good and His glory. Lesson from a shoe.
Remember – God directs your steps and your stops – TC
