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Reflection: The unnamed redeemer was interested until redemption became costly. Land could benefit him. Ruth complicated things. Suddenly, the future of someone else required sacrifice from him, and he backed away. It is easy to read that and shake your head, but you know how quickly your own heart does the same thing. You may want faith that helps your present, but not faith that disrupts your comfort. You may want forgiveness from Jesus, but struggle to forgive someone else. You may want community, but resist the cost of vulnerability. Boaz steps forward where the other man steps back. He pays the cost, gives Ruth his name, and secures a future. That points you to Jesus, who did not redeem you cheaply. He gave His blood. When redemption reaches you, it will also reshape what you are willing to sacrifice for others with joy and trust wherever He leads you.
Application Question: What costly act of obedience or love might God be asking you to stop avoiding?