Ruth 4:1-22
Wednesday, 13 July 2022
“….Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer.” Ruth 4:14
‘Kinsman redeemer’ in the Old Testament [Lev. 23, Jer.32, Gen.38, Deut.25] was a title given to male relatives who had the privilege or responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger or need of vindication. In today’s reading we are introduced to one such kinsman redeemer, coming to the rescue of Ruth. When Ruth made THAT ONE CHOICE to follow the God of Israel, she had no clue of all that were in store for her- all that God had planned for her!
THE DIVINE PLAN of GOD
Ruth came to Israel as a broken, lonely, widow—a foreigner, who people would hesitate to associate with. When the sale deed of Naomi’s hereditary property went up there arose two Kinsmen Redeemers who could set them free from their misery. But one of them backed out when he realized that the Land came with a Lady. He wanted the land but not the lady. So now who could rescue them? Will the next redeemer also reject the proposal because of Ruth? But we see that God had prepared Boaz for the timely help.
Not very long ago each of us stood helpless looking at out broken, sinful state. Who could rescue us? Apostle Paul writes in Romans 7:24-25: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
THE DIVINE WORK of GOD
Thank God!! Yes, Thank God!!Where would we be if our KINSMAN REDEEMER –JESUS CHRIST would not have stepped in to set us free from sin? Just as Boaz stepped in, paid a price and bought the property and acquired the widow, likewise Jesus Christ bought us with a price-- as 1Peter1:18, 19 declares: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
Hallelujah!!! We are saved from the misery of sin and death. We now have a new identity in Christ Jesus and have entered into a new life in and with Him.
Ruth’s blessing had just begun. She was now redeemed from her old way of life and was brought into a brand-new life with Boaz.
A DIVINE EXCHANGE
A divine exchange took place—Ruth was given honour and dignity by becoming the wife of Boaz, thereby acquiring his name and becoming the beneficiary to all that Boaz possessed.
Her position changed from being a lonely widow to a homely wife Her property increased from poverty to prosperity Her prominence grew from being a gentile to becoming the great grandmother of David
Titus 3: 3-7 describes the believer in the same manner: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures......he saved us …, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” The Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ longs to set you free so that you can enjoy all the benefits He has brought by His costly sacrifice. He longs to make you His son/daughter (Gal.4:7). He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). And, He promises to give us an inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:4). Have you like Ruth made a choice to follow Jesus? If not make that decision today—you will experience GOD TAKEOVER in every area of your life!
Think on it: “My Redeemer sealed my pardon , paid my debt and set me free.” (from the hymn)
Listen: 'I will sing of My Redeemer'
Comentários