Redeemed

Redeemed

Ruth

Read: Ruth 4:1-12

Naomi probably suspected that Boaz had admired Ruth from the first moment he saw her, but apparently he needed help in taking action. Perhaps he hesitated because he was much older than Ruth. No matter, Naomi must have thought. I know how to get him to carry out his responsibility. Besides, this will bring happiness to both Ruth and Boaz. So she coached Ruth in how to propose marriage to him. Boaz answered yes, sort of. He explained that there was a closer relative who had first rights to be her family’s redeemer. But Boaz assured Ruth that if the other man wasn’t interested, he certainly was.

When Ruth returned home early the next morning, she found Naomi eager to hear all the details. Naomi joyfully predicted that Boaz would settle the matter that very day. Did time drag by as the two women waited to hear the outcome? Meanwhile, the nearer kinsman jumped at the chance to buy back land that had once belonged to Elimelech. With no surviving heirs, the land would permanently become his. But when he learned that he would also be required to marry Ruth and produce a son who would inherit the land, the man lost interest. So Boaz was free to marry Ruth.

As the years went by, Ruth’s gratitude and love for Boaz must have grown as her understanding of the role of kinsman-redeemer deepened. Boaz became her protector and provider. She found a new life as a wife and mother, and it all started when she asked Boaz to spread his covering over her.

God came to earth as Jesus Christ in order to become our kinsman-redeemer. Through his death, he bought us back from sin and claimed us as his own. He willingly fulfills the role of protector and provider and makes a new life possible for us. And it all begins when we ask him to spread his covering over us.

Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.

Ruth 3:9