Redeemed Is Your Name!نموونە

Redemption

Ruth worked in Boaz’s field while Naomi pondered how to secure a future for Ruth. At the end of the barley harvest, Naomi decided it was time for Ruth to make her marriage availability clear to Boaz. Her request thrilled Boaz's willing heart:

Ruth: “I am Ruth, your maiden; take me under your protecting wing. You’re my close relative, you know, in the circle of covenant redeemers – you do have the right to marry me” (Ruth 3:9, MSG).

Boaz: “…What a splendid expression of love!...don't you worry about a thing; I'll do all you could want or ask...You’re right, I am a close relative to you, but there is one even closer than I am…In the morning, if he wants to exercise his customary rights and responsibilities as the closest covenant redeemer, he’ll have his chance; but if he isn’t interested, as God lives, I’ll do it…” (Ruth 3:10-13, MSG).

True to his name, Boaz acted quickly. The next morning, he gathered the town elders and the redeemer relative to discuss first redeemer rights to the property and responsibilities of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. When the redeemer relative refused first redeemer rights, Boaz pronounced,

“You are witnesses today that I have bought from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech and Kilion and Mahlon, including responsibility for Ruth the foreigner, the widow of Mahlon – I’ll take her as my wife and keep the name of the deceased alive along with his inheritance…” (Ruth 4:9-10, MSG).

It was done. In a single transaction, the emptiness of loss and poverty gave way to the fullness of a prosperous new era for Naomi and Ruth. Their redemption had arrived with restoration in its wings.

Reflections:

1.  What actions did Naomi and Ruth take to position themselves for redemption? 

2. What did Naomi know about Boaz that prompted her trust in him as a redeemer?

3. God redeems His children. How trustful are you of God in difficult circumstances? 

Biblical pronouncements of God’s steadfast trustworthiness:

Deuteronomy 7:9, NLT: “Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.”

Hebrews 6:18, NLT: “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”