May 29, 2022
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God” Ruth 1:16. (NLT)
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)
In my preparation for teaching a class on the biblical account of Ruth for May honoring women of the Bible I thought I would share this week some aspects of redemption and kinsman-redeemer.
The historical narrative of Ruth is a beautiful love story of meeting Boaz and becoming her kinsman-redeemer. However, it is much more than a historical love story! It is a story of redemption, the beauty of God’s grace, His faithfulness, and God’s providential plan. Theologically, the concept of kinsman-redeemer as a type of Messiah is clearly evident. As Believers, it points us to our Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ!
The story begins when Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, return to Bethlehem from Moab where they had been living. Naomi’s husband and both sons, one the husband of Ruth, had died, leaving the women penniless and without a male protector. The book of Ruth clearly depicts how the right of redemption is extended to a distant relative and Boaz redeemed not only the property but Ruth as well, and she became his wife, Ruth 3:13; 4:1-6! The kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who, according to various laws of the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need. The two English terms Redeemer and Redemption derived from a Latin root meaning “to buy back.” The term is used to describe freeing someone from chains, slavery, or prison.
In the Old Testament, redemption is closely linked with the hope of a Messiah. The hope of redemption is very strong during the time when Israel was captive in Babylon. Yahweh became Israel’s Redeemer, the one who promises to defend and vindicate them. From the time of the Exodus on, God is revealed as a “Deliverer.” Exodus 20:2, says He is both Father and Deliverer. Also, there are numerous Old Testament appeals to God as the Rescuer of the weak and needy as noted in Psalm 82:4; Daniel 6:27; and Jeremiah 20:13. He is noted in Ezekiel 34:10–12, 22, as Preserver of the sheep of Israel. The prophets constantly speak of God as Redeemer or Deliverer, who would be of the line of David noted in Isaiah 9:1-6; 11:1-9; and Jeremiah 23:5-6. This hope was to be ultimately fulfilled through God’s anointed one, as our Messiah! Praise God!
Today, as New Testament Believers in Christ, Jesus Christ is often regarded as an example of a Kinsman-Redeemer because, as our brother, noted in Hebrews 2:11, He also redeems us because of our great need, and He is the only one that only He can satisfy! In Ruth 3:9, we see a beautiful and heart-rendering picture of the needy petitioner, unable to rescue herself, requesting of the kinsman-redeemer that he cover her with his protection, redeem her, and make her his wife.
In the same way, the Lord Jesus Christ bought us for Himself, out of the curse, out of our destitution; made us His own beloved bride; and blessed us for all generations. He is the true Kinsman-Redeemer of all who call on Him in faith. Our Kinsman-Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ has done His part. He is just waiting for those what has not accepted HI and His gift of Salvation. You can accept Him TODAY!
Romans 10:9-13. “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and is justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NIV)
Everyone is in need of redemption, there are no exemptions. Our natural condition was characterized by guilt. Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Christ’s redemption has freed us from guilt and Romans 3:24, tells us we are being “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”
A REDEEMED ♥️ HEART
The Benefits of Redemption Includes:
√ eternal life (Revelation 5:9-10)
√ forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:17)
√ righteousness (Romans 5:17)
√ freedom from the law’s curse (Galatians 3:13)
√ adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:5)
√ deliverance from sin’s bondage (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:14-18)
√ peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20) and,
√ the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
To be Redeemed, then, is to be Forgiven, Holy, Justified, Free, Adopted, and Reconciled.
FATHER GOD: Thank You, for being our Kinsman-Redeemer, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.