Read the Bible in One Year: OT – Ruth 1-4 NT – Luke 8:1-25
Ruth 4:16-17 – Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!†And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Jesus is our ultimate Redeemer.
The book of Ruth is a captivating narrative of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz during the time of the judges. After tragedy strikes, Ruth remains loyal to Naomi and they return to Bethlehem. Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field, who acts as a kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth and securing their future.
Boaz serves as a pivotal figure in the book of Ruth, fulfilling the role of a kinsman-redeemer. As a close relative of Naomi’s late husband, he carries the responsibility of redeeming the family’s land and securing their future. He demonstrates his love and compassion by marrying Ruth, a Moabite woman, and thus fulfilling the duties of a kinsman-redeemer. By doing so, he not only provides for Naomi and Ruth’s physical needs but also restores their dignity and lineage. The book concludes with a genealogy connecting Ruth and Boaz to King David.
Boaz’s role as a kinsman-redeemer symbolizes God’s provision, grace, and the ultimate redemption that would be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Parallels between Boaz and Jesus Christ, our Ultimate Redeemer:
Close Relative: Boaz, as a close relative of Naomi’s family, had the legal right and responsibility to redeem them. Similarly, Jesus, as the Son of God, became our close relative by taking on human form. He took on the responsibility to redeem us from sin and reconcile us to God.
Sacrificial Love: Boaz’s love for Ruth is evident as he willingly takes on the duty of redemption and marries her. Likewise, Jesus demonstrates sacrificial love by willingly sacrificing Himself on the cross for our redemption. His love surpasses human understanding, as He laid down His life to redeem us from sin and offer us eternal life.
Restoring Inheritance: Boaz not only redeems Ruth but also secures the family’s inheritance by marrying her and continuing their lineage. In a similar way, Jesus redeems us and restores our inheritance as children of God. Through His redemptive work, we receive the blessings and privileges of belonging to the family of God and inherit eternal life.
Redemption for All: Boaz’s redemption extended to Ruth, a foreigner and outsider to the Israelite community. Similarly, Jesus’ redemption is not limited to a specific group or nationality. He offers redemption to all who believe in Him, regardless of their background or past. His redemptive work is universal and available to anyone who seeks Him.
Future Hope: Boaz’s redemption brought hope and a future for Ruth and Naomi, ensuring their well-being and security. Similarly, Jesus’ redemption offers us a future hope. Through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death, guaranteeing us eternal life and the hope of being with Him forever.
The apostle Peter reminds us of the high price Jesus paid for our redemption. The spotless Lamb of God, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, shedding His precious blood to redeem us from the emptiness and futility of a life without Him (1 Peter 1:18-19).
As we take a moment to contemplate Jesus’ sacrificial love and the depth of His redemptive work, may we respond by surrendering our life, trusting in His finished work on the cross. When times of doubt, discouragement assail, may we trust Jesus, for He faithfully redeems, restores, and transforms. As those redeemed, may we worship Him.
Ponder
How does understanding Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer impact your perception of His love and sacrifice for you?
Are there any past mistakes or regrets that you struggle to let go of? How can embracing Jesus’ redemptive work help you find healing and freedom in those areas?
Reflect on the sacrificial love demonstrated by both Boaz and Jesus. How does their example inspire you to love others sacrificially and selflessly?
Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.
Jesus reached out to everyone, breaking down social barriers. Let’s follow His example and extend compassion to those in need. How can you show compassion today?
In our spiritual journey, let’s be wary of prioritizing man-made traditions over God’s word. Jesus teaches us that authenticity and heart condition matter more than mere appearances.
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