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“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”   (Titus 2:14, KJV)

Naomi’s husband had died leaving her with two sons.  The sons married but in time they died.  Leaving the two wives, Ruth and Orpah behind. Their land had been devastated by a famine in Moab.  Naomi had nothing left.  Hearing that there was bread in Israel, she decided to go back home – to Bethlehem.

In that culture and time, women had no voice or value unless they were married.  Naomi encouraged Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and remarry.  Orpah agreed but Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi.

The story then follows the life of two widows trying to rebuild their lives after a devastating season of brokenness.  Naomi even tells her friends when she returns home to call her Mara because she felt so bitter about what life had taken from her.

Even though she was a widow herself, Ruth decides to go out and look for ways to bring in food for her and Naomi.  In fact, it’s her kindness towards her mother-in-law that catches the eye of Boaz.  He encourages her to glean only in his fields and advises his men to not bother her.

Ruth following Naomi’s guidance goes to the threshing floor and lays at Boaz’s feet. Some might think this was a provocative gesture. But she was saying to Boaz, “I respect you, I trust you, and I put my fate in your hands.”

According to the laws found in the Pentateuch, a kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who had the responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication.

Boaz was willing to marry her and redeem her life but there was another male relative that was closer.  He had to talk with that man first. He asked her to wait.  The other male relative doesn’t want to redeem her, so Ruth and Boaz marry.  In time they have a child, Obed – making them the great-grandparents to King David.  Boaz purchases back the land Naomi had to sell – redeeming her life as well.

Has life taken things from you that you want back but you don’t have a close relative to step in and help?

Dear friend we have a kinsman redeemer who can

• rescue us (Gen. 48:16, Exodus 6:6)
• avenge the wrongs done to us (Numbers 35:9-34)
• redeem what’s been taken from us (Lev. 25:47-55 & 27: 9-25)

Jesus can redeem it all.  Filling our lives with hope in such a way that we find passion for living again.

We just need to lay it at his feet, like Ruth did.

“Father, we thank You for being our kinsman-redeemer.  You know the wounds that break our hearts today.  Help us to trust You and put our fate in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Laura Holmes    (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life