Ruth - At the Feet of the Redeemer
Posted on December 4, 2011 by Unknown
Ruth 3:1-18 Naomi says, "Boaz is one of our redeemers." This appears good news. What does it mean? Do we need a redeemer as well?
This is a significant historical story in this chapter, but perhaps most importantly, it is a foreshadowing of an
1. The need for redemption. (3:1-5)
Before we can be redeemed, we must first realize our need for a redeemer. Look around, is it not evident, we to are slaves, we are bound in a state of desolation. We are slaves to sin, slaves to death, slaves to the curse that separates us from creator.
In v. 1 Naomi seeks rest for Ruth. This rest is not just peace and happiness, but security and safe keeping. Ruth is a foreign women in a foreign land with no prospects for living. We also are in a foreign land, slaves to the cruel master of the sin nature.
2. The petition for redemption. (3:6-9)
We must be a people that calls out for aid, for redemption. We are stranded, floundering in a vast ocean with no prospects for saving. We can not save ourselves
In ancient Israel, not just anyone could be a redeemer. It had to be someone that was part of your family.
There were several things that a kinsman redeemer could do:
A. He can redeem a person from a state of slavery.
B. Could purchase property that had been formerly sold from the families estate.
C. Could carry out justice from . He acts for the families protection.
D. Could provide children for the widow. Known as Levirate marriage. This was to continue the name of the family. From our study with the college students we learned how this applies and is part of the fulfillment of promises from God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In this exchange, Ruth is asking not just for temporary help, but specifically for marriage. See Ezekiel 16:8-14.
What about us? Who can be redeemer? Jesus is coming to earth became part of our family. He came to us at Christmas, so that in being one of us, he could take on the punishment, take on payment of our rebellion and sin and redeem. Praise God for his lovingkindness.
But how do we accept this. We must believe, we must trust, we must seek our redemption in the hands, under the wing, under the garment of our Lord and savior Jesus.
3. The promise of redemption. (3:10-18)
Boaz makes a promise to redeem here, and furthermore he sends her home with a sign, the . In the Bible six seems to often indicate incompleteness. Perhaps by giving her six measures he is indicating that this is the beginning of the promise and that the rest is to be redeemed in time. Perhaps like the universe, made in six days, but only to find rest on the seventh. The rest is coming.
So in Jesus, what is our promise, where is our measure of barley? That measure is the Holy Spirit, giving us comfort and rest, the power and promise of what is to come. Let us believe, and live in the promise of the Holy Spirit. God is great! Come LORD JESUS!
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