But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. – Ruth 3:13
Many know the story of Ruth, being a foreigner in Naomi’s country but having an unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law, and the providence of God revealed in the relationship with Boaz. Ruth is an important person in the Bible accounts, for she became part of the lineage of King David and, thus, of Jesus the Messiah.
In his book on Ruth, theologian and professor Dr. Edward F. Campbell, Jr., writes, “The Book of Ruth is an intricately woven, magnificently crafted story. It is the work of a person standing in the mid-stream of Israelite life and thought, a person wishing to communicate to his audience things very close to the heart of the Old Testament.” The account of Ruth shows how God is at work in the everyday lives of people, as the writer weaves a love story and a story of redemption.
In this short story, the word “redeem” appears 23 times. Ruth was a widow, there was famine in the land, as a foreigner she was subject to being enslaved, and she was unable to redeem herself from all her problems. Boaz, a man of character and faith, restores her in place of payment… he redeems her from what could otherwise have been her fate. In Boaz, you see a picture of the coming Redeemer, the Messiah, Jesus. Not only was Ruth redeemed, but she was also provided for physically and emotionally. She was given a gracious and generous future.
By His death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for you. Sin left you indebted, with a debt you could not pay. But, in His love for you, the Lord redeemed you, and now makes gracious and generous provision for your life today and into eternity. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22). If you have not yet placed yourself at the Savior’s feet, do so today. The price of your redemption has been paid in full.
Today’s Verse: Ruth 3:13
Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
