May 6- The Kinsman-Redeemer

May 6, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Ruth 2:1-4:22; John 4:43-54;
Psalm 105:16-36; Proverbs 14:26-27

Here's something to think about...How come you never see a headline like 'Psychic Wins Lottery'? 
~Jay Leno

Ruth 2:1-4:22

Do you ever wish you had a rich uncle who would offer to get everyone in the family out of debt?  It would be a dream come true to have someone so wealthy and generous that they could solve your money problems without batting an eye.  Imagine living in a nice house and driving a decent car completely paid for by this rich uncle.  Today we see a wealthy powerful man who is willing to pay the cost to redeem a beautiful, godly woman and her family.

Yesterday we analyzed the names of the people in this story, but we left out one name.  That man's name was Boaz.  Boaz is the near relative of Naomi's dead husband.  Boaz means "strength."  We see in this story that Boaz is strong in his faith, strong in the law, and strong in prosperity.  He is a man of integrity and a type of Christ in Scripture. 

There are three Old Testament practices that need to be described in order to understand the story of Ruth.  As our reading begins, Ruth and Naomi are in Bethlehem. Ruth has been sent out to glean in the fields.  This is according to the laws of Moses.  In Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22, and Deuteronomy 24:19 the law of gleaning states that when harvesting one's fields, one should not reap all of the corners of the field or take all of the produce out of the field.  This was so that the poor people in the community could come to the fields and work to gather/glean the left overs.  This was a way for God to care for the poor in the community.  Unlike our modern welfare system, the participants worked for their gain and kept their dignity intact.

Ruth providentially arrives at Boaz's fields.  It was a good thing, because this allows her to meet a man who could be her kinsman-redeemer.  In Leviticus 25, as part of the explanation of the Year of Jubilee, regulations were established for a person who was widowed to be redeemed by the nearest relative to the dead husband (this could be a brother or cousin). The redeemer was required to redeem or buy back the land (if their was a debt on it) and take the dead brother's wife as his own in order to produce children and keep his dead brother's line alive.  If the kinsman-redeemer was not wealthy enough to pay off the debt of the land, he would still marry the widow and produce children and care for the land.  During the Year of Jubilee that family would get back their land. This insured that that property in the Promised Land of God would stay within the proper tribes of Israel.  It also meant that a widow, who was left with no income, would be cared for.  This was better than Social Security.  This method did not bankrupt the society.

Boaz sees Ruth when she comes to glean in the fields and falls in love with her. He requires his field managers to protect Ruth and favor her. Ruth is a hard worker and a graceful person.  She is humble and serves her mother-in-law well.  Naomi realizes that Boaz is able to redeem Ruth through the kinsman-redeemer program.  This will benefit the whole family.  Their property and name can be restored within the community.  Naomi encourages Ruth to go claim Boaz as a kinsman-redeemer.  This is the third part of the Mosaic Law. The widow had to claim the kinsman-redeemer.  He could not claim her.  And so we have the strange story of Ruth going to the threshing floor and laying at the feet of Boaz.  This is not a suggestive sexual act. This was a known method of claiming the kinsman-redeemer.  Boaz is pleased and states that there is a kinsman closer than him.  Boaz is going to talk to that kinsman and make sure that he (Boaz) can do the redeeming.

It works out for Boaz to redeem Ruth.  As a result, Ruth and Boaz get married and have children.  Ruth is the great grandmother of King David.  This beautiful godly woman is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ!  Ruth's trials and hardship, her faith, and her redemption led to the world receiving its Savior Jesus Christ. Ruth's blood flowed through his veins.  In addition, Naomi, who wanted to be called Mara because she was bitter about her loss, now has good reason to be called Naomi, which means cheerful or pleasant.  God redeemed Naomi through this trial also! God is a good story teller, no?

Jesus Christ is our kinsman-redeemer.  A kinsman -redeemer had to be 1) a near kinsman 2) able to redeem the debt and 3) willing to redeem the debt. Here's how Jesus does that for you and me:

• We are a bride in need of our debts being paid.
• Jesus is our near kin because he came down from heaven, put on flesh as a man, and became part of the human family. He is a near kin.
• Jesus is strong, faithful, and able to pay our debt for sin because he lived a perfect sinless life. He is able to redeem the debt.
• Jesus is willing to pay our debt.  A kinsman must be willing to redeem.  Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins.  This redeemed us.  Jesus is willing.
• The last peice of the puzzle is that we must go claim our kinsman-redeemer.  Have you claimed Jesus as your kinsman-redeemer?  Have you layed at his feet and asked him to redeem your sins?

Boaz loved Ruth and redeemed her.  Ruth accepted Boaz as her redeemer participating in a beautiful love story.  Jesus loves you and has redeemed you.  Have you accepted Jesus as your redeemer?  This is your chance to be part of a beautiful love story! Why not lay at his feet?

John 4:43-54

Today, while in the town of Cana, Jesus is confronted by an official from Capernaum who wants Jesus to come with him to Capenaum to heal his son who is dying.  Jesus sees the man's faith and says that the man can go back home because his son will live.  The man believed Jesus and went home.  At home, the boy was healed just as Christ said he would be.

Do you need healing in your life?  Be sure to persistently bring your needs and the needs of those around you to the Lord.  He wants this interaction with you. Remember, prayer changes things.  Keep praying and asking.

Psalm 105:16-36

Notice how many times this psalm has the words "The Lord" which is then followed by an action verb.  This is a psalm about God's actions in judgment.  This should cause awe and fear in us.

Proverbs 14:26-27

How convenient.  We are told today that those who fear the Lord are secure.  It is wise to be humble before such a mighty God.

What did you notice as you were reading today?  Did you like the book of Ruth?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal

Kathy Fullerton
© 2011