“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.” —Luke 1:68
The book of Ruth tells of a widow named Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, who were left without a provider. Their situation was bleak. But rescue came through Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer.
In those days, the next of kin was required to provide for a relative whose family name or lands were in jeopardy. This was all part of God’s great redemptive story.
A kinsman-redeemer had to fulfill three qual- ifications, all of which were fulfilled in Jesus. First, he had to be a relative. Jesus fulfilled this requirement when He took on flesh and at the cross became sin for us.
Second, a kinsman-redeemer had to have the means to redeem. Jesus redeemed us through His own blood. Finally, the kinsman-redeemer had to be willing to redeem. Aren’t you glad Jesus wanted us?
Boaz redeemed Naomi and Ruth; Jesus paid the price to save us from our sin. God’s promised redemption was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Make it Personal
Take time to worship Jesus and thank Him for being our kinsman-redeemer who rescued us from the destruction of sin.