JUL 27

Ruth 4:1-12
Memorise 1 Peter 1:18-19
“…with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot”

Throughout the book (Ruth 2:1,20, 3:9,12,13, 4:1,2,6,14), we see Boaz described as being a near kinsman of Naomi, and by virtue of that relationship, was a kinsman of Ruth as well. As a kinsman, he had the right and also the responsibility to buy the parcel of land that used to be Elimelech’s, and work the land on their behalf. At the same time, he was also obliged to marry the widow of the deceased kinsman so as to raise up children in his name (Ruth 4:5). These were in accordance to the OT laws found in Leviticus 25:24-25 and Deuteronomy 25:5-6.

In Ruth 4, Boaz goes to the city gate to fulfil his responsibility as kinsman, to offer to redeem the land and also take Ruth to be his wife. There was actually another closer relative than Boaz (Ruth 3:12) who had the right to claim the land before Boaz. Boaz therefore described the situation and made the offer to that relative. Whilst that relative was willing to redeem the land, he was not interested to take Ruth as his wife, and therefore it fell to Boaz to fulfil the responsibility of both. However, we must not look upon Boaz’s actions as merely a fulfilment of obligation, for behind the transaction was also a commitment of love and affection. Boaz was a generous and kind man who had taken a liking for this dear filial damsel. He saw the virtue in her and had shown, through his actions, that he cared for her. And so the story that started out with a tragic beginning concluded with a beautiful end. Boaz was described to Naomi as the ‘restorer of thy life’ (Ruth 4:15), and Ruth would bear a child that would be the grandfather of King David.

Through this account, we are reminded of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, our gracious redeemer who willingly died on our behalf that He may pay the price to redeem us from our sins. He did this out of love, and in redeeming us, He also claimed us, the Church, to be His holy bride, as “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Thought: What is the price that was paid for my redemption?
Prayer: Lord help me to appreciate what Christ did on the cross to redeem me from my sins.