Ruth and Boaz

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-4, 12

Who doesn’t love a good redemption story? The true-life account of Louis Zamperini that is told in Laura Hillenbrand’s bestselling book, Unbroken, comes to mind for me. Troubled teen. Olympic athlete. Survivor at sea. Prisoner of war. Alcoholic. Forgiven. Redeemed. Forgiver. Evangelist. The redemption arc of Louis Zamperini’s life is miraculous and has inspired people worldwide.

When it comes to redemption stories in the Bible, Ruth’s is a great one. Ruth is saved by Boaz when he willingly becomes her kinsman-redeemer. By definition, a kinsman-redeemer was a family member who redeemed what was lost. This could be another persons’ property, freedom, or name. The kinsman-redeemer was a rescuer and restorer. It was not a role to be taken lightly because there was no such thing as partial redemption. The debt had to be paid in full. Boaz’s decision in this matter is particularly noteworthy because Ruth was an outsider. She wasn’t Jewish - she was a Moabite! By Boaz’s saving act, Ruth is redeemed and grafted into the family of God where she then fully participates in THE story and becomes part of the family tree of Jesus! (Matthew 1:5)

The book of Ruth provides a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ who is our Kinsman-Redeemer. Through his saving act on the cross, all of us…the outsiders, the lost, the empty, the lonely, the broken…are rescued, restored, and given the opportunity to participate in the work that God is doing. Amazing! Who doesn’t love a good redemption story?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for redeeming us, for making us part of your family, and for restoring us completely. May your love compel us to come alongside you in all that you are doing in the world. We want to be a part of THE story! Amen

About the Contributor:

Donna Pulliam is a wife, mom, daughter, and friend. This past year, she enjoyed serving as chair of the Young Adult Committee.