Boaz

 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”   Ruth 3.9

Crossing the field, Boaz suddenly shifted his gaze from his foreman to a woman gleaning in the distance. 

Noting her difference, Boaz cocked his ear as his servant connected the stories of the hardworking woman. This was Ruth the Moabite. Impressed? He was more than impressed. Though an outsider, Ruth proved herself compassionate, humble, courageous, and loyal in caring for Naomi, her mother-in-law. Finding Israel’s God to be the true God, Ruth trusted Him for her own. The connection made, Boaz covered her with his provision and protection but soon discovered a greater need. As the harvest night neared its end, Ruth’s voice trembled as she asked Boaz to be her redeemer. 

His mind raced as he thought of her request. Seeking God’s guidance, Boaz knew He would be with him in these moments. Already aware of his desire to redeem Ruth, Boaz knew a closer relative had the right. Would this man take the risk, pay the price? Hardly waiting for the day to dawn, Boaz presented the redemption need, the other found the risk too great leaving Boaz to win the honour. Through his selfless act of love, Boaz met Ruth’s greatest need as her redeemer. Their story is just a part of a greater redemption story, yours and mine.

Our greatest need is a Redeemer. When we are separated from a holy God because of sin, the punishment for sin is death. Because of His great love, God sent His Son, Jesus, who became man and took all sin upon Himself. He paid our penalty through His death on the cross. With acknowledgment of sin and acceptance of God’s gracious gift of salvation, each person is redeemed, possessing an eternal hope and inheritance. By securing our redemption, Jesus made a way for us to be with the Father. Just as God was with Boaz in his act of redemption, God is with you as your Redeemer.

Lord, my greatest need was filled because of Your greatest love. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place, providing eternal security with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.     Romans 5.8