"Stay here tonight, and in the morning, if he wants to redeem you, that's good. Let him redeem you. But if he doesn't want to redeem you, as the Lord lives, I will. Now, lie down until morning."
Ruth 3:13
Biblically speaking, a family redeemer has a few major responsibilities. He would be the man obligated to perform certain functions, such as taking care of a brother's estate or punishing someone who murdered a family member. In this case, he would be obligated to take a brother's wife if the brother died... however, Boaz knows that there is a "closer redeemer" (v. 12) who holds that obligation before he does. He promises, however, that if that closer relative doesn't want to redeem Ruth, he will take her.
This understanding of Old Testament redemption gives new light to the idea that Jesus is our Redeemer. We think of Redemption as being a compensation for our faults, but it is also His act of taking us (the Church) as his wife after he's defeated the Evil One (our previous "spouse") on the cross. It is His offer to allow us a place in His Kingdom - His estate in Heaven. Also, His sacrifice and destruction of sin is His act of vengeance against the Evil One who has done wrong against us.
Question of the Day:
Ruth went to the feet of Boaz to gain his attention and his promise. Have you gone to the feet of Jesus for the same promise of Redemption?
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, I lay myself before You and humbly ask that You Redeem my soul. Bring me back into Your household, protect me from the evils around me, and take vengeance against the Evil One who has attacked me. Bring my whole family with me int Yours, and do not leave a single one of them out. Amen.
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