Redeemed by Love Divine
Ruth 4: 1-12
Ruth had experienced a miraculous chain of events in her life. Not too long ago she was in Moab, a widow without hope for the future. Unaware of what lay ahead she made the decision to follow Naomi to Bethlehem. This would turn out to be the most important decision she ever made.
God was working behind the scenes in her life and led her to the field of Boaz, a man of wealth and reputation that was a kinsman of Naomi. As time went on, their fondness for each other grew. Boaz cared for her, even though she was a Gentile, meeting every need she had. Ruth realized the enormity of this opportunity and made her way to the threshing-floor, proposing to Boaz. Unsure of how he would respond, Ruth must’ve been overjoyed when he agreed to marry her.
However, there was one very important issue that stood in the way. There was a kinsman who was of closer relation than Boaz. Ruth 3:12 – And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. According to the law of God, the nearest kinsman had first option to redeem. Boaz truly desired to marry Ruth, but he would have to wait and see how the nearest kinsman responded to the opportunity of redemption.
The morning had now dawned and Boaz had made his way to town to meet with the nearer kinsman. With the hope of marriage, he had gone to seek redemption for Ruth. It was his love for her that compelled him to make the trip that day. What a beautiful picture of the love that our Savior had for us. I want to consider the eternal truths of redemption as we consider: Redeemed by Love Divine.
I. The Character of the Redeemer (1-4) – We have already spent much time considering the character and integrity of Boaz, but this day would reveal his commitment to Ruth and solidify his character to her. Keep in mind that Boaz is a type of Christ. Notice:
A. His Willingness (1) – Boaz wasted no time in handling this matter of redemption. Once they were settled on their desire for marriage, he made his way to the gate of town. This was where business was transacted in that day. It was a public place where the intents of men were revealed. Boaz loved Ruth and he was willing to secure her redemption.
Aren’t you glad Jesus was willing to secure our redemption? I rejoice He agreed to fulfill the will of God in providing our salvation. His sacrifice and suffering were carried out in a public place for all the world to see. He was led beyond the gate of Jerusalem and crucified on Calvary.
B. His Witness (2-3) – Boaz was not trying to secure a “backroom” deal. He went to the gate and proclaimed his intention before the elders of the city. He wanted to ensure that all was done according to the law. He wanted this marriage to be legitimate and above reproach.
As I considered the way Boaz handled this situation, I was reminded of the life and sacrifice of my Lord. He was tempted of Satan to avoid the cross and plan of God. He refused the temptation of the multitudes to make Him a king. He came to provide for our redemption. He didn’t cut any corners or avoid any responsibilities. Jesus’ life was not lived in the shadows. His teaching, His ministry, the miracles, the cross, the empty tomb, the ascension back to heaven, all pointed to the fact that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Savior of the world.
C. His Worthiness (4) – Boaz was worthy to redeem Ruth. There was a nearer kinsman who could have redeemed her, but Boaz also met the requirements of redemption. He was able and he was willing. As we read in these verses, the other kinsman had the opportunity, but he wasn’t willing to provide all that was necessary to redeem Ruth. It appears that he was interested in her inheritance, but not in Ruth herself.
This paints a picture of the inability of the law. The law of God was never ordained to provide for redemption. It did not possess all that was necessary to meet the demands of God. Christ alone was worthy to secure our salvation. The law reveals and condemns our sin, but it cannot redeem our sin. Rom.8:3 – For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.
II. The Conditions of Redemption (5-8) – Here we discover the scope of redeeming one from their debt. The nearer kinsman was interested until he realized all that was involved. Consider:
A. The Responsibilities Described (5) – The nearer kinsman was interested in redeeming the mortgage on Ruth’s estate, but Boaz reveals that when he does, he is also responsible to marry Ruth and raise up children in honor to the dead of the estate. There was much more involved in redemption than real estate; the entire inheritance was to be redeemed.
Jesus well understood the responsibilities of redemption. He wasn’t interested in partial redemption. He wasn’t only willing to provide for a select few or to cleanse from specific sins. He came to fully satisfy the righteous demands of God so all might be fully and freely saved by His marvelous grace.
Aren’t you glad our Lord didn’t make exceptions when it came to salvation? I am glad it wasn’t reserved for the Jews only. I am glad He didn’t classify which sins could be forgiven and others that would remain. We likely would have been excluded from the offer had Christ not come to redeem all who will come to Him. There is hope for all because of His sacrifice and provision!
B. The Resources Demanded (6) – The nearer kinsman would’ve liked to redeem the property, but he didn’t have the means to secure Ruth and raise up another family. It would have been too much of a sacrifice. He just wasn’t willing to make that much of a sacrifice.
Jesus was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, giving His life for our sins. He held nothing back, providing complete and eternal salvation. Had He not been willing to die upon the cross, we would yet be without hope. Salvation was secured by the death of our Lord. He was not concerned for His physical well being, but offered Himself as our sacrifice, suffering the torment of the cross and bearing our shame.
C. The Resolution Displayed (7-8) – In that day a transfer of ownership was declared by the pulling off of a sandal and offering it to the purchaser. He was saying to Boaz, “I can’t buy her but you can. Purchase her to yourself; she is now yours.”
Prior to Calvary humanity lay in the grip of sin, held captive and in bondage. Each generation had sought a means of reconciliation to God. Centuries had passed and yet there had been no resolution. The law could not provide the means necessary for salvation. Good works and moral living had failed. Jesus was the only way that salvation could be secured. As he died upon the cross, completing redemption’s plan, all of the means that men had sought for salvation had to pluck off a shoe and declare that where they had failed Jesus had succeeded.
Many need to admit where they stand with the Lord. They seek to secure their salvation by any means other than the cross. They need to declare their unworthiness and believe in Christ.
III. The Confirmation of Redemption (9-12) – When a deal was made with Boaz and the nearer kinsman, redemption was confirmed. Notice:
A. Redemption was Proclaimed (9) – Boaz wanted to ensure that all who knew of Ruth and her situation were aware of her redemption. The debt had been settled and he had the right to take her as his wife.
I rejoice for the day our redemption was proclaimed. Jesus hung in agony upon the cross, and having fulfilled our redemption He served Satan and the world notice that It is Finished! Others doubted even after that moment, but as the women came to the tomb on resurrection morning the angels declared that He had risen just as He said He would.
B. Redemption was Purchased (10a) – Boaz had fully redeemed Ruth, paying her debt in full. No longer would she have to worry about owing a debt that she could not pay. Her account was marked “paid in full” according to the mercy and provision of Boaz.
We too owed a debt that we could never hope to pay. Jesus paid that debt and marked our account paid in full. We are set free in Him. I am not seeking to work my way to heaven. I am not trying to purchase salvation. My debt has been paid. I have been made part of the bride of Christ!
C. Redemption was Permanent (10b) – There would be no fear of bill collectors showing up in the future. Boaz had settled her debt once and for all. This was declared and accepted in the eyes of the elders. Ruth could now marry Boaz without the fear of future despair. Her past would no longer be remembered.
I’m glad our Lord does all things well. The saved are secure in Him. The adversary may come and seek to discourage us, bringing up our past, but the account has been forever settled. Our sins have been buried in the sea of God’s forgetfulness, never to be remembered again! We don’t have to meet a certain standard in order to keep it. I can’t lose it because it is secure in the Lord’s hand. He has given it and no man can take it away!
D. Redemption was Praised (11-12) – Those who were present that day offered Boaz and Ruth the richest of blessing. They declared their desire for peace and abundance in their home. The town was pleased with what had taken place that day.
Redemption brings rejoicing in heaven as well. Heaven rejoices when a lost sinner comes to know the Lord. They are aware of the price that was paid and the worthiness of the Lamb. The heavens desire us to prosper in our relationship with Christ. They want us to be fruitful and multiply for Him.
Conclusion: This was likely the happiest day of Ruth’s life. She had faced much despair and disappointment, but all of that was behind her now. She had been redeemed and it was time to prepare for a wedding with the man she loved.
I can honestly say, the most significant day in my life was the day I was saved. It was then that my despair left me. It was then that I was cleansed of my sin and given eternal life in Christ. I trust you know Him as Lord and Savior. If not you can. He provided redemption for all who will come to Him.
