Series: Faithfulness In A Fallen Land [#4]
JUSTICE AND REDEMPTION
Ruth 4:1-22
Introduction:
In this part of the story, we see how God's justice and His kindness work together. The story of Ruth, Boaz, and the kinsman-redeemer shows us that God cares about doing what is right, being kind, and helping His people. It reminds us that God's justice is not just about punishing people, but about restoring and saving those who are hurting, turning sad situations into blessings.
As we look at this part of the story, we see how God's plan of saving and restoring is shown through acts of kindness and doing what is right. Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s honesty help bring about God's special plan, keeping Ruth’s family safe and continuing the family line of King David. This story also points us to Jesus, who is the ultimate Redeemer. He brings justice and peace to everyone who believes in Him. Let’s open our hearts to understand how God's justice and His love work together to change lives and keep His promises.
Ruth 4:1
Justice calls for…
1. Fairness and righteousness.
Justice calls us to fairness and doing what is right because God's very nature is just. Throughout the Bible, we see that God expects His people to live justly and treat others with fairness. Boaz shows that justice means protecting those who are vulnerable, like Ruth and Naomi, and also living honestly and with integrity in the community. Practically, this teaches us that justice is not just a good idea but something we must actively do. We should stand against unfair treatment, exploitation, and favoritism, and instead help those who are being treated unfairly. When we act fairly in our jobs, our neighborhoods, and Church, we show God's justice and help His Kingdom grow.
The call for justice also reminds us of the importance of redemption- That is, restoring what is broken and helping people become whole again. Boaz’s actions to protect Ruth and secure her future show that justice can lead to redemption. As followers of Jesus, we are called to do the same: to restore broken relationships, treat everyone with dignity, and make decisions based on what is right. By doing this, we join in God's work to bring healing and transformation to lives and communities. Justice and righteousness go together- They not only fix wrongs but also open the way for God's redemptive power to make things new for His glory.
Ruth 4:2-4
Justice calls for…
2. Courage to act on behalf of others.
Justice calls us to have the courage to stand up and help others, just like Boaz did. In the Bible, this shows us how God cares for those who are weak or in need. When we see unfairness or someone suffering, God wants us to act with bravery and integrity, even if it’s hard or risky. Our faith encourages us to show God's love by speaking out for justice and helping those who cannot defend themselves, trusting that God is working through us to make things right.
The story also teaches us that doing what is right often takes sacrifice and courage. Ruth was loyal and faithful, and Boaz was willing to risk his reputation to do what was just. This reminds us that standing up for justice in our lives means looking out for those who are hurt or ignored. When we act with boldness and trust in God's plan, we become part of His bigger story of redemption—saving and restoring what is broken. Justice isn’t just a good idea; it’s a calling from God that asks us to be brave, to trust Him, and to act with love for others.
Ruth 4:5-10
Justice calls for…
3. Righteousness in redemption.
Justice calls for righteousness in redemption because it shows that God's justice is based on His strong desire to restore what sin has broken. We see Boaz doing what is right by making sure Naomi’s land and Ruth are redeemed. This teaches us that justice isn’t just about laws; but about helping people who are hurting and making things right for them. In our daily lives, this means we should try to help those who are vulnerable or treated unfairly, just like God does. When we act with kindness, forgiveness, and fairness, we join in God's plan to bring healing and new beginnings to others.
Ruth’s story also shows us that God's justice works together with our obedience. Boaz was willing to do what was right, even if it was risky or hard. This reminds us that doing what is right sometimes costs us, but that’s what justice and righteousness are about. For us, it means checking if we are being fair and kind to others, especially in how we treat people and make decisions. Justice based on righteousness pushes us to follow God's standards of mercy and fairness. When we do this, we help bring God's salvation and hope to our communities, just like Ruth’s story teaches us.
Ruth 4:11-22
Justice calls for…
4. Hope and God’s sovereign plan.
Justice calls us to hope because God is in control of everything. We see how God’s plan of redemption is always working, even when things seem hopeless. Ruth and Naomi, who are vulnerable and facing tough times, remind us that God’s sovereignty means He is guiding history toward His good purpose. Boaz’s kindness and willingness to do what is right show how God's justice isn’t just about rules- It is about showing mercy and love. This teaches us that even in difficult situations, we can trust that God's plan is leading to hope, because He promises to restore what is broken and bring good out of pain.
Practically, this means we should trust God's control when we see injustice or suffering around us. Just like Ruth and Naomi found hope through God's plan, we are called to seek justice- Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it reflects God's love and redemptive purpose. Our kindness and actions toward others, especially those in need, help show God's justice and hope in the World. Believing that God is in control gives us strength to keep trusting Him, knowing His plan of redemption will bring justice and restore what’s been lost. By doing this, we join in God's ongoing work of bringing hope and justice to the World, all because He is sovereign.
Conclusion:
The story of Ruth and Boaz shows us that God's justice is based on His mercy and love. Even when Ruth faced many difficulties and unfairness, God's plan was still working through acts of kindness and faith. Just like Ruth’s loyalty and Boaz’s kindness brought hope and new beginnings, God's justice can also help fix what is broken in our lives. He wants us to be part of His story of redemption, turning our struggles into purpose and our sadness into hope.
Today, I invite you to respond to God's call for justice and new life. If you are looking for forgiveness, healing, or a fresh start, come to Jesus, the greatest Redeemer, who offers salvation to everyone who believes. Don’t wait- Accept His love and grace today, and let His justice bring healing and new hope to your heart. As we open our hearts to Him, let’s also choose to live out His justice in our homes, neighborhoods, and everywhere we go, sharing His light of redemption with others who need hope.
