Redeemed By Love Divine Series

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: