July 28, 2008
Kinsman-Redeemer Pointing to Jesus
Read Ruth 3: 1-9
There are many names for Jesus and all of them are significant, but for me, Redeemer
is a name that gives me Holy Spirit goose bumps. Maybe it is partly because I have
been a member of Church of the Redeemer for almost 20 years. Throughout the
Scriptures, it is God who redeems, and he redeems not because of who we are but
because of his character. He redeemed Israel from bondage in Egypt not because
they were a great, mighty or perfect people but because they were his people. God
redeemed Israel before he gave them the revelation of his Law, lest Israel somehow
think they had earned their redemption. (Exodus 6:6-8)
Jesus explained to his disciples that he came to serve, not to be served, and to give
his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) Jesus was and is Redeemer. Jesus
is Kinsman-Redeemer not just for a certain family or a clan but for all who will believe
in him. He redeems and ransoms us, not because of our worth or works, but because
he loves us with an everlasting love.
As I read the first nine verses of Chapter 3 in Ruth, I am always struck by how risky
Naomi's plan sounds. Wash, perfume, dress and then go quietly, secretly amongst a
bunch of guys who have been partying and lie down at a guy's feet and uncover them. What??!! Now there may be some ancient marriage custom happening here but even
so it sounds risky to me, as this is a plan that could as easily have a tragic as happy
ending. It all hinges on the character of Boaz, Ruth's Kinsman-Redeemer. If he proves
himself to be a man of integrity, all will be well - if not, rape and scandal are a definite possibility.
In the same way, my own faith walk depends upon the character of God. When I'm
struggling or dealing with hard circumstances and things just don't seem to make sense,
I rely on the fact that God is good and that Jesus is love and that the Spirit that raised
Jesus from the dead lives in me. I rely on Jesus' character the way Ruth relied on Boaz's.
I rely on his character even when I don't necessarily "feel" the goodness, love or
indwelling spirit.
I can't save myself. I can't live a perfect life. I need a savior, a Redeemer, and his
name is Jesus. Now, reliance on Jesus can often look and feel risky to others and
sometimes even to myself. It certainly felt risky when, as a widow, I quit my job to
be a stay-at-home mom for a few years, when I went to Israel for the first time or
when I sent my 15-year-old to Uganda on a mission trip. I believe that Ruth had to
have a qualm or two as she prepared and went down to the threshing floor and waited
for Boaz to wake up. We walk by faith, not by sight, and consequently the way can
often seem risky, but we can rely on Jesus who sees and knows all to guide and
ransom and redeem us.
Mary Reilly
