Christmas With Great Grandma RuthSample

I know what you're thinking: The author of this book should've given us a PG-13 warning at the beginning of this chapter! Ruth is going to Boaz' bed and "uncover his feet and lie down"? There had better be a black square covering his feet, censoring that kind of adult material. Sheesh.

This chapter alludes to a few cultural customs that are fairly foreign to us. We've already talked about the concept of a kinsmen redeemer, a relative with the responsibility of helping a person in their time of need. In uncovering Boaz' feet, Ruth is officially requesting that Boaz step into his role as the family's kinsmen redeemer. In this instance, it would also include Boaz taking Ruth as his wife and continuing to care for her.

The Lord was clearly in the business of redeeming his people. He intentionally planned for vulnerable people who found themselves in trouble to be provided for and protected through the Old Testament Law. But he has also done the same thing for all His people on a grander scale in Jesus. As human beings who live in a broken world tainted by sin, we are all vulnerable and in dire spiritual need of redemption. Thankfully, God is still in the business of redeeming his people. He's been weaving together a story of redemption that started before the beginning of time, it reached its peak with the cross and the empty tomb, and we're waiting for the conclusion where He will tie up all the loose ends and right all the wrongs. He has created a way for us to be redeemed from our sin and spiritual poverty. We are provided for and protected through our Redeemer, Jesus.

Reflection Prompt:

• What is the primary emotion you experience when you ponder the fact that God has made redemption and freedom from spiritual poverty possible through Jesus? (Awe, Numbness, Confusion, Gratitude, etc.) Why do you think that is?