Ruth- Refugee Set FreeSample

REDEMPTION

What a glorious wedding and special birth we get to read about today! Boaz marries Ruth, rescuing her from her widow’s plight and providing offspring (Obed) to Naomi, thus securing the lineage of her husband, Elimelech.   

Our story began with two poor homeless widows in a desperate situation. As it ends, we see that God has restored Naomi to her family and has grafted Ruth into his covenant people. Because of God’s great grace, they are homeless no longer! 

We see that it was not mere fate that led Elimelech and Naomi to Moab, or coincidence that led Naomi and Ruth back to Bethlehem. God’s sovereign intervention made Ruth a part of the Israelite community and a part of his greater plan for a Savior for his people. As people migrate around the world, God has a plan!

All that was wrong has been made right for Naomi. She now has a grandson. The family line is restored by the hand of God! At the beginning of the story, Naomi lamented that God’s hand was against her (1:13). Now she knows that He has always been for her. God is the One Who gave food in Bethlehem (1:6), and God is the One who gave conception (4:13). Naomi and Ruth’s story demonstrates very clearly that all good things come from God (James 1:17), and all “bad” things are worked for good in the lives of God’s people (Romans 8:28).

Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, marries Ruth and is a picture of the Redeemer, Jesus, whom God would send to redeem mankind. Boaz is the only person who is willing and able to redeem Ruth; Jesus is the only One who is willing and able to redeem us. All of us are wanderers on the earth, in search of a home. Jesus humbled himself and died on the cross, providing redemption for all who turn to him.

It is amazing that Ruth, an outsider, an immigrant, a foreigner, plays such a crucial role in the covenant community of God’s people. Even more amazing is the fact that Ruth contributes to the lineage of Jesus! Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, who is the grandfather of King David in the Messianic line culminating with Jesus. The redemption of Ruth makes way for the redemption of the whole world!

In Naomi and Ruth’s story, we’ve seen a beautiful picture of God’s love and faithfulness and his sovereign working of his perfect plan of redemption for his people. Difficult circumstances can often lead to bitterness and anger toward God because we cannot understand how God is working. From this story, we can know that the loving, sovereign God of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz is at work today restoring, redeeming, and bringing people to Himself.  

Praise God that He is making all things new! It will all become clear when He finishes our stories.