This week we’re looking at Boaz’s example. We’re told he’s a worthy man (Ruth 2:1) who was related to Naomi’s husband. From his greeting to his servants and his interactions with his servants, we know Boaz was a godly man (2:4, 12). He worked alongside his servants, who seemed to be on good terms with him, treating him respectfully. Boaz was kind and generous to Ruth (2:8-13, 3:15), and he provided for her in a way that gave her dignity (2:15-16). He was humble (3:13). Boaz was also protected Ruth from physical danger as well as damage to her reputation (2:9, 3:14). And he was a man of his word (3:13, 4:1-12).
Boaz exhibited a lot of the same characteristics that Jesus did and that we should as his followers.
Boaz is also a picture of Jesus for us in his role as kinsman redeemer. This is the role that Ruth asked him to fill when she went to Boaz and asked to be taken under his wing.
And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a [kinsman] redeemer." Ruth 3:9b ESV
The responsibilities of the kinsman redeemer were described in the Law. Two of these responsibilities apply here. He as responsible for redeeming (buying back) any family land that had been sold or lost (Leviticus 25:25). When Naomi’s husband went to Moab, he forfeited his land. He was also responsible for ensuring that the family would continue by marrying a childless widow (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This is why Obed was given to Naomi to raise; he would receive the land that Boaz purchased for Ruth. This kept the land, the people’s inheritance from the Lord, in the family’s possession.
So how does the way Boaz filled the role of kinsman redeemer give us a picture of Jesus? Like Boaz redeeming the land that had been lost through Elimelech’s sin, Jesus redeems people who are lost in their sin. He will one day redeem the whole earth and make it new (Revelation 21:1). Like Boaz taking Ruth as his bride, Jesus takes the church (all of His true followers) as His bride (Ephesians 5:31-32; Revelation 21:9). And like Boaz giving Ruth a new life and a future by marrying her, Jesus gives us new life and a glorious future when we accept His redemption for our sins.
Think About: How is Jesus your redeemer?
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