Daily Devotions – Redemption – Paying the Price

Daily Devotions – Redemption – Paying the Price

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

Ruth 4:1-4

“Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek. I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said.”
In Ruth chapter 4 the term “kinsman redeemer” is central. Ruth and Naomi’s husband’s died leaving no heir to take the family property. Israelite custom said a close family member (kin) should “redeem” or pay the price for the land in order to keep it in the family. Boaz has summoned the closest relative to begin this legal process. At first, he is eager. “I will redeem it”, he says. But he has spoken too soon. In the days ahead we will see him rescind his offer. But we, too, can quickly and eagerly agree to things that may not be the best for us. We see some immediate benefit, like getting more land, but we do not take the time to think, act wisely, and see the bigger picture. Have you ever jumped in too soon? Have you ever done something in the moment that was not wise? The good news is that when we jump in too soon and cause ourselves trouble we have a Redeemer who steps in to forgive and take our sin upon himself. Thanks be to God!