We have a Redeemer
This is the fifteenth study in a series of studies about shadows in scripture
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace… Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)
Maybe Matthew had just finished reading the book of Ruth before he embarked on his gospel, for he begins his account where the writer of Ruth concludes theirs – with the same genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17). The book of Ruth looks forward, beginning with Ruth and Boaz’s child, Obed, to King David, the person who would be their great grandchild. And Matthew begins with the same continuing lineage, mentioning ‘…Jesus Christ, the Son of David…’ (v.1). The connection between Boaz, David and Jesus Christ is familial, and all born in Bethlehem, but they are also much more.
Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, both widows, with none of the family support that was vital in that society; no income, no land and a very uncertain future – part of a group that God makes special mention of, describing himself as, ‘A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows…’ (Psalm 68:5). In Deuteronomy 10:18-19 Moses reminds the Israelites of the words he received from God: “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger…”. Within the Mosaic law God had allowed for the care of marginalised people and designated the position of ‘redeemer’ to provide for the ‘fatherless and the widow’ and others who had fallen on hard times (Leviticus 25:25-28). Naomi described Boaz’s possible role of kinsman-redeemer and as the story unfolds Boaz carefully observes all these requirements (Ruth 2:20; 3; 4:1-12). But his was not a legalistic approach – there was compassion and generosity.
The concept of redemption is first mentioned in Genesis 48:16 when Jacob talks of being redeemed by God, “…from all evil…”. David frequently refers to God as his Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). The redemption enacted in the story of Ruth, by Boaz, is a picture of what God had done and is doing. And the inclusion of Ruth, not of Israel, but of Moab, underlines the reality that the redemption at the cross of Jesus is for all people, not just those who are Israelites. It is born of the compassion, generosity and love that Boaz typified and, for Jesus, was at immense personal cost. Paul explains this in his letter to Christians in Ephesus: ‘… that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’ (Ephesians 2:12-13).
Prayer
Thank you Jesus, our Redeemer, that through your sacrifice we can be brought near to you, as part of your family. Amen.
Study by Maggie Mitchell
Maggie Mitchell attends the Market Harborough congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU
Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm
Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church