A Kinsman-Redeemer, pt 3 Ruth 3:12-4:8

As Naomi encourages Ruth to approach Boaz concerning his potential role as their kinsman-redeemer, a significant hurdle arises. Boaz makes a solemn promise of willingness while Naomi encourages Ruth to wait patiently, for Boaz will not rest until the arrangement is settled.

Boaz and Ruth are faced with a closer relative who can serve as the kinsman-redeemer. The question put to him will challenge whether or not he is willing to pay the price to be her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz has assured Ruth that he is willing to pay the price to be her kinsman-redeemer and has sworn by the Lord of his willingness.

Our takeaway today focuses upon our response to the One who is our Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus Christ the Lord. His gift of the grace that brings salvation is completely free. We do not participate in any way to provide that justification and salvation. We do not pay for the shipping, the taxes, or any other part of it. It is totally free.

But, if we want to follow Christ, there must be a recognition that the property which we consider as our "self" now belongs to Him alone. We do not share ownership with Christ Jesus. We, who were once enslaved by sin and in sin are now no longer slaves to sin. Jesus has purchased our redemption with such a great price that we can no longer be purchased back by sin or by Satan. We belong to Christ.

We do not get to set the rules whereby He can exercise His authority in our lives. We are to deny ourselves that right daily (Luke 9:23) and signify that He is Lord of our lives by taking up our cross daily so that we may fully follow Him. He doesn't just have the right to sit on the throne of our "self" life. The whole life belongs to Him.