The story of Boaz and Ruth reads like a romantic fairy tale, especially if you understand the cultural context they lived in. Ruth is a widowed Moabitess who chose to follow her widowed mother-in-law back to Bethlehem. Without  husbands and without sons, these two women were desperate and dangerously exposed. They had no man to provide for and protect them. And in this difficult milieu enters Boaz, who was a worthy man (Ruth 2:1).

Boaz was a close relative to Naomi and Ruth, which therefore made him a kinsman redeemer. This was someone who was mandated by the law to rescue a relative and their property from danger or a desperate situation. Boaz, being a worthy man, does not hesitate to redeem Ruth, and by extension Naomi, after following the necessary protocols and procedures. He marries Ruth, and their union brings about Obed, who is the grandfather of David to whom the promise of the Messiah was given. Yet Boaz is also a foreshadow of Christ. Just as he redeemed Ruth and Naomi, so Jesus redeems us from our desperate and dangerous life of sin and death. That is why Jesus had to become a man just like us in order that He would be the perfect kinsman redeemer. As Hebrews 2:14-18 puts it:

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

1. What was your understanding of the concept of kingsman redeemer before today?

2. In what ways does today’s devotion affect your devotion to Christ?