Read Ruth 3:1-18.

If you recall, Naomi’s husband, Elimelek, had died. So had their two sons, one of whom was Ruth’s husband. The two widows had lost nearly everything, and yet Naomi still had hope. She tasted bitterness, but she knew God would redeem her situation somehow. She knew peace and joy would come to her again. She believed that the God who permitted her to experience the consequences of her family’s shortcuts is also the God of second chances. That’s why she returned home to Bethlehem, Ruth by her side.

Naomi knew something good had happened when her daughter-in-law brought back much more barley than she had expected, so she asked whose field Ruth had gleaned. When Naomi heard that it belonged to Boaz and that he had shown kindness to Ruth, she immediately knew that this was going to be a match made in heaven, which it literally was. Naomi had been expecting God to intervene in her situation, and here was God’s hand at work. Boaz was a close relative—a kinsmen-redeemer.

In the law, God had provided a way for a family in distress to be redeemed and made whole. When someone died without a male heir, the nearest of kin was to redeem not only the property but the person. Why? Because, back then, a widow or fatherless daughter would suffer financial hardship and often wind up in slavery. To prevent such compounded tragedy, a kinsman-redeemer would step in and act as a trustee—to rescue the family line.

We too have a Kinsmen-Redeemer: Jesus Christ. But our Kinsman-Redeemer does more than redeem property and preserve our family tree. He redeems us from the penalty of sin, from the oppression of Satan, from the slavery of sin. He paid a precious price to rescue us from the kingdom of darkness and bring us into His Kingdom of light. He paid not with money, but with His own precious blood.

If you’re going through a season of doubt or pain right now, wait on the Lord. He always keeps His appointments. As you wait, cling to Jesus. He is with you, He loves you, and He has redeemed you for a glorious eternity with Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You for providing me with the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer in Jesus Christ. I will trust in Your timing because Your love and care for me are so clear. Help me to persevere with joy when things are tough. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character” (Ruth 3:11).

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