April 7th

Ruth 1:1-4:12

The life and ministry of Jesus are often foreshadowed in the Old Testament, neatly hidden in the events and characters there (called types). We have already looked at several types of Christ, for example the Ark of Noah, the Passover Lamb, and the Tabernacle. Typology brings the Bible to life, as one discovers the amazing providence of God, how He fits all pieces into His puzzle. The story of Ruth and Boaz is such a piece, concealing another beautiful type of Christ — the Kinsman Redeemer.

When Naomi and Ruth found themselves widowed in a foreign land, they returned to Israel to find their nearest kinsman. In the Old Testament, a close relative could redeem (buy back) a family member sold into slavery, redeem land that was sold under economic duress, or redeem the family name by virtue of marriage. Though these women had been estranged by their circumstances, God, by way of Boaz, redeemed their present situation and future fate.

Like Naomi and Ruth, we were once far off from God, dead in our trespasses, but He, being rich in mercy, redeemed us by the blood of His Son Jesus and made us His legal heirs, having adopted us into His family. Therefore, Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer. He restored all that we lost because of sin, and He has given us a future and a hope. Praise God that He led us to our Redeemer and that He gave us a new life to live (Gal. 4:4, 5; Eph. 2:1-7, 13).

Daily Reflection

What I found refreshing today was the character demonstrated in the lives of Naomi, Boaz, and Ruth. Having just read of the disgusting deeds done in the period of judges, where everyone did what was right in his own eyes, it was a relief to read of people doing what was right and treating others with respect.

Even after a great deal of suffering and hardship, Naomi released Orpah to her family and concerned herself only with Ruth’s future. Evidently, Boaz was a godly man who cared for the poor and the widowed; both workers and women were treated well on his property, unlike in other fields (2:22). Then, there was Ruth, who was faithful and kind to her mother-in-law, diligent in her work, and obedient to the system of redemption, even though she was a Moabite. Even Boaz said, “Everyone in town knows that you are an honorable woman” (3:11).

Is this not how the people of God should act in the midst of a perverse and wicked people? We are to be faithful among the faithless. We are to be courteous and considerate among the discourteous and inconsiderate. We are to be hardworking among the lazy and entitled; and, we are to be honorable among the despicable.

What about you? Are you a Naomi, a Ruth, or a Boaz? Do your words, actions, attitudes, and character separate you as an honorable person? Why does it matter if you are an honorable person or not? Who cares? What’s the point?

You are not to be honorable for honor’s sake. You are not to be set apart to gain attention for yourself, but to be a light for the Lord, to reflect the difference that He can make in one’s life. You are to be honorable to honor the one worthy of honor — Christ alone.

BiAY.org | Day 97 — 268 Days to Go