“You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon.” – Ruth 4:9b

Scripture reading: Ruth 4:7-12 

It’s really happening. And it’s happening in the city courthouse, the gate. The redeemer, Boaz, calls on Bethlehem’s elders to be witnesses to this act of redemption. There is to be no doubt, either now or in the future, that redemption has taken place.

This act of redemption is far more than just a wealthy man expanding his financial holdings while helping out a poor relative. Because, notice, he is buying from Naomi all that belonged to her husband and her sons. That’s important because it was through the male heads of families that the land was passed from generation to generation. Land, promised already to Abraham in Genesis 17. Land that God gave to His covenant people, so that they could freely live for Him as He, through them, worked towards the coming Redeemer Jesus Christ. So, for an Israelite family to have to give up their land due to poverty was, in effect, to give up one’s participation in the promise made to Abraham.

Here is redemption in all its beautiful glory. Elimelech sinfully chose to abandon his inheritance in the Promised Land to take up residence in a godless nation. There he and his two sons die. That leaves Naomi as a non-participant in God’s plan to crush the head of the serpent.

So, what gospel music! Not only does Boaz’s act of redemption secure Naomi’s financial future, it tells her she is back in. She is once more a participant in God’s glorious plan of redemption.

Suggestions for prayer

Praise God for His marvellous grace in redeeming those whose own sinful decisions lead to their estrangement from Him. Ask God to make His grace clear and vivid for you.

Since 2019, Rev. Rodney Vermeulen has served the Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Church near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are deeply grateful for the blessing of daily living under the shelter of God’s wings. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.