Bible Study Notes - Ruth 2:5-11 and 3:9-11

Bible Study Notes

Acceptance in Community 

Ruth 2:5-12 & 3:9-11Part III

The “Kinsman Redeemer” – Ruth 3:10-11

A “kinsman redeemer” is a person with power, money and influence to buy someone back from an unfortunate situation.  Usually, this relative pays the price of redemption on the basis of familial affiliation.  Contemporarily, we have “go to” persons in our families who rectify onerous financial, vocational, relational and business situations. In many instances, these persons have “the juice” to make a difference and resolve any adversity.  Ruth appeals to Boaz on the basis of relationship with Naomi.  A near kin, Boaz is able to redeem Ruth’s loneliness, isolation, poverty, and hard challenges as a foreigner in a strange land.  He literally covers her with a blanket for warmth but he equally covers her relationally with security. Ultimately, Boaz covers Ruth with comfort and fidelity in the covenant of holy matrimony.  He redeems her hardships and suffering in the midst of bereavement, famine and separation from her family with the loyal love of a faithful husband, reminiscent of God’s enduring covenantal commitment to Israel. 

Finally, Boaz tells Ruth “there is a kinsman redeemer nearer than I.”  One connotation of this phrase means there is one greater than I.  Here, Boaz refers to the God of Israel whose perfect will and righteous plan actually redeems Ruth.  His humble assertion of the divine prerogative and intention acknowledges Boaz’s human limitations.  While his heart leaps with joy that Ruth selects him rather than a younger man, Boaz recognizes the mystery and magnificence of Almighty God.  His words are an appeal to Ruth to personally realize the hand of God in her journey.  Ultimately, God orchestrates the details producing such an incredible blessing in Ruth’s life.

Current believers understand Ruth’s critical role in this divine comedy enables us to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our kinsman redeemer.  Through faith as our elder brother, the Lord buys us back from ourselves.  He redeems our lives from destitution, famine and isolation of sin, self-righteousness and aimlessness in life.  His pure blood and sinless life exchanges the fallen nature of humankind (1 Corinthians 15:22). 

Concluding Reflections

In a school year when I served as a middle school History teacher, I established three “Guiding Principles for our Learning Community” during the academic year: (1) Be Respectful of the classroom and everyone in it; (2) Be Responsible for yourself, your belongings and the property of others; and (3) Be Prepared to learn everyday and from everyone.  We agree anyone can learn from everyone regardless of differences and disagreements.  These middle school classroom principles translate into all facets of life.  On the job, in the neighborhood and within organizations, we respect all people and their property.  We strive to see commonalities rather than differences.  The commanding character and presence of Boaz in this enduring story of fidelity, loyalty, generosity and love teaches us to appreciate the necessity of respecting others and their possessions.

More significantly, Boaz’s example teaches us the importance of learning to create communities of hospitality.  The fundamental example is the Church which is a community “called out” from the values, manners and behavior of the wider secular world.  Disciples liberally share the love of Christ with new believers, foreigners to a new way of life.  Each disciple endeavors to emulate the actions of Boaz as we allow the Lord to transform our thinking and hearts.  Most practically, Boaz’s example reveals one of the most effective means to serve our Lord.  We actually serve Him by serving people.  Their embodied needs are the most direct methods of fulfilling “The Great Commandment” and “The Great Commission.” 

Three Personal Objectives

• Consider Boaz’s powerful example of leading a community to accept unconditionally a stranger by sharing God’s love.
• Learn to appreciate the need to respect others and their property in our communities.
• Learn to serve God by serving others and sharing with them.

Prayer

For the beauty of this day, we thank Thee O Lord.  For Your lovingkindness toward us, we thank Thee O Lord.  For the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom we have abundant and eternal life, we thank Thee.  We are so grateful our God for life, health, strength.  Help us to appreciate more greatly the gifts of food, clothing, shelter and other material resources.  Make us ever mindful of so many of Your children who lack these daily necessities.  Move our hearts to action.  Teach us to serve You by meeting the needs of Your children throughout the world.  Amen.