THE KINSMAN REDEEMER

THE KINSMAN REDEEMER One of the coolest pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament is found in the book of Ruth. The Hebrew word is גֹּאֵל, go’el. A redeemer. Under the law, when poverty cost a man his property, a close relative had the right to buy it back. That redeemer had to be related by blood, capable of paying the debt, and willing to do it. That’s Boaz. Naomi’s family had lost its inheritance, and Ruth was a Moabite widow with no way to recover any of it. Boaz stepped into a mess she couldn’t fix, paid what she couldn’t pay, restored the family inheritance, and took Ruth as his bride. That story was pointing to Jesus Christ the entire time. Sin cost man everything. Our inheritance was gone, the debt was beyond us, and every attempt to redeem ourselves was worthless. Religion, morality, sacrifice, money, and good intentions were never going to buy back what had been lost. The Redeemer came to us. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same...” Hebrews 2:14 KJV Jesus took on flesh and became our kinsman, yet remained completely without sin. He alone had the right and the power to redeem us, and love made Him willing to pay the price. That price wasn’t silver or gold. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ...” 1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV The Gospel is written all through the story of Ruth. Boaz redeemed a helpless bride and restored the inheritance she had lost. Jesus Christ came for His bride and purchased our redemption with His own blood. Job knew Him centuries before Bethlehem. “For I know that my redeemer liveth...” Job 19:25 KJV Our Go’el lives. His name is Jesus Christ. #MoreJoyMinistries