March 17, 2026 - Ruth 3

Ruth went to Boaz’s place and, when he discovered her, he asked, “’Who are you?’  And she answered, ‘I am Ruth, your servant.  Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer’” (3:9).  All this is taking place according to the Old Testament “Law of the Kinsman Redeemer” in which the nearest male relative would marry a childless widow so that a child could be raised with the name of the deceased husband and, thus, the family name and inheritance would be carried forward through that son.  By the marriage with Boaz Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  And so, the redemption continues apace.  Messiah had not yet come but his coming, by the promise of God, was assured.

Our Messiah came for all mankind,

To bring us back to God!

For we like sheep had gone astray,

We all the broad road trod.

The Jewish rulers hated Him,

And plotted to destroy

The heav’nly King whose life did bring

The way of peace and joy.

And when they’d scourged and beaten Him,

They hung Him on a tree;

With nails and spear His hands and side

Were pierced for you and me.

But death could not restrain our Lord,

For He is King of life!

And bursting from the darkened tomb,

Conquered Satan, sin and strife.   --Tamra N. Lee (2015)