R edemption comes at a price. The price was the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in our Lord Jesus that “we have redemption through his blood” [Ephesians 1:7]. This price is illustrated in the Old Testament story of Ruth and Boaz. The tragic death of Ruth’s husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law left Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, without a provider and protector. To ensure that widows like Ruth were not taken advantage of, God instituted the law of the kinsman-redeemer in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. In such circumstances, the nearest male relative would take Ruth and bear a son to succeed and carry on the name of the deceased husband. Boaz, in stepping up to be the kinsman- redeemer for Ruth, is obliged to provide for Ruth and her future family. His wealth is diluted in order to carry on the name of another man. This is the price that Boaz paid in exchange for adding the surviving spouse of the deceased husband to his overall estate. Justification comes at a cost too. Sin must be punished. To save lost sinners, God sent the Lord Jesus to take on our sins as if He committed them Himself. That God sent his “only begotten Son” [John 3:16] whom He has been in a loving relationship with from eternity past, to die on the cross for undeserving sinners like you and me is the greatest story of mercy and redemption. Oh, how deep is His love!
LESSON
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Dear God, thank You for redeeming me out of darkness into Your marvellous light. Help me to witness to others of this salvation so rich and so free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
PRAYER
Powered by FlippingBook