Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: June 18th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ruth 4:1

We have referred to the term "kinsman-redeemer" several times in our meditations and we pause now to make clear what it means. The word "redeem," as you will know, means "to buy back" or "set free." It is the act by which a person's property or liberty is purchased through the payment of a special price. A kinsman- redeemer was someone who became involved in buying the rights and privileges of another family member. As such, several things were required of him. First, he must be a near kinsman, related by birth (Leviticus 25:47-49). Second, he must be able to pay the required price. Third, he must enter into any agreement without coercion. All three of these conditions Boaz was able to meet. He was related to Naomi by birth and was thus a near kinsman. Being related to Naomi meant he was also related to Ruth. It would appear he was well able to pay the price, being a moderately wealthy landowner. One condition remains - was he willing? Most certainly so. So great was his love for Ruth that he was willing to lay aside his reputation in Israel and marry one who was cursed by birth and frowned upon by Jewish law. My mind flies to another Kinsman-Redeemer, whose name is Jesus. How wonderfully did our Lord meet these three conditions. At the Incarnation He joined Himself to us so that He could identify with the human race and thus become a near Kinsman. Although divested of heaven's riches, He had the one thing needful to pay for our redemption - a perfect life. And was He a willing participator? Most certainly so.

Lord Jesus Christ, what a perfect Redeemer You are. You joined Yourself to the human race in the incarnation, paid for my redemption with Your own life on the Cross, and did all of this freely and out of a heart of love. I am deeply thankful. Amen.