by John O'Malley
“And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel” (Ruth 4:14).
The words of the women of Bethlehem-judah to Naomi were precious in her hearing. Just listen to the clarity and confidence with which they spoke: “Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.” They told Naomi she had not been left without a kinsman. For this, God’s name was to be blessed.
What would things have been like if Naomi had been left without a kinsman-redeemer? Elimelech’s name would have just been a memory, not linked to the Messiah. Naomi would have died lacking and alone. Hopelessness and hurt would have been nursed in her home until her dying day. Ruth would have lived exiled from hope and joy. Had it not been for Boaz being their kinsman-redeemer, they would have lost their lands to “such a one” who wanted the land, but not the ladies. We know that Naomi was not left without a kinsman-redeemer.
God had orchestrated the events of many lives to bring about His will. It was God’s will from the Garden of Eden to bring a Kinsman-Redeemer to the world—the Messiah. Naomi’s friends reminded her on this most special of days, the birth of her first grandchild, that she had a kinsman who changed her future.
Have you ever paused to ponder what your life would be like had you been left without a Kinsman-Redeemer? Where would you be today? Had you been left without a Kinsman, your eternal home would not be the same. You would have an emptiness that would never be filled. Love and security would only be wishful thinking in your heart. You would never know about His grace being made perfect in weakness. You would never know what forgiveness meant.
Yes, we are the better having a Kinsman-Redeemer! However, today there is a neighbor of yours that may not know there is a Kinsman-Redeemer. They live without the knowledge that He will forgive their sinful past. Even in regions beyond your neighbor, there are millions who know not of our Kinsman-Redeemer. We must tell them today!
Think about it...