by John O'Malley
“And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him” (Ruth 4:15).
The women’s voices continued to praise Boaz for his value as a redeemer and for the redemption he brought. Naomi listened as her well-wishers brought words of comfort and courage. Certainly, her heart was renewed as these her friends, friends who stood with her in the famine of her life, reminded her of the blessings of Boaz’s redemption.
They knew that Boaz would be the complete redeemer that Naomi needed. Naomi no longer stood alone; her friends knew she needed to hear that, especially on a day when so much was happening in her heart and home.
Naomi’s friends told her that they knew Boaz would be a restorer and nourisher in her life. Naomi had grown accustomed to living alone and struggling to make it. Boaz’s commitment to redemption meant he would bring new life to this grandmother. Boaz would see to it she would never lack again.
Redemption had its many benefits. Boaz brought more to her than just a name. He brought meaning to life. He made things new. He took that which was lifeless and gave it life. Such work was not to be ignored, and Naomi’s neighbors knew it. They knew that Boaz would supply and sustain Naomi for life. His redemption meant Naomi would know replenishment of her need as she had never known. This day was a blessed one. Naomi’s friends helped her hear and see the benefits of Boaz’s redemption.
The child of God would do well to visit this verse in light of the redemption by our Eternal Boaz. We too have benefits that go beyond our redemption. He is both our Restorer and Nourisher.
David, great-grandson to Boaz and Ruth, would write to this same affect, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). He, writing in this psalm, reveals that the benefits of redemption are abundant. His redemption brings to us forgiveness, healing, deliverance, crowns of lovingkindness and tender mercies, satisfaction, and renewing.
You probably will be busy today. It seems that is how life goes. Why not determine right now to live the next twenty-four hours with the benefits of redemption on your mind instead of the burdens of responsibility? Your days will be brighter and your loads much lighter.
Think about it…