Today's Scripture Reading (October 20, 2023): Isaiah 59
The story of Ruth probably describes
the idea of the kinsmen-redeemer the best, even if the concepts were actually
introduced in Leviticus and the Books of Moses. But the story of Ruth places
the notion of a kinsmen-redeemer within the human equation. Ruth and Naomi are saved
only because Boaz is willing to step up and take responsibility for Naomi and
her daughter-in-law, women who had been left unable to support themselves
because of unforeseen circumstances in their lives and the unfortunate demise
of Naomi's husband and sons.
The role of the kinsmen-redeemer was
reasonably well defined by the expectations included in the Law of Moses. Among
other things, the kinsmen-redeemer was responsible for buying a relative out of
slavery, buying back family land, and marrying a childless widow so the family
name would not completely disappear from the nation. The kinsmen redeemer "was
responsible to safeguard the persons, the property, and the posterity of
the family" (David Guzik, italics his).
The New International Version and
many other translations shorten the term kinsmen-redeemer to simply a
capitalized "Redeemer." This is in contrast to an English translation
of the Jewish Tanakh, which would read, "And a redeemer [or
kinsmen-redeemer] shall come to Zion, and to those who repent of transgression
in Jacob, says the Lord" (Yeshayahu [Isaiah] 59:20). The point that the
NIV is making that we need to hear is that we know the identity of the
kinsmen-redeemer. While the identity of this person was a mystery to Isaiah, he
is not a mystery to us. His name is Jesus. And he is the one who has redeemed
every portion of our lives.
David Guzik suggests we could reword or paraphrase Isaiah's
prophecy by saying, "I will send My Messiah, the Redeemer for all humanity, Jesus of Nazareth!" He
who became like us, merging his deity with our flesh and walking with us on our
paths as our brother, is the kinsmen-redeemer we need. He is the one who has
purchased us back from slavery and restored us to our lives by paying the price
for our transgression on Calvary's Cross.
But Isaiah adds a condition. He says
that this kinsmen-redeemer takes on the restoration of those who ask for his
help. It is true today, and it was true in the story of Ruth.
"Who
are you?" he [Boaz] asked.
"I
am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your
garment over me, since you are a guardian [kinsmen]-redeemer of our
family" (Ruth 3:9).
Ruth needed to let Boaz know who she was and the level
of her needs. When we repent, we let God know the same thing. Only then can our
Redeemer take on our sins and restore us to the life God intended for us.
Tomorrow's
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 60
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