At first glance, this passage of scripture is weird, different. I mean, seriously. What could we possibly glean from a story about a man who brokers land to sell ‘for a friend’ and then ends up buying it himself? And to close the deal…one guy takes off a sandal and hands it to the other guy in front of ten prominent citizens. That’s pretty different, right?

At first glance, this passage is a bit unusual, but it is a beautiful picture of redemption! In this story, Boaz doesn’t have the first right to marry Ruth. There is another person in line as kinsman redeemer who has to confirm or deny the role. Does this other man have the ability and willingness to do what is right and carry on the family name, or will he choose to pass because it is too risky?

Of course, you know how this ‘Hallmark’ Bible story ends… with Boaz as Ruth’s kinsman redeemer. But, do you know the significance of the redeemer? For redemption to take place, there must be someone that meets the requirements of a kinsman redeemer. For redemption to take place, there must be someone with the ability to pay the price. And for redemption to take place, there must be a willingness to redeem.

Boaz has all of this, and more!