Our scripture this morning is Ruth 4:9 (ESV).
Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon.”
While the provisions for “redeeming” property and people may seem strange to us, it was the process in ancient Israel and following it allowed Boaz to do what he wanted for Naomi and Ruth. Leviticus and Numbers specify what can and cannot be done when dealing with the property of a deceased relative. Boaz being a faithful man wanted to obey God in his heart and in public by doing what was right. Like Abraham negotiating a sum for the cave in which to bury Sarah (Genesis 23) there was a price to be paid. When Jesus died for us on the cross He paid the price for our sin for all time. We have been redeemed!
Loving Lord, You sent Your only Son as a sacrifice that we might be saved. Bless us to be energetic in sharing the Good News everywhere. Amen.
