Intro
A very well-known story in the Bible –the story of Ruth– makes for a good analogy to help us understand the work of Christ in our salvation story as our Redeemer. Together, we shall dive into the life of Boaz –his attributes and his character, and we will liken them to that of Jesus.
Boaz- Ruth’s protection
Then Boaz spoke to Ruth: “Listen, my daughter. From now on, don’t go to any other field to glean – stay right here in this one. And stay close to my young women,” — Ruth 2:3 (MSG)
Boaz had learned that Ruth was a widow and a foreigner. In this state, she was vulnerable and open to harm, danger and even threats. She had no protection. But this did not ‘shorten’ the helping hand of Boaz. With compassion, he provided security and assured her that she was safe in his care. He warned his reapers not to lay a hand on her and told her to glean close to his young women. There, she was more secure.
In the same way, Jesus assures us of security from the darts of the enemy. If anyone dares to touch us, they suffer a substantial loss. This world cannot assure us of safety. Even the wealthiest man with an army of soldiers can be robbed. The rich man is always aware of his environment and has no peace.
But, in Christ, there is complete security and, with that, peace in our hearts. He advises us to keep to safe places. Like Boaz told Ruth to stay close to the young women, Jesus tells us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers and cautions us against evil communications for they corrupt good manners.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Only the Lord Almighty can provide full protection. In Christ, we have confidence that the works of the enemy will not prevail against us.
“but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him].” —1 John 5:18b (AMPC)
With the protection of man, there is no complete assurance because man is prone to err. Being a man, sleep is bound to come upon him, and while he is asleep, we never know what could happen, but our Lord neither sleeps nor slumbers. There is not a time when He does not watch over you. Christ will not only guard you physically, He will guard your heart against the weariness the world will try to bring you. He does this by giving you His peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)
Jesus assures us of His constant presence, so we do not fear, for nothing can harm us when we are with Him. Psalm 91 also serves as a beautiful template of the protection we receive when we are in Christ (please take time to read it).
And even more profound, In Christ, our ‘afterlife’ is secured. People of the world are scared of death because they know not what will be after it. The riches and security they harbour and cling onto now are not powerful enough to secure the life after this one. But we –the redeemed– are assured of a beautiful life after this one is over. One greater than this life.
Boaz- Lavishes goodness upon Ruth.
“And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.” Ruth 2:8b
“Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her, and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back” Ruth 2:14(NKJV)
Boaz was very kind to Ruth, not only to the extent of protecting her but also providing for her. Whenever she was thirsty, she could freely drink, for Boaz had provided water for her. When it was mealtime, she was given food, and she ate until she was satisfied before leaving to work more.
In the same way and greater, Jesus lavishes His goodness on us. There comes a time when we are in need, and this verse reminds us that we can go and drink of Him and receive ‘water’, that is, answers to our needs and solutions to our problems. This can be in various ways but primarily through men via messages, books, or even conversations.
People are looking to quench the thirst of their souls via many means such as aimless dating, excessive alcohol intake, and drugs, which, instead of bringing them satisfaction and life, slowly but surely drag them to death. These pleasures have long-life consequences and regrets. But there’s an answer. There is a quenching of his soul that will bring one life and satisfaction. Jesus invites you to drink of this water. The living water, the water of life.
” but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”— John 4:14(NIV)
Jesus also reminds us through Paul that all things happen for the good of those who love the Lord. Even when you were going through that problem, there was a solution in His mind for you. When it seemed like the dark tunnel you were going through was endless, the light of Jesus shone through, and you were strengthened to run and get out of it.
There are no evil thoughts in the mind of Jesus for you. All He wants for you is hope, life and prosperity. And sometimes, to sustain this, we need trials and tests of fire which are not meant to kill us but to refine us. Jesus is for us.
Just as Boaz communed with Ruth at the table, Jesus opens Himself up to communion with us. He wants to sit with us and talk to us. We are free to open up and tell Him everything in our hearts, and He too will say to us that which is on His, and on that table, we get satisfaction (refer back to Ruth 2:14). We eat and are empowered to continue ‘working’.
Boaz- Ruth’s Savior
Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”- Ruth 4:9-10(NIV)
Oh, how wonderful for Ruth and Naomi to have shame taken away from them! Their future was promised and great joy forevermore. Boaz took Ruth, a foreigner, as his wife, even when the guardian-redeemer before him, thought it was a shame to marry Ruth. He thought she would bring disgrace and mar his inheritance because the world considered her a foreigner and unclean.
Boaz did not bother about what people would say. He did not care that Ruth was a foreigner. He fulfilled the law accordingly and saved Ruth. That sounds familiar because our Jesus did the same for us even when we were His enemies and unclean, not deserving of salvation, loved when there was no reason to be loved. We are saved! We are redeemed.
We no longer live in shame of our past because we’ve been freed from it all, and because Jesus the Son freed us, we are free indeed! We no longer hold on to the sins of yesterday because He paid for them all on the cross of Calvary. We have been washed of our sins; we have been made clean. We are no longer under condemnation because our sins have been forgiven and forgotten, and we are justified like we never sinned. We are the bride of Christ and are loved beyond measure.
Now,
A little disclaimer. This only applies to those that have chosen to believe in Jesus. To those that believe He has redeemed them. Do you believe you are redeemed? There’s no reason not to, dear brother/sister. You have been considered worthy of being redeemed. No, you are not too inferior to be redeemed. There’s no shame that Jesus cannot take away. He paid it all by giving His life for you.
Remember, only in Him can you be fully protected. Only on Him can you cast all your needs, and He won’t be overwhelmed by them. He wants the best for you and has solutions to all your needs. Only He loves you enough to give His life for you. And right now, He is waiting to hear from you.
Suppose you still feel guilty about your past even when you know and believe He has taken your guilt away or perhaps still doubt that He has. In that case, you might need to speak to someone concerning this matter, and we are here for you.
Please connect with us via our email or our chat box. From there, we will learn, grow and encourage each other in Christ.
Shalom Shalom.