Reading: Ruth, 3’1-18

Ruth 2:20

“The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative: he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” 

The Hebrew word used as near kinsman-redeemers is related to GAA-al. It means to redeem, to deliver, to avenge and to act as kinsman. If a man was in debt and had sold out his property, a rich kinsman could redeem or buy back the property for the insolvent relative. A near kinsman could deliver the other from unpleasant situation. A near kinsman could take it upon himself to avenge the shed blood of a relative by killing the murderer of his kinsman. Thi was why cities of refuge had to be built at convenient intervals in ancient Israel for a person who murdered another accidentally could quickly run into it in order to escape the avenger of blood. The kinsman-redeemer, writes Vine in his Complete Expository Dictionary, was responsible for preserving the integrity, life, property, and family name of his close relative or executing justice upon his murderer. Jesus said, The thief cometh not but to steal, to kill and to destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). He was speaking from a place of conscious responsibility. Man deserved, after his fall, to be put aside, to be completely annihilated. This was what the justice-seeking nature of God semanded; but the Man found a near kinsman, a kinsman-redeemer in the Lord Jesus. He stepped into the position, took upon himself to satisfy the breathing wrath of God. He dealt with the issue on the cross, giving life in the place of destruction, and giving it abundantly. The individual who accepts this truth becomes a member of Christ’s race, perpetuating the earth with a new breed which is not of this world or part of the system of this world, a race that is Spirit-controlled. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation (kinsman-redeemer) perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10). Satan was described by the Lord Jesus Christ as being a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). And Christ’s vengeful sword is abroad too to establish and preserve the integrity, life,justice, property and  family name. The ultimate kinsman-redeemer, the worthy near kinsman has purchased us for God – redeemed men to  God by his blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and has made us unto our God kings and priests (Revelation 5:9-10). In being bought back, we become the companions of the worthy kinsman, having the same thoughts and attitude towards the Father, positionally sitting with him at the right hand of majesty on high and beholding his face. Christ, the kinsman-redeemer is already there at the throne; we are there with him at the throne. This is the honour solely for man: God is, then Man!

Thank You, Lord for offering to be my Kinsman-redeemer. Thank You Lord for the throne, Your throne. Thank You Lord for making me part of the kingdom of priests, Your own priests! Thank You Lord for You’ve made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God (Revelation 5:10). It’s great to be made and be called Your servant!

Thank You, Lord