Our Great Hope

Ruth is now ready to go home and bring her gleanings to Naomi.  

You remember the last time we saw Naomi she was feeling empty and bitter, she felt as if God had dealt bitterly with her in Ruth 1:20. Now look at Ruth 2:20 "Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, "Blessed be he of the LORD, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!" Naomi had a new hope in her heart.

This great hope was aroused because Boaz was the kinsman-redeemer of Naomi (2:20-23). In Jewish society, the kinsmen-redeemer was just that, a near relative who could redeem or rescue a needy family member. Note that this great hope of the kinsman-redeemer had wonderful effects upon Naomi and Ruth:

~ This great hope of the kinsman-redeemer stirred Naomi to praise the LORD (2:20). 

~ It also assured continued provision for Naomi and Ruth (2:21).  Ruth told Naomi that Boaz had invited her to continue gleaning as long as the harvest season lasted. 

~ This great hope of the kinsman-redeemer assured ongoing protection for Ruth as she continued to glean throughout the season (2:22). In someone else's field, Ruth could easily have been physically abused or harmed. But in Boaz's field, she was guaranteed his protection. 

~ This great hope of the kinsman-redeemer stirred Ruth to continue gleaning in the field of Boaz until the end of the harvest season (2:23). 

My friend, This is a striking picture of Jesus Christ, the believer's Kinsman-Redeemer. It is He who redeems, rescues, and saves us from the impossible, hopeless situations of life.  Jesus Christ is Our Kinsman-Redeemer. No matter what our circumstances are, no matter what is happening in our life today, we have hope.  

I challenge you today to examine your life. Are you a "Ruth" or a "Naomi". Are you trusting in the One True God to meet your needs totally committed to Jesus Christ or are you feeling empty and bitter. Allow Christ to fill your soul, trust in Him to redeem you and to provide for you. Christ knows your circumstances, He knows what you are going through, He is there for you - Trust Him!