Lessons from Ruth: The Redeemer and His Field.

I would like to continue with the idea of Boaz the redeemer and share parallels that I see in Ruth to the TRUE REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST. Here are the parallels that I see. Remember, this is my opinion that came to me as I was reading and rereading the Book of Ruth. First, there is a field that is ripe for harvest. Second, there are Israelite men (later called Jews) who are given the task to reap the harvest. Third, there are poor young women who are also Israelites (Jews) who are allowed by LAW and GRACE to glean the fields because there is hunger which needs to be satisfied. Fourth, one of the fields is owned by the Redeemer. Fifth, In all of this Israelite activity walks a foreigner, a stranger, a non-Israelite, a Gentile. Six, the Redeemer sees this Gentile and sees to it that she is not only allowed to glean with the Israelites, but to receive special attention by those Israelite reapers. That Gentile now becomes part of the whole. Are you starting to see picture here? Seven, the Redeemer makes this Gentile his wife, which forever solidifies this Gentile as one with the rest. For me, this is an obvious image representing the plan for Redemption as it unfolded in the New Testament. The Gospel message of the Redeemer was first given to the original twelve Jewish men chosen for the task. They, in turn, worked for the Redeemer, spreading the Good News to other Jews. Eventually, all of this effort was extended to a Gentile. The Gentiles believers and the Jewish believers became One in the Redeemer, One Bride. “For as many of you as were baptized into CHRIST have put on CHRIST. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS. 29And if you are CHRIST’S, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:27-29) This was GOD’S plan. HE revealed to Abraham, that through his SEED, all nations of the earth would be blessed. And so we are, spiritual offspring, ONE in CHRIST.
Russell Ashby