Protection comes in many forms. There is the protection of marriage for a man and a woman and the protection of a family for both children and parents. Our lives are protected by a police force and firefighters, medical personnel and our country’s armed forces. For believers in Christ Jesus we have the protection from sin, death and Satan. We are not guaranteed a “˜no hassles’ life; but, we are given the promise of God’s protection that He gives, not only in this life, but to infinity and beyond (eternity).
(NASB) Ruth 3:9a “He said, “˜Who are you?'”
***There was a woman lying at the feet of Boaz in the middle of the night. The threshing floor had been a scene of festivity after the successful barley harvest. Women were at home in bed. Usually only men were present at this time.
Consternation and definitely surprise!!! This was followed by a quiet inquiry…Notice that Boaz did not loudly exclaim but discretely asked “˜Who are you?’
Boaz was a gentleman from start to finish, even when abruptly awakened. His discretion saved embarrassment to Ruth, he did not draw the attention of others who were sleeping.
How often do you and I draw attention to ourselves or to others with a loud exclamation which embarrasses them? Boaz’ godly character did not seek to embarrass another. His words and reaction to an unusual circumstance did not allow gossip to be started, even though he didn’t know exactly what was going on. Boaz protected this unknown woman.
(NASB) Ruth 3:9b “And she answered, “˜I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.'”
***Ruth had listened well to Naomi – she had done everything Naomi told her to do and she also understood that she was asking Boaz for his protection through marriage.
Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer to Naomi and her family. What did such a person do? He protected his extended family members through marriage, or through buying back property, or buying back family members who had sold themselves into bondage or the kinsman-redeemer would work to bring justice for a murder done against his family.
How does Jesus Christ fit into this description of a kinsman-redeemer?
(NASB) Psalm 44:26 “Rise up, be our help,
And redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness.”
(NASB) Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me.”
***God has bought anyone who has received Christ Jesus as their Savior into their life. It is Jesus Who has redeemed us from the slavery of sin, death and Satan. Can you say that Jesus is your Savior, your Kinsman-Redeemer?
