A Redeemer (Savior) must come to deliver Israel (and the world). Details and descriptions of His character and credentials are carefully unfolded in the Law, the Prophets and the Writings. Part of the Savior's genealogy is stated significantly in one specific section of Scripture — the conclusion of the book of Ruth.
In a period of corruption, chaos and compromise, a person appears with virtue, vitality and valor. During the dark days of the Judges, a damsel emerges with exceptional excellence. In a dry desert of despair and drought, drops of hope drip from the determination of a daughter-in-law. A famine has driven a family from Bethlehem-Judah. In the course of ten years, tragedy ensues. The family is reduced to just three women. For relief from grief, returning back to Bethlehem is the mother's belief. She pleads with her two daughters-in-law to likewise retreat to their homes. Rest could no longer be found in her resources. One accepts the advice to depart, but the other determines to accompany her mother even to death (Ruth 1:1-22).
A delicate and delightful story develops, as Ruth, the dedicated daughter-in-law, searches for a destination to labor. Providentially, God points her path to the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi (Ruth 2:1-23). Afterward, Ruth appeals to him as kinsman-redeemer. The central consequences are clearly controlled by the Lord (Ruth 3:1-18).
Over all obstacles, Boaz overcomes. His will to wed Ruth is realized. A child is born. The family of Naomi would not perish from the tribes of Israel. The bitterness and emptiness that Naomi had endured has now resulted in blessing and fullness of joy. Restoration has not only transpired in the life of "Mara" (Naomi) but also in the line of Messiah! His genealogy continues (Ruth 4:1-22).
Ruth, who attached herself to the true God of the universe, is privileged to participate in the progeny of David, the future king, as well as the future Anointed One who would come to save mankind from sin. Including this Moabitess within the genealogy of Messiah gives assurance that anyone (Jew or Gentile) can experience the warmth of God's fervent love and escape the fury of His fiery wrath.
And Messiah has appeared. The promised posterity of David is Jesus Christ, who has come to unite to the God of creation anyone who will believe on Him as Redeemer and Savior. He offers eternal life through His sacrificial death upon the tree (1 Peter 2:24). To Jew or Gentile, His finished work only can bring reconciliation toward God.
Ruth had found "rest" in the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3:1). We also can find "rest" in the redeeming work of Jesus the Messiah. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). One day, the Redeemer will return to reward His remnant with eternal rest. "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on! Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds do follow with them." (Revelation 14:13). Are you within that remnant?
Rob Zapotoski,
SMS International Field Representative
