“And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day” (Ruth 4:9-10).
The Bible lets us know that Boaz redeemed all that belonged to Elimelech and his sons, Mahlon and Chilion because of his love for Ruth. It was the custom in Israel for the nearest kinsman to a deceased Israelite to redeem that one’s estate, including his widow and that was what Boaz did. However, he wasn’t really interested in the land and property of Elimelech and his sons for he was already a wealthy man. He knew he had to buy up everything to get Ruth, for he loved her and she was very important to him.
If a man could go this length to redeem a humble lady, how much more God! The Bible says He didn’t spare His Son but delivered Him up for us (Romans 8:32). He didn’t decide to give bulls, sheep and goats to redeem us; neither did He send the highest ranking angel! He gave His only Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for you and me because we’re important to Him. We’re as valuable to Him as Jesus is. That’s why He spared no cost for our salvation.
This ought to let you know that you’re priceless and important to the Father. In His eyes, you’re number one! You’re most precious to Him. When you’re conscious of this truth all the time, it will add springs to your steps and put a smile on your face—it will kindle joy in your heart every day.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for going the length you did to show me how important and valuable I am to you. I’m deeply humbled and glad to know that the monarch of the universe takes me as His prized possession! Thank you for the great love you have for me; I’m conscious of this always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Hebrews 7:25
Romans 8:31-32
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
