Redemption both Active and Passive

Scripture: Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him." Ruth 4:14-15

Observation: This version of Ruth uses the term "next-of-kin" to describe Boaz's relationship to Naomi and Ruth; other versions use the term "kinsman redeemer", and the footnote here says, "one with the right to redeem." This all relates to the Jewish law of property. In the law, property was perpetual to a family, but when someone died without heirs their property could first be 'redeemed' their family, in order of relationship.

Boaz may have married Ruth, but he did so by claimed the right to redeem the property of Elimelech, which most significantly included his destitute widow Naomi. It is this act of redemption that has saved Naomi, a woman who had no future and no means to a life. Naomi was destined to be both outcast and destitute, however Boaz intervened as "one with the right to redeem." Boaz and Ruth would be the great grandparents of David, and thus part of the lineage of Jesus.

This metaphor is quite obvious. Without the Lord in one's life, we are all destined to live and die a meaningless life, effectively the equivalent of destitute. Jesus is the one with the right to redeem, and secures that right to also pursuing a marriage with his bride, the Church. 

One can consider the lesson of Boaz - one who is rewarded for his kindness, generosity, and obedience - as the point of this story. One can also consider Ruth - one who is loving, loyal, and industrious - as the point of this book named for her. However, the unifying storyline beginning to end is actually that of Naomi ... a woman who suffers through hard times, is taken to a foreign land by her husband, loses everything and everyone she has, receives the mercy of a foreigner, creates a plan for survival, and is saved by the actions of others.

While Naomi is involved in every aspect of the story, her arc - from troubles to redemption - is mostly passive. She is the victim of local famine caused by the unfaithfulness of Judah's king. She is taken to Moab by her husband. She watches her husband and sons die. She excuses her daughter in-laws only to see Ruth refuse to leave her. She stays home while Ruth gleans the fields. She eats the food provided by Boaz. She lets Ruth proposition Boaz. She waits for Boaz to negotiate the redemption. She sees Boaz and Ruth bare a child. And in the end, she is declared blessed by the other women.

"All" Naomi does is ... remain faithful and obedient. She does what she can for her family, follows the law, and trusts that the Lord will provide for her. Throughout the story, the Lord does provide, and then fully redeems her.

Application: I cannot "redeem" myself. Only the person with the right to redeem - Jesus - can do that. What I can do is have faith that the Lord will provide in my life, and be obedient to his guidance as he works out his plan for me and for the world.

While receiving redemption is passive, therefore, obedience is not. Yes, this is the "faith vs. works" conversation, and again I see that redemption actually involves both. I may receive eternal salvation by faith, but how I live my life plays a role in the redemption of my earthly life. Again, obedience doesn't result in there being no hardships, but it gives guidance for the path to walk through the hardship ... through the valley of the shadow of death.

Prayer: Lord, may I have the passive faith, but the active obedience, of Naomi. I desire to care a lot less about taking action to solve my problems. Instead, I would like my actions to center on your direction and instructions, so I can passively allow you to provide for my life. I have faith in your love, mercy, and redemption. Amen.