When you bring ordinary people and our extraordinary God together, you get a story of redemption. The words redeem, redeemer, and redemption occur 23 times in the 85 verses of the book of Ruth, so in order to understand this book, you have to meet the Redeemer.

A redeemer is a person who brings the best out of the worst at his own expense. That is what Boaz did for Ruth, and this is what Jesus Christ will do for us. He is the great Redeemer. He brings the best out of the worst. He does this by making us His own, bringing us into His family, and giving us a glorious inheritance.

He does these things at His own expense: “You were ransomed [or redeemed]… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). This is what it cost for Jesus to redeem us, but He did what it took when He laid down His life for us. As the women said to Naomi, “The LORD... has not left you… without a redeemer!” (Ruth 4:14).

This is why there is hope for each one of us. Your losses may be many, your sorrows may be great, and your burdens may be heavy, but there is a Redeemer. Jesus Christ will work for you and through you. There are future joys He has already prepared for you. And there are people He has already planned to bless through you.

Pray this prayer: Father, thank you that our lives, loves, and losses are woven into Your hidden plan to bring blessing to the world. Help me to show Your kindness to those around me. You have not left us without a Redeemer. Help me to look to Him in faith, in hope, and in love.