Anchor Devotional

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Redemption in Action

“‘I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, … as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records.’” Ruth 4:10

The love of Boaz for both Naomi and Ruth reflects the heart of God. He had once commended Ruth for taking refuge under the wings of the Lord, and then she later pleaded with him to spread his wings over her as her redeemer. Here, we see Boaz doing just that.

It is not simply that Boaz is taking the outsider Ruth as his wife. He is committed to renewing all that she and Naomi have lost. For these weary women, the days of wandering are over. They have found a home, and they have found love in the heart of Boaz.

However, this will come at a cost to Boaz. He’ll lose some of his own inheritance in loving these women. But it is a cost he is willing to bear. In this way, he reflects the heart of our savior, Jesus, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). We see in the unfolding of this story that love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Boaz embraced this calling by lifting up a sandal (see Ruth 4:7); Jesus did so when He was lifted up on a cross.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Ruth 4:7-10

INSIGHT
Real love comes at a cost. Are you willing to bear it? “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Deuteronomy 5-6
Psalm 82
Acts 3-4

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