The Guardian Redeemer
Author: Curtis and Tina Norton
April 27, 2019
The Guardian Redeemer
“It is more bitter for me than
for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” – Ruth 1:13, NIV
Naomi had two sons and a
loving husband. But within the space of a few years, all three men died. Naomi
was a widow and she was in deep despair.
She returned to her hometown
but when the local women called for her, she no longer answered to that name.
Instead, she wanted to be known as Mara, a name which means bitterness (Ruth
1:20).
As a widow in Biblical times,
Naomi would have struggled to provide for herself. Not only is she facing the
heartbreaking death of her sons and her husband, she’s now financially
destitute.
But God provides for this
widow through the hand of Boaz, a Godly man. He redeems both Ruth and Naomi
from poverty by marrying Ruth.
As the Guardian-Redeemer,
Boaz’s first child would not be considered from his lineage but from Naomi’s.
The birth of this child was a sign of God’s care and provision for Naomi
despite the hardship she suffered.
Sometimes, new beginnings feel
bleak. It can seem as though God has abandoned you or turned away from your
suffering. But just as Naomi’s story proves, God can (and will!) redeem your
heartbreaks.
God, thank You for being my Guardian-Redeemer! You rescued
me from despair just as You rescued Naomi through Boaz. Please grant me
strength on this journey and bless this new beginning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BACK