Christian Paradigm Shifts

Boaz is the kinsman-redeemer to Elimelech's family. But what is a kinsman-redeemer? A kinsman-redeemer in Hebrew is go'el . It is literally translated 'redeemer'. But it is also translated 'close relative' or 'kinsman-redeemer'. It comes from the root word ga'al which means 'to redeem or buy back' and occurs 23 times in Ruth. The duties of a kinsman-redeemer may include:  avenging a murder [Number 35:19]  marrying his brother's widow to raise up a son on behalf of the deceased brother [Deuteronomy 25:5-10]  redeeming any family land which had been sold [Leviticus 25:25]  redeeming a family member who had been sold into slavery [Leviticus 25:47-49] caring for family members in need [Leviticus 25:35] The role of a kinsman-redeemer would go to the brother of the man, then an uncle, then to an uncle's son, then to any near relative [Leviticus 25:48-49]. A kinsman-redeemer had to meet three qualification:  Blood Relationsh...

Ruth 1:19-22 Naomi and Ruth have left Moab behind. They journey back to Bethlehem which was about a sixty plus mile journey. When they arrive in the city,  the people were moved about them.After such a long absence, the people must have welcomed Naomi. They probably were happy to see her again. The people also said, "Is this Naomi?" What had changed about Naomi for women of the town to make such a statement? Had she changed in her appearance? Had the hardships of the years taken a toll on her countenance? Naomi confirms their question. Yes, she is Naomi. But she is no longer pleasant but bitter. For she declares that she is no longer to be called Naomi, which means pleasant. She is to be called Mara, which means bitter. Why was she bitter? Because she left Bethlehem full. She left with her husband and their two sons. But she has returned empty. She returned without her husband and sons. Who was the source of this hardship?  Twice, Naomi states that it was the LORD w...

It is all we need. His grace is sufficient. Unfortunately it is something that we just don't get. The Skit Guys share how we just don't understand why God gives us unmerited grace. We think it is something we need to earn or deserve. This Holy Week I am reminded that there is nothing that I can do to earn or deserve God's grace, His unmerited favor. I only need to receive it. Accept it. Rest in it. Praise Him for it. I have a Savior who loves me so much that He willingly laid down His life so I could have His grace in my life. It is all of grace. Free and undeserved. Take it all in. Keep is close. Don't let anyone steal it from you. There are grace robbers out there. Be on guard! They will tell you that you need to do, do, do. But remember that it is done. Once and for all. Finished and paid in full. 2 Cor. 12: 9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my ...