Things Most Surely Believed As To - Redemption 3

By Joseph L. Watkins

In our last paper we had set forth that to qualify as "A Redeeming One" three main distinctive things must be in place: The Desire, The Price, and The Right.

Now as we think together of The Redemptive Work of God in Christ Jesus, we want to more closely consider each of these three aspects - first The Desire, or "The Will" to do so. In the divine account of Ruth and Boaz we see that the nearest kinsman was willing and able, and perhaps even anxious, to be the redeemer, for in Ruth 4:4, "...he said I will redeem it". But he quickly had a change of heart when he learned the true cost. If he wanted the parcel of land, he must also buy Ruth and raise up seed to her first husband - such he was not willing to do. He may have been able to do so, and we know that he did have the right of redemption, but he did not have such a desire in his heart. The Will was not there.

Now I ask that you turn with me to the 49th Psalm. There we find another crest lesson on this very important subject. Note verses 6-8:
"They that trust in their wealth, And boast --- in their riches;
        None -- can -- redeem his brother Nor give to God a ransom for him;
        For the redemption is--- precious (or priceless) and ceaseth forever."
(or it can never be "An Equivalent")

Yes - all men born of woman may have "The Right of Redemption," and many may have "A Real Heart's Desire," but the Price of Redemption is, and will always be, far beyond their ability even though they bring together all of this world's wisdom, all of this world's talents, all of this world's beauty, and all of this world's combined wealth and riches. ALL would not be the equivalent to one man ALL - that all men could bring to bear, would not, could not, "Redeem One Man" from the grave. All is but folly to even try.

Now, Boaz did have "The Price of The Redemption." He had counted the cost of all that was under consideration, both the cost of all the land involved, "all that was Elimelech's, all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, and Ruth - the price of all that it would take to be - "A True Redeemer" ....
"to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance," Ruth 4:10
"Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and she bare a son."
    "And the women said unto Naomi, he shall be unto thee a restorer of - soul
      and a nourisher of thine old age:"  Ru. 4:15

Yes, Boaz had the price of the redemption and he held in his heart the desire to redeem All, and he did pursue after the right of the redemption until it became his. Boaz was a true - redeeming one.

jlw