Nearer than I

 "And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I."      Ruth 3:12

When Boaz said these words to Ruth, he was speaking of a relative who could redeem her. However, when I read these words, I immediately thought of how often we look to people to redeem us, rescue us, save us when Jesus is nearer and has already redeemed us. Although we may not see Him physically, there is no one nearer to us that our Jesus. There is no one who loves us more. 


All of us, at some point in our life have looked to someone or something to change our situation, to redeem a situation, when all the time, Jesus is right there having already paid the price for our redemption. 

I am so thankful for the redemption that was purchased for me at Calvary. Not only was the price paid for my sin, but I have seen so many lives that seemed destined for despair, relationships that seemed damaged beyond restoration, situations that seemed hopeless that were redeemed by the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. 

God sends wonderful people into our lives who help show us how we should live our lives according to the Word of God. I know I have been blessed to have some wonderful mentors in my life who have shown me the riches that are found in God's Word and in following Christ. As instrumental as these people are in pointing us in the right direction, there is a Redeemer who is closer still. His name is Jesus and the price has already been paid in full. 

The beautiful part of this story to me is that when Ruth heard those words, she knew there was someone nearer than Boaz that could redeem her, but she didn't know that one of her future descendants, a relative, would also redeem her, once again a redeemer closer than Boaz not only redeemed Ruth, but redeemed each of us as well.