David Harrell wrote a book telling the story of his father, Edgar Harrell. Edgar was one of the survivors of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, the last US ship sunk by enemy contact in WW2. 600 men were stranded in the water for five days - many with only a life vest - all facing thirst, hunger, injuries, dehydration and sharks. They all came face to face with fear and their own mortality. Edgar testifies of those days alone in the ocean, "Clearly there were no atheists in the water that day. Gone was that attitude of pride that deceives men into thinking that there is no God, or if there is, they don't need Him. When a man is confronted with death, it is the face of Almighty God he sees, not his own. We were all acutely aware of our Creator during those days and nights." (Source: David Harrell, “Out of the Depths,” Xulon Press, 2005, 112-113).
On that horrible day, no one could save his fellow soldier...no one could even save themselves! They were all in the same position – helpless. They all needed someone to save them. We all need a kinsman redeemer…but there is only one that will do!
Boaz now buys back (redeems) Elimelech’s property and his son’s family line in marrying Ruth.
We end this account of hardship, loss, poverty, and waiting -- with this incredible account of redemption! Ruth’s property is redeemed. Ruth’s husband’s family line is redeemed. Then there is this: The Lord lifts Ruth up and includes her in the line of the Messiah (James 4:10)! Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of David. Ruth & Boaz’s son was Obed. Obed’s son was Jesse. Jesse’s son was David. Ruth 4:21-22.
Consider this – the outcast Moabite widow, Ruth, is in the Messianic genealogy! Matthew 1:5. Everything changes with redemption! Redemption means to deliver by paying a price, to free from bondage. Take a look at the theme of redemption and Jesus Christ:
Matthew 20:28 - The death of Jesus Christ is the payment of the ransom for the one in bondage.
Col. 1:14 – Christ’s work on the cross is stated as redemption
Luke 2:30, 38 – (Simeon & Anna) Christ was looked to for redemption
Heb. 9:12 – Christ obtained redemption for us
Redemption is key to God’s eternal purposes for mankind.
Psalm 103:4, “He "redeemeth thy life from destruction." This theme of REDEMPTION is dealt within the OT and NT over 150 times! Redemption’s teaching in short:
Mankind is hopelessly enslaved to sin…needing another to pay the price for our freedom.
Christ paid mankind’s ransom with His blood
Ransom was paid to God, not Satan. Satan does not have a legal claim against the sinner.
God’s mercy & love ransoms man from God’s justice!
How important is this “redemption plan” to God?
The goal of Christ’s incarnation was the redemption of man (Gal. 4:4, 5).
He "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity." (Titus 2:14).
It carried life and death consequences! …for Christ and mankind!!
The outcome of redemption: The price for our eternal freedom was huge. It could never be repaid. It was literally priceless! So, glorify God with everything you have and everything you are. (I Cor. 6:20)
The end picture of Redemption: Heaven. Face to face with our Redeemer for all eternity. We will have new bodies in heaven. Our human bodies are described in the Bible as perishable, dishonorable, and weak – all due to sin (I Cor. 15:42-53). Our glorified bodies will be the opposite: imperishable, honorable, and powerful. Our bodies will no longer be “natural” bodies, but they will be “spiritual” bodies. They will be like that of Jesus’ resurrected body (John 20:19, 26; Lk. 24:39; 40-43). With that said, our bodies will no longer suffer from sickness, death, cold, heat, thirst, or hunger. Praise God for His mighty redemption!
Do you know your kinsman redeemer?
3 things your kinsman redeemer must be to be the real deal:
The Kinsman Redeemer must be a near kinsman
Gal. 4:4-5 (Jesus is your kinsman redeemer)
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
The Kinsman Redeemer must be willing to redeem
John 3:16; I Tim. 2:4, “Who will have all men to saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
II Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Nepalese fighters in Borneo known as Gurkhas were asked if they would be willing to jump from airplanes into combat against the Indonesians. The Gurkhas didn’t clearly understand what was involved, but they bravely said they would do it, asking only that the plane fly slowly over a swampy area and no higher than 100 feet. When they were told that the parachutes would not have time to open at that height, the Gurkhas replied, “Oh, you didn’t mention parachutes before!” (Source: One Crowded Hour, Tim Bowden)
No matter our resources, no matter how poor, or sinful, or rebellious we are before God…He was willing to die in our place!
Kinsman Redeemer must be able to redeem
II Cor. 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
A man in Ireland was convicted of his sin and was on the verge of trusting Christ when the devil raised the oft-repeated objection: “If you believe, it won’t last. What about tomorrow?” The worker dealing with him pointed to a water mill nearby. “What turns that wheel today?”
“The stream.”
“What will turn it tomorrow?”
“The stream.”
“And the days after?”
“The stream.” The man was led to see that there was abundant grace to save, keep, and meet all his needs.
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (Source: Will’s Commentary on the New Testament, Volume 10: Hebrews - James, Harold E. Will)
He is able to deliver thee, He is able to deliver thee. Tho by sin oppressed, come to Him for rest. My God is able to deliver thee.
Have you accepted your kinsman Redeemer’s offer? Then praise God for the One who saved you from hopelessness and helplessness! Have you not yet found your kinsman Redeemer? Then call out to Him today. He is waiting for you...His gift of redemption is still offered to you today!