Christmas Is…Day 17

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Christmas Is…

Ruth 4:4-10 tells the story of an Old Testament cultural practice of the kinsman-redeemer. The kinsman-redeemer is a male relative who, according to the laws of the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need. In the original Hebrew, the term denotes one who delivers or rescues, or redeems property or person. The kinsman-redeemer, as one who redeems or vindicates a relative, is most beautifully and clearly illustrated in the book of Ruth where we find Boaz as kinsman-redeemer to Ruth. This story points forward to Jesus, our kinsman-redeemer, who has rescued and redeemed those in need most completely.

Similarly, as Ruth and her mother-in-law experienced physical blessings as a result of Boaz’s actions as kinsman-redeemer, we as those who have been redeemed in Christ Jesus experience spiritual blessings in abundance! Ephesians 1 describes some of those blessings.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.” —Ephesians 1:3-7

What a treasure of promises and blessing are found in these verses! Take time today to read through these verses slowly and ponder the wonderful gifts found in them.

Rejoicing in Him!

Copyright ©2014 Susan Cady, susancady.com

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Susan Cady

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