In many ways redemption is about being found. In Ruth chapter three, Naomi tells her daughter-in-law, Ruth, to go and lay at the feet of Boaz who is known as a redeemer to see if he would throw his cloak over her to signify that he was willing to redeem her and the land that was under Naomi’s name. By doing so he would offer her protection, provision, and a name. 

Ruth 3:6–11 (ESV): 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” 10 And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.

I am reminded through this story that once I was lost and now I am found. Once I had no purpose and then God said, “You are mine” and He gave purpose to my life. The great story of Christ dying on the cross is a story of being lost and now found. Jesus knew my name and your name. We now have a home and a new name. We have a purpose and a direction. The story of redemption is one we should apply in our own lives too. That which is forgotten and lost we have the ability to redeem and make new. As Jesus has redeemed us to a new life, who is He calling you to help redeem? Who is lost in life that with your involvement you can help give direction and purpose to their lives? Who can you speak their name and provide a new story to their life? Redemption is not just a story from the Bible but a story that we can practice in our own lives with the people we meet.

Pastor Aaron