And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s.... Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance ... ”
— Ruth 4:9-10
UNDER JEWISH LAW, if a married man died before he had children, the man’s brother became obligated to marry his wife. The firstborn child would then be named for the dead brother so that his inheritance might continue in Israel.
Boaz—a relative of Elimelech’s—redeemed the field because he was in love with Ruth. He purchased the field in order that he might get a bride whom he loved.
JESUS SAID: “THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE TREASURE HIDDEN IN A FIELD, WHICH A MAN FOUND AND HID; AND FOR JOY OVER IT HE GOES AND SELLS ALL THAT HE HAS AND BUYS THAT FIELD” (MATTHEW 13:44).
The field, in this parable, is the world, and Jesus is the One who gave all to purchase the world. Who then is the treasure? Amazing as it seems, the treasure is you and me—we who trust Him as Lord and Savior. We are the bride of Christ. Just as Boaz was willing to buy the field in order to gain the bride, so too, Jesus willingly paid the price of redemption to purchase the world. He did that because He loved you and wanted you for His own.
Thank You, Lord, that You place such a high value upon us that You willingly gave Yourself to purchase us out of the bondage and slavery of sin, that we might become Your bride.
Amen.