Christian Writers Circle

Our Gracious Redeemer
by Brenda D. Flowers

I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth;… (Job 19: 25a)

During the weeks leading to Christmas, I often recall memories of my childhood and have opportunities to share them with my family and friends. Sometimes, I realize God is prompting me to share a memory for a deeper reason. This is one of those memories:

When I was a young girl, I looked forward to receiving a doll each Christmas. This usually was my favorite gift. One Christmas, I ran down the stairs at my grandmother’s house to discover a beautiful doll with long auburn hair standing among the other gifts under the Christmas tree. This doll became the doll I treasured more than any other doll. I named her Ruth.

As an adult, when I thought of this special doll, I wondered why I named her Ruth.

Now I think I know. I believe, God, in His sovereign plan for my life, wanted me to tell this story.

When I first read the story of Ruth in the Bible as a young adult, I was impressed by Ruth’s faithfulness and love to her mother-in-law. As Naomi’s daughter-in-law (a widow), Ruth was willing to leave her home country to stay close beside Naomi (also a widow) to journey to Naomi’s homeland, where, according to Jewish tradition, they could be redeemed.

Recently, I read the story of Ruth again and realized the deep meaning of this redemption love story.

As we search the Scriptures, God reveals hidden treasures. As we seek Him, He shows us deeper truths.

Boaz, a kinsman redeemer and type of Jesus Christ, married Ruth. From their union came the Messianic Line. Ruth is listed in the lineage of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew. (Matt. 1: 5)

 Many of the writers of the New Testament, like Matthew, walked with Jesus and talked with Him. They saw or were aware of His death and many of them saw Him in His resurrection body. They were willing to share boldly their faith in Jesus Christ, even in the face of great persecution.

Paul testified of a personal encounter with Jesus that changed him from a persecutor of Christians to a dynamic missionary. He wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to encourage followers of Jesus Christ to give thanks for God’s redemption:

…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:12-14, NIV)

Dear ones, we can be sure that each story in the Bible is inspired by God. His plan of redemption was and is intentional. God is still working out His plan for the redemption of lost souls. We are a part of that plan.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave us Your Son, the greatest gift of all. May we be faithful to share our testimonies of faith and trust in You and may many come to know You as Redeemer.