Is Loving Her Family Redeemer -- Digging Deeper

“An article in National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of God's wings...



After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.


When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.


The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies.


When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.


"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge" (Psalm 91:4)


Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you and then, be different because of it.”

When I was teaching last week on Ruth 2 and read verse 12, my mind immediately skipped to this story. I remember it because of how poignant it is. It paints such a vivid picture of what that momma bird was willing to do to protect her babies, and then how it connects the wings of God to our protection just overwhelmed me. Now again in Ruth 3, Boaz – the family redeemer – is connected with Ruth’s protection. In Ruth 3:9, Ruth asks Boaz to cover her. This act of Ruth was not one out of desperation. It was not an act of a woman with loose morals. She had created for herself a good reputation in a foreign town. By Ruth lying at the feet of Boaz, she was asking him to marry her which was totally acceptable since he was her family redeemer (Dt 25:5-10). As a matter of fact, God used these as an analogy when talking about the children of Israel in Ezk 16:8. Boaz, her family redeemer, took great care of Ruth. He spoke highly of her. He cherished her. He protected her from the things that could harm her. Ladies, if you or your daughter is dating, pray for a Boaz!

Ruth was willing to lay herself at the feet of her family redeemer. Can we do anything less than to lay ourselves down at the feet of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ? He is the Redeemer in whom we seek refuge. He is the Redeemer who “will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalms 91:4). He is the Redeemer who wants to protect you from the harshness and evil in this world. Jesus Christ is your Family Redeemer – Have you laid yourself at the feet of Jesus? Jesus Christ knows what it is like to have the flames of hell lick at his body then taste of death only to conquer it on Easter morning. Is there any other who is like my Savior? My REDEEMER LIVES! Hallelujah, my Redeemer Lives!