What is a redeemer?

As you know the name of this ministry is Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries, Inc. The shortened version is Boaz Ministries. Where does this name Boaz come from you might ask?

Boaz was a man in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament that served as a kinsman redeemer. It was his privilege to redeem Ruth and her mother Naomi. Once they were redeemed they had their lives back and they would be provided for and be accepted into the family.

There are some verses that talk about redemption in God's Word. Let me share just a couple, as I want to be able to help us understand what a redeemer does.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Think of it this way. When a person is kidnapped and held ransom, money is demanded in order to release that person. When the ransom is paid the prisoner is set free. Well there are teens who are being held captive emotionally, spiritually and in other ways. God can redeem them, He has already paid the price for their freedom. The Boaz ministry is focused on helping people find their freedom.

Job 19: 25 Job declares this: I know that me Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

I know you know the story of Job, a man who seemingly lost everything and he was writhing in pain. It seemed that no one cared for him. In the midst of his pain he makes this declaration. He understands his only hope is to be redeemed by the redeemer. The Boaz Ministry will reach out to those who feel like all hope is gone.

Finally, this verse in Ezekiel 34:16 is beautiful: The Lord says, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays, I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.”

This is God's heart, the redeemers heart. It is also the heart of Boaz. We will seek out the lost and weary and bring them back from despair. We will help those who are hurting and we will strengthen those who feel week.

I just wanted to remind you of what a redeemer does and why this ministry is named Boaz. This ministry is one of redemption. Christ has already paid their and our price and he has ransomed them.