Tracy Orr’s home had been repossessed by the bank. She had lost her job and couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments.

While attending a real estate auction during which her home would be sold, she tearfully told a total stranger about her plight. The stranger, Marilyn Mock, reacted out of compassion and suddenly began bidding on Tracy’s property. In the end, Marilyn had the winning bid! She then turned over the house keys to Tracy. The grateful recipient of the redeemed property is now making payments to Marilyn. Tracy is home again.

Naomi, along with her daughter-in-law Ruth, was home again in Bethlehem—having experienced heartache in the land of Moab. But both women were widows in a patriarchal culture. They had no hope and no home (Ruth 3:1). But then, in a mysterious and beautiful act, Ruth made a request to a member of her mother-in-law’s extended family, Boaz (v.9). As one commentator put it: “She had put herself under the wings of Yahweh (2:12), and now she asked to be put under the wings of Boaz.”

The word corner used in verse 9 is the same word translated “wings” in 2:12. Ruth was literally asking Boaz to take her under his wings! And he did. The very next day he redeemed Naomi’s land—her home—and established the way for Ruth to be his bride (4:9-10).

As we consider the acts of a modern-day redeemer, Marilyn Mock, and an ancient example, Boaz, it’s important to recognize our own “family redeemer”—Jesus. He allowed us to be saved from the curse of sin and death, spreading his redeeming “wings” over all who believe in Him, by His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. “When He was hung on the cross, He took upon Himself the curse for our wrongdoing” (Galatians 3:13).

Through Jesus, fellowship with God has been restored. We are redeemed and spiritually home again.