God’s Provision In Redemption
Have you ever thought deeply about what it truly means to be redeemed? It’s a word often used in faith communities, but its profound implications often go unnoticed. In a thought-provoking sermon by Pastor Jim Toth, featured in the message “God’s Provision In Redemption,” listeners are drawn into a powerful exploration of redemption—using the story of Ruth and Boaz as a springboard to understand God’s ultimate purpose: not just to save us, but to transform us into selfless, compassionate, and empathetic instruments in His hands.
This post unpacks those insights, shares practical applications, and aims to inspire you to live out the purpose behind your own redemption.
The Story at the Heart of Redemption
In Ruth chapter 2, Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem destitute, having lost their husbands and any prospects for security. Yet, in their deepest need, God orchestrates an encounter with Boaz—a relative of Naomi’s late husband and a biblical figure known as a “kinsman-redeemer.” Boaz steps into their lives to provide protection, sustenance, and ultimately, hope.
But what does this ancient story have to do with us in today’s world? More than you might imagine.
Redemption: More Than Rescue—A Call to Sacrificial Living
A theme that weaves through Pastor Jim’s message is that redemption is more than just being rescued; it’s being purchased for a purpose. Just as Boaz acted as kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, Jesus Christ is our Redeemer—the One who paid the ultimate price not just to save us, but to call us into a life that reflects that sacrifice.
Living Sacrificially
One striking point Pastor Jim raises comes through his retelling of personal stories—both from overseas ministry and his time counseling couples. He recounts asking a young man seeking marriage advice: “Do you love her? Are you willing to die for her, to give up your hopes and dreams for her, just as Christ gave Himself for the church?” The young man, like many of us, had never thought of love in such self-emptying terms.
This is where sacrificial living enters the scene. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi—choosing to leave her homeland and put her own needs aside—echoes the call of every believer. The message is clear: Christ didn’t redeem us so we could sit in comfort, but so we could serve others, even when it means sacrificing our own desires.
Questions for Reflection:
When was the last time you told God, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do, no matter what the cost?”
Are you willing to put aside personal ambitions for the good of your spouse, family, or community?
Compassion: The Heartbeat of Christ’s Redeemed
The second lesson is equally challenging. Redemption is meant to fuel compassion—a gut-level response that compels us to actively help others, regardless of past hurts or differences.
Pastor Jim shares about shepherding a church in an ethnically changing neighborhood, where compassion required breaking down barriers and welcoming people who didn’t fit the traditional mold. He faced resistance—not everyone wanted to welcome drug addicts, the homeless, or those who dressed differently, but true compassion, he affirms, sees beyond appearances. It sees needs and responds, just as Boaz did for Ruth.
He illustrates this with a painful personal example—a difficult elder who opposed him and wounded his family. Yet at a funeral years later, God prompted Jim to extend an arm of kindness to this man. Compassion—especially toward those who have hurt us—isn’t easy. But as followers of Christ, we are called to it. Pastor Jim says, “Even if it’s somebody who hurt you, find a need and meet it. Boaz is the example. Jesus is the example.”
Action Steps:
Identify someone in your life who is difficult to love and ask God for the strength to compassionately serve them.
Reflect on Psalm 86:15: “God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” How can you embody this quality this week?
Empathy: Walking Alongside in Redemption
The third dimension Pastor Jim highlights is empathy—more than just feeling sorry for someone, it’s entering into their experience and walking alongside them. Boaz does this for Ruth and Naomi. He doesn’t just say “Sorry for you,” but ensures they have what they need and shields them from harm.
The pastor draws a careful distinction: sympathy feels bad for someone, but empathy gets involved. It shows up, helps, and stays until the harvest is brought in.
This is especially important in a hurting world. The church, Pastor Jim reminds us, is not meant to be a seminary for knowledge alone—it’s a hospital for souls. Our calling is to be instruments of empathy, healing brokenness inside and outside our walls.
Questions to Consider:
Are you aware of hurting people near you, perhaps even in your church or neighborhood?
How can you shift from sympathy (“I feel bad for them”) to empathy (“How can I help?”)?
God’s Purpose: Redeemed to Redeem Others
To tie it all together, God’s provision in redemption is not just for our benefit. “It’s so He can use us in other people’s lives—through sacrificing, through compassion, through empathy,” Pastor Jim teaches. Our redemption is both a rescue and a commissioning.
This mindset counters the cultural focus on what’s “fair”—sacrificial living doesn’t always look “fair.” Compassion and empathy defy the urge to focus only on ourselves. Instead, they call us to reflect Christ by meeting needs, loving the unlovable, and sharing the hope and practical help that we ourselves have received through Jesus.
The Takeaway: Living Out Redemption Today
How are we doing—as individuals, families, and as the Body of Christ? Are we embracing God’s provision in redemption as merely a ticket to heaven, or as an invitation to transform lives around us?
Real redemption always leads outward. It’s about:
Giving up our own plans to serve a higher purpose,
Showing compassion to the least and the difficult,
Walking in empathy with those who hurt.
May we, like Boaz, recognize the divine appointments God puts before us—opportunities to redeem, restore, and love as we have been redeemed, restored, and loved.
Let’s make our churches known as places where people find help, hope, and healing. Let’s be sacrificial, compassionate, and empathetic—not just in word but in action.
“The Lord uses hard situations to change hard hearts. God’s provision in redemption is not just for us—it’s so he can use us in other people’s lives.”
Will you let Him use you?
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Inspired by Pastor Jim Toth’s sermon on Ruth 2: God’s Provision In Redemption. For more insightful resources, continue exploring faith-based content dedicated to deeper spiritual growth and practical application.