Jenny and I recently read this book which was written in 1976 by Roy Hession. It really is a beautiful story of ‘redemption’ and well worth reading if you have the opportunity. Based upon the story of Ruth and written through the gateway of the author’s personal need, he writes honestly and with much encouragement for us today.
While in a low spiritual state he heard the words of a well known song;
“Cover me, cover me, extend the border of Thy mantle over me, because Thou art my nearest kinsman. Cover me, cover me, cover me.”
This song is based upon the words of Ruth to Boaz; “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.” [3:9]
I won’t spoil the read if you get around to it but one particular part of the book stood out for us which I will endeavour to share with you.
When reading the Book we begin to see more and more the beautiful and unsurpassed glory of God’s redemptive grace towards his people. You and me. A casual glance at the word redemption may leave us with the thought that it is only the forgiveness of sins that we are offered. However, that is only part of God’s redemptive plan and it is so much more than that.
“Redemption is that activity of the grace of God that not only forgives a man’s sins but also restores and overrules all the loss occasioned by his sin.” With God failure is never final. How wonderful! Let us shout it from the rooftops so that those caught in the web of deceit may be set free by the power of God’s redemptive love.
Charles Finney says that revival is nothing less than a series of new beginnings – God doing something again and if that goes wrong, doing it yet again.
We can be certain that God’s invitation to experience our nearest Kinsman-Redeemer covers all of our sin, condemnation and failure and pursues us relentlessly with a deep affection and unchanging love.