RUTH 4:9
And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought
all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi.”
A father and son built a toy sailboat. Before launching it, the father tied a string to its stern to
keep it from sailing too far. The boat performed beautifully, but before long a motorboat
crossing the lake cut the string, and the sailboat drifted out of sight. The boat couldn’t be
found anywhere.
A few weeks later the boy passed his favorite toy store and saw his lost sailboat in the
window. He ran inside to claim it. The store owner replied, “You may have been its maker,”
he said, “but as its finder, it now belongs to me. You may buy it back for fifty dollars.” The
boy was stunned at the cost, but he set about earning the money.
Months later he walked into the store and handed the owner $50. As he left the store, he held
the boat up to the sunlight. Its colors gleamed. He mused, “I once owned you, but I lost you.
Now I’ve bought you back. That makes you twice mine.
The land that Naomi’s husband owned had been lost, perhaps sold to provide food during the
famine. According to Jewish law, the nearest relative to her was responsible to buy back that
land if possible. Boaz agreed to be that redeemer after the nearest kinsman refused.
This is a picture of what Christ has done for us. As our Creator, He made us and owned us,
but by our rebellion we sold ourselves into sin. It took Jesus’ death-an unbelievable price-to
buy us back. Thus, for those who receive Him as Savior, we are twice owned.
We do not belong to ourselves; we have been bought with a price. That price was the blood
of Christ. Rejoice at the willingness of Jesus to buy us back. With gratitude, give your life to
Him in worship and service.
TO BE TWICE BOUGHT IS TO BE FOREVER OWNED.
WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in