Ok… So he bought a zoo and his rebuilding began.
What can we do… without having to buy a zoo and relocate?

Sunday we told you about the Jewish law allowing a near relative (called a kinsman redeemer) to purchase the land of a widow and marry her. When she had a son, she would secure her inheritance for the next generation and secure her personal financial security. This relative really would come in and save the day. He would help her rebuild her family for future generations. Do a quick web search for Kinsman Redeemer and you will discover some wonderful history.

The kinsman redeemer helped to rebuild the family… starting with redemption.

We have a kinsman redeemer too… Jesus Christ. He is ready to start the rebuilding process in our family and He wants to start with you. He wants to adopt you into his family if you are not yet a Christ-follower.

After that… you are ready to begin rebuilding your family. This applies to parents, friends and children… anyone can jump up and become a kinsman redeemer for the relationships in their life. Here are some helps.

Guess what? You can be a kinsman redeemer for your family too. While only God can redeem us spiritually, you can redeem and rebuild your family relationships.
Here are some beginning steps.

1. See the need
Boaz saw the need Ruth had… she was destitute.
Jesus saw your need too… you were spiritually destitute.
Now it is your turn. What need do you see in your family?
We are not talking about a general need. You must to see a specific need. There are probably many but take them one at a time for now. Ask God to help you see a specific need in your family relationships. What is the need you see?

2. Take the first step… to speak and help
Boaz took the first step with Ruth as kinsman redeemer. He began asking about her when he saw her in his field. Then he began to offer help.
Jesus does the same for us. He speaks to us through His Word and offers to help us and meet our needs.
When you identify a specific need in your family, look to God’s Word for encouragement and speak to your family… encourage them, love them, insure them your are going to listen to God and allow Him to help meet the need.
Now, do what you can. Is there something you can do right now? What is the next right thing to do regarding this need? This is not something you need to delegate to another person. This is not something you need to change in another person. This is something for you to do, change or rearrange in you.

3. Protect and provide (even when not popular)
Boaz protected Ruth from danger while she was in his field.
Jesus protects us too as we remain under His wing.
What is the next right thing to do as you protect your family and family relationships? Sometimes we need to protect children from unhealthy friendships and influences. Sometimes we have to be the adult and lead our children toward the right thing to do. Do you really want your child to learn everything through the school of hard knocks? Don’t you see the wisdom in protecting by not seeing them repeat some of the mistakes you have made? Sometimes protecting our children does not make you the popular parent… but it can help your redeem your family.

4. Encouraged at desperate point (don’t kick when down, encourage)
Boaz encouraged Ruth at the lowest point in her life. Jesus does the same for us. Now it is time for you to do the same for your family.
How can you encourage them? What can you say? What can you do? You can make a difference. Show up in the lives of your family… encourage them.

5. Provided abundantly for them (abundant affection and care)
Boaz did not just meet a little need. He went above and beyond for Ruth. He provided abundantly. Needless to say, Jesus does too.
Now it is your turn again. As parents, husbands, fathers, wives, mothers (and yes, even as children) we need to provide abundant affection and care.
This is so tough for me but I’m asking Jesus to help me do this… to help me grow and become better at this. You can too. Our families need an abundance of care and affection. Lord, help us do better.

You can begin rebuilding your family. You can become the kinsman redeemer of your family relationships.

Happy rebuilding… be diligent… be great through Jesus.