Episode 4: He Who Is Mighty
O Come O Come Emmanuel: 2024 Advent Devotional
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The book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful and redemptive stories in the Bible, nestled between the chaos of Judges and the rise of the Israel’s kings in 1 Samuel. In this week’s Advent devotion, titled “He Who Is Mighty,” Lisa and I focus on the themes of shame, redemption, and God’s unwavering grace on sinners.
Through the lives of Naomi and Ruth, we see how God lifts shame, restores brokenness, and transforms lives. Drawing inspiration from the song “He Who Is Mighty” by Sovereign Grace Music, we reflect on how Christ lifts the shame of through His life and death.
The Story Begins in Bitterness
The book opens in a time of darkness during the period of the Judges, a time when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Naomi and her family leave Judah due to famine, seeking survival in the land of Moab—an act that revealed a lack of trust in God’s provision.
In Moab, tragedy strikes. Naomi loses her husband and both of her sons, leaving her and her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, without security, protection, or hope. For a woman in this ancient culture, to be widowed and childless meant vulnerability, poverty, and societal shame.
Naomi, bitter and heartbroken, prepares to return to Bethlehem, urging Ruth and Orpah to return to their families. Yet Ruth chooses a different path. Her famous words in Ruth 1:16-17 reveal both loyalty to Naomi and a deep trust in Yahweh, the God of Israel:
“Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
Ruth’s faithfulness is astonishing. Though a Moabite, she places her hope in the God of Naomi—an act of courage and faith that will set in motion her redemption story.
God’s Grace Through Boaz: A Redeemer
Upon returning to Bethlehem, Naomi feels the full weight of her bitterness. “Call me Mara,” she says, “for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20). Yet, despite her despair, God’s kindness begins to shine through the story.
Enter Boaz, a relative of Naomi’s late husband and a man of character and compassion. When Boaz hears of Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, he honors her trust in God:
“The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (Ruth 2:12).
Boaz becomes Ruth’s “kinsman-redeemer”—a role in ancient Israel where a close relative could restore land and family lineage. Ruth humbly seeks this redemption, and Boaz responds with grace, marrying her and securing Naomi’s future.
Through Boaz, Ruth is restored, Naomi’s shame is lifted, and their brokenness is redeemed. This beautiful story foreshadows Christ, our ultimate Redeemer, who lifts our shame and restores us to honor.
Christ: The Greater Boaz
The song “He Who Is Mighty” captures the heart of this redemptive story:
“He who is mighty has done a great thing,
Taken on flesh and conquered death’s sting,
Shattered the darkness and lifted our shame.
Holy is His name.”
Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi, Christ redeems us. He lifts the shame of sin, restores our broken lives, and gives us a new identity. Naomi, who once believed the Lord had abandoned her, ends her story holding her grandson Obed, the grandfather of King David. Through this lineage comes Jesus, the Savior who conquers sin and death forever.
From Shame to Honor
One of the central themes of Ruth is God’s ability to replace shame with honor. Naomi returns to Bethlehem empty and bitter, yet God’s kindness restores her joy and legacy. Ruth, a foreigner and widow, becomes part of the lineage of Christ because of her faith and trust in God.
In Isaiah 61:7, we see a promise that points to Christ:
“Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;
Instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot.”
This is what Christ does for us. In Him, there is no more condemnation, no more slavery to sin or shame. Through His sacrifice, we are given a new name, a new identity, and everlasting joy.
Our Invitation to Trust
Ruth’s story calls us to trust in God’s providence, even when life feels hopeless. Like Naomi, we may struggle with bitterness, shame, or doubt. But God’s grace is greater. He is always working behind the scenes, weaving His redemptive plan.
This Advent season, we remember the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise—Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. He is the one who lifts our shame, breaks the yoke of sin, and restores us to life.
Let these words from “He Who Is Mighty” encourage your heart today:
“Now my soul magnifies the Lord,
I rejoice in the God who saves.
I will trust His unfailing love,
I will sing His praises all my days.”
May we rejoice in the God who saves, trusting His unfailing love and singing His praises for the great redemption He has brought through Christ.
Holy is His name.
