Redeemed Devotional – Day 24

Scripture:
Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” ¹¹ But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. ¹² 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!”¹³ Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.” ¹⁴ And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. 
Ruth 2:10-14

Shame has such a way of making us feel small. God knows your hesitancy and the reasons you have to doubt Him. He understands. He knows those objections you keep throwing at Him.

You might keep saying, “Anyone but me. You don’t know the obstacles in my life and in my mind to believe such an incredible promise. Let me ask you this then, “Can you feel the wonder that God is doing everything that needs to be done for you to enjoy His own enjoyment of you? Can you see that the enemies and the oppressors are not too strong for God? Nothing can stop Him, when He exults over you with loud singing. Can you feel the wonder of it now? Can you believe that He rejoices over you?”

“No, you say. I still can’t believe it. I’ve done things too awful and have too much shame. God simply can’t be rejoicing over me with singing. He can’t be that for me. You’ve got the wrong person.”

I want you to remember that unbelievable shame was heaped on His Son, terrible slander, even from His own people. Therefore, ‘We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. And best of all, His Father says right here in Zephaniah 3:19: I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.’ Is it not amazing how well God knows you? Can you not feel the warmth of His heart as He makes provision for every question you have? Do you not yet hear the singing of God as you draw near? Do you see how this very moment He is changing your shame into praise?

Boaz’s words to Ruth echo the heart of God: “The Lord repay you… under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” Ruth’s dignity was not restored because she earned it, but because she was seen, valued, and sheltered by the Redeemer.

You might be feeling small today because of rejection, betrayal, or abuse. You believe you’re unworthy of love. Or you carry guilt over mistakes with your children, convinced you’ve ruined their future. In your job or service, you feel overlooked, undervalued, or defined by failure. Perhaps spiritually you keep high standards outwardly, but secretly wrestle with bitterness, unforgiveness, or hidden sin.

Shame shrinks us. It makes us bow low, like Ruth on her face before Boaz, asking, “Why would you notice me?” But the Redeemer restores dignity. Boaz restored Ruth’s dignity with kind words, protection, and a seat at his table. Jesus restores ours with His cross, His presence, and His kingdom. Boaz noticed Ruth, a foreigner. Jesus notices us when we feel like outsiders, overlooked, or unworthy — and He calls us His own.

Boaz spoke kindly to Ruth, lifting her head. Jesus speaks life into our shame, declaring us forgiven, beloved, and honored. Boaz gave Ruth a place at his table. Jesus gives us a place at His eternal feast, not as servants on the outside, but as sons and daughters seated in honor. Boaz covered Ruth’s heritage with dignity. Jesus covers our deepest shame with His righteousness, transforming disgrace into glory. Boaz’s kindness gave Ruth comfort for a day. But Jesus’ kindness secures our dignity forever as He crowns us with honor that no failure, rejection, or past sin can take away.

Boaz was a redeemer in a field. Even better, Jesus is the Redeemer of the world. He does not just restore dignity for a moment, He restores it for eternity. So today, hear this. Your shame is not the end of your story. For the one who feels unworthy of love because of rejection, Jesus calls you beloved. For the parent who carries guilt over mistakes, Jesus calls you forgiven. For those who feel overlooked, Jesus calls you chosen. For the believer who feels like an outsider in church, Jesus calls you His own.

You may say, “No, not me. I’ve done too much. My shame is too heavy.” But remember that shame was heaped on Jesus, terrible slander, rejection, humiliation, and He bore it all so you could be free. So stop bowing low in shame. Lift your eyes to the Redeemer who restores dignity. Come to His table. Sit in His presence. Jesus is better. He does not just notice you. No, He rejoices over you. He does not just restore dignity for a moment, no, He crowns you with honor forever.

Pastor Josh Gerber

1. Where does shame most often whisper lies to you — in your past, your relationships, or your faith?
2. How does Ruth’s story encourage you that God notices and honors those who feel unseen?
3. What practical step can you take this week to live out the dignity Christ has given you — in how you speak, act, or forgive?

Meditate on Zephaniah 3:19: “I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.”
Each time shame rises this week, speak this verse aloud as a reminder that Jesus has clothed you in honor.