The Birth of a Redeemer (Ruth 4:13-22)
Introduction Ruth concludes with genealogy. Obed > King David. Bethlehem, House of Bread > Bread of Life, Jesus. Primary focus = Naomi. Death and emptiness > Life and fullness. Read Ruth 4:13-22 Why does history drag out so long? Why doesn’t Jesus return right now? Why does everyone wait? Old Testament saints waited for Messiah. Every redeemer potentially the one. None fit. Then Christ came, in infant form. He accomplished reconciliation, yet still awaiting consummation. We wait for his return. What…
The Cost of a Wedding (Ruth 4:1-12)
Introduction Machiavelli, The Prince, “There is nothing so self-defeating as generosity: in the act of practicing it, you lose the ability to do so.” Boaz has proven to be generous. He operated on different principles than everyone else. Isn’t that the gospel? In the act of losing his life, Jesus saved us. It was self-defeating, then Jesus conquered death as well. In Ruth 3, redemption promised, but who fulfill? Read Ruth 4:1-12 Difficult elements in Ruth: The levirate-marriage (Deut. 25) Land and redemption…
Bless the Lord (Psalm 134)
Introduction “The Songs of Ascent” span from Psalms 120-134. The phrase literally translates “A Song of Steps”. Luther translates ”A Song from the higher choir” thinking it had to do with their singing from an elevated platform for better projection of their voices. However, the traditional view is that these psalms were sung on the pilgrimage back to Jerusalem at various feast times, but particularly during Passover (From Kedar 120:5 to the temple 134). This psalm includes both a call…
Finding Rest in the Redeemer (Ruth 3:16-18)
Introduction Ch.3 is difficult. Is Naomi’s promoting reckless immorality (v.4)? Actually, Naomi seeking security for Ruth (v.1). Ruth couldn’t glean forever. Naomi wouldn’t be around forever. Ruth would find rest in a husband, a goal she had in Moab (1:9). Read Ruth 3:16-18 “Rest” bookends the chapter (vv.1 & 18). Different words in Hebrew, but similar meaning (Ruth’s rest/Boaz’s peace). Who understands rest? Teens at chore time? Once again, God’s grace and mercy revealed through the words and actions of…
A Joyful Proposal (Ruth 3:1-15)
Introduction Boaz provided, but no longterm security. The harvest ended (2:23). Once no food, who will help? Read Ruth 3:1-15 6mos food, but future uncertain. Abundance of temporary blessings no guarantee future security. A 1978 study: “What happens to a person’s emotional life after winning the lottery?” Lottery winners/accident victims asked to rate pleasure from everyday activities (friends, TV, breakfast, laughing). Accident victims were happier! Barley NOT $1M + Ruth obtained responsibly. But no rest…not yet! Boaz promised Ruth (3:13), but she’d…
Sharing in the Harvest (Ruth 2:17-23)
In chapter one of the book of Ruth we saw how dark circumstances led Naomi into bitterness. There was a famine in Israel so Naomi followed her husband Elimelech, taking along their two sons, to Moab. Shortly after arriving there Elimelech died. Naomi’s sons married Moabite wives, which was another act of disobedience. And within ten years, both her sons are dead. Naomi described her circumstances at the end of chapter 1 in verses 20-21, “Do not call me Naomi…
The Harvest Begins (Ruth 2:1-16)
Open your bibles to Ruth 2:1-16. Last week, looking at chapter one, we dealt with the primary problem of Naomi’s bitterness and emptiness. Despite the incredible display of faith and the unwavering commitment of her daughter-in-law Ruth, Naomi remained pessimistic regarding her chances of surviving in Bethlehem. She no longer wants to be called Naomi, but Mara, because the Lord had dealt very bitterly with her (1:20). Have you tried to relate? Are you able to put yourselves in their…
A Song for the Sabbath (Psalm 92)
Introduction Our series, “Evenings in the Psalms,” was meant to point out the pattern of worship in Scripture which speak to the importance of opening and closing our day in worship. • In Psalm 1 we noted how Christians are to be characterized in a way that is distinct from the world. They should be characterized by a refusal to compromise with the world. A love for God’s Word so that they meditate upon it day and night. • In…
Love That Will Not Let Go (Ruth 1:7-22)
Introduction We are continuing a look at this opening chapter and its theme of death and emptiness in Naomi’s life. Last week we saw that her family’s move to Moab left her without her two sons and her husband (5). But God has brought and end to the famine (6). Read Ruth 1:7-22 When we suffer and go through seasons of difficult circumstances, we often run. We attempt to flee our problems, and sometimes that includes fleeing the Church. We run from the one thing that…
A Bitter Journey (Ruth 1:1-6)
Introduction We noted last week that chapter one presents the problem of death and emptiness in Naomi’s life. The solution begins to develop in chapter two, but the reader must wait until the very end of the story before seeing the full realization. Read Ruth 1:1-6 The famine that occurs in Bethlehem begins the story and explains why Elimelech is moving his family to Moab (1:1). The Lord’s provision of food ends the episode and begins the return journey of Naomi, now widowed and…