Ruth: A Story of Redemption
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…
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…
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…
Introduction to Ruth
When Graeme Goldsworthy was asked to preach on Ruth 1 he quickly recognized that he would need to consider the book as a whole in order to grasp the “real significance” of the first chapter. The purpose of the book of Ruth is seen more clearly when the structure is understood. Therefore, it is important to begin our study of chapter one with an overview of the whole book paying careful attention to the way in which the author organized…