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 his covenant people.
- Universal desire for comfort, peace, rest. The world offers countless counterfeits, but true rest is only found in Christ.
- Big Idea: How to find rest in the redeemer.
3 essential aspects to finding rest. Once again, we see it in through the examples of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Resting involves trusting 1) The Redeemer’s Promise, 2) The Redeemer’s Provision, and 3) The Redeemer’s Persistence.
Resting in the Redeemer’s Promise (16)
- Literally “Who are you, my daughter?” Same as v.9. Was it dark? The question doesn’t expect a name, but a character or condition. Essentially, Naomi is asking if Ruth is married.
- What had Boaz done for Ruth?
- He treated her with dignity and love. He honored her rather than take advantage of her.
- He gave her a promise. She would have a redeemer, himself or a closer relative.
- “Goel” (redeemer) = God’s redeeming activities.
- Levirate Marriage – “Levir” = “brother-in-law”. Responsible for marrying widow and having children to perpetuate name of deceased brother. This ensured care of widow.
- Genesis 38: Tamar tricks Judah.
- Deuteronomy 25: Unwilling brother humiliated before city elders (at the gate). Widow removes his sandal and spits in his face.
- Ruth 3-4: Boaz is not Elimelech’s brother and marries Ruth, not Naomi.
- Hoping Boaz practices spirit of the law rather than letter.
- God wanted his covenant people to enjoy a long life in the Promised Land. And yet, Naomi and Ruth have neither. With no husband to tend to the land it is worthless and they have no children.
- Boaz has proven to be a generous practitioner of the law. He didn’t simply perform his duty, he went above and beyond his duty.
- Past care > strong faith. Rest = Not expecting more.
The promise of Boaz was followed his provision.
Resting in the Redeemer’s Provision (17)
- The conversation summarized to highlight the provision.
- Naomi was “empty” (1:21). Boaz intends to fill the emptiness of both women.
- Ruth’s barley (70lbs!) exceeds expectations.
- Ruth (and Boaz) concerned for Naomi’s security. How do we know? Ruth followed Naomi’s plan almost perfectly. Difference is that instead of waiting for Boaz to tell her what to do, she popped the question, initiating the request for him to be their redeemer.
- Ruth is calling on Boaz to secure more than a marriage for her. She is actually calling on Boaz to redeem Naomi’s land and secure that land for their first son who would perpetuate the name of Elimelech.
- Ruth is not to return “empty”. Those days are over! Ruth and Boaz would ensure that her life was filled.
- Ruth will indeed receive a husband which opens the door for a child to carry on Elimelech’s name.
- We search throughout our lives for elusive comforts. We think we will find our rest in a spouse, a job, a house, a child, etc. Then, when we finally have what we always wanted, we wake up unsatisfied.
- We’ve already been blessed with “every spiritual blessing” in Jesus (Eph. 1:3). If we lack contentment and satisfaction, could it be that we are looking in the wrong places?
- Rest = Not searching for fulfillment elsewhere.
Promise > Provision > Persistence.
Resting in the Redeemer’s Persistence (18)
- Chapter 3, like chapters 1 and 2, conclude with a focus on Naomi.
- Naomi’s risky plan appears to have paid off. Her last statement acknowledges that they will indeed have to wait, but they won’t have to wait for long.
- The redeemer will forego rest in order to bring rest to his future bride.
- There is still some uncertainty here. Will the redeemer be Boaz or this other relative?
- First Christmas: Thought I’d surprise Carrie with something that wasn’t on her list.
- Her sister’s turtle > Baby Chameleon.
- Came home, explained she would have to open right away > She’s thinking, “It’s too big to wrap!!!” Giddy with excitement.
- She would inform you that she heard a giant iguana angrily hissing and swiping its tale.
- She was literally in tears when she realized I actually bought her a lizard…
- I drove that poor creature back to the pet store, with my wife praying (through tears) that it would still be open.
- That was last Christmas with any real uncertainty. It took some time for healing and rebuilding trust.
- Although, Naomi and Ruth remained uncertain about who would redeem them, they had confidence that they would be secure. They trusted Boaz would return with great news either way.
- They could rest because Boaz would not rest until he had an answer.
When a person is persistent to help, you can endure the waiting with anticipation, patience, and joy!
Conclusion
- Promise > Provision > Persistence.
- Our rest is dependent upon the promise, provision, and persistence of Christ (Isa 62:1-5).
- The book of Ruth is a picture of the persistence of God in sending his Son to take on the form of a man, born under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the cursed death of the cross. Being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. The humility of Jesus Christ magnifies God’s persistent love for his covenant people.
- Are you resting in the promise, provision, and persistence Jesus Christ has displayed on your behalf?