FHBC Sermon Notes

Ruth 4:1-22 - Ruth is a great story of a foreign woman, her mother-in-law and the man that would save and redeem them. Under this is an even greater story of how we also are redeemed through Jesus and his love.

This story is not just one that lays back in history, but is presently relevant because it demonstrates the might of God's hand that even holds history itself in sway. He is able, and demonstrates his great love for us, his great mighty and redemptive hand that works even now in our lives, in the work of his Son, and the continual work of the Spirit in all of our lives. 

Ruth had just gone to Boaz on the threshing floor and asks what is essentially a request for marriage, that he might act as their redeemer. In this final chapter we see Boaz active, working out the redemption of 

Ruth and Naomi. Likewise in Christ God has acted to redeem us as well. 

God isn't the clock maker who made the world and then left it to run. Instead he is active in all of its workings. Boaz is here a picture of how God acts to redeem us.  Only He can redeem us. 

    Boaz did not wait around.  God has gone even further. Even before the world began God was taking the initiative, he acted to pursue us, to make us his own. (Ephesians 1) 

    The difference between Mr. So and So and Boaz is that the first man didn't want to take on Ruth. He was perfectly willing to take the land, because it was profitable. What is love? Is it not the sacrifice of ones own interest to bring about good for another.  Boaz gave of himself to fulfill this obligation.  So how has God who has everything sacrificed for our behalf. He gave his own Son as a sacrifice for us, dying in our place, purchasing our own lives in exchange for his.  (1 John 4:7-12)

     God has redeemed us that we may know his glory, know the greatness of his love. V. 14 "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer..."

God acts for himself first, yes, but with us in mind, that we also get the chance to partake of his blessings. If mom or dad makes a great meal, perhaps they made it for themselves, but we to as their children are able to participate and enjoy that blessing as well. 

In Ruth, the blessing of children is paramount to the previous promises God had made to his people. Ruth had been married before without children.  Perhaps it was thought that she was barren, but here as a direct result of Boaz, they are all blessed with this great gift. To the glory of God, they are given a son, that would be the 

     We are grafted into the vine, we are the bride of Christ. So great for us his life

   The same women to which Naomi had earlier said, call me bitter, give that great blessing, praising God for his redemptive work. 

   In John 10, Jesus tells us the extent of his love.  Nothing can snatch us from us his hand. 

    Ruth's faithfulness is made complete in the actions of Boaz.  Likewise, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Phillipians 1:6

The challenge: if you do not know Christ, repent and seek his face. For us in him, let us live in he light of his glory.  Let us praise him with all our might.  Let us give all our mind, heart and strength to the praise and glory of his name. Amen.