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Read at the beginning of the service:

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

INTRODUCTION

Today we conclude our series on the book of Ruth (give a recap of what we?ve talked about):

Ruth 1 ? “The Velcro Effect” (God?s Faithulness)

Naomi and Elimelech move to Moab to escape the famine in Israel

Naomi?s two sons marry Orpah and Ruth ? Moabitess woman.

Naomi?s husband and two sons die

Naomi decides to move back to Israel ? Ruth and Orpah insist on going with her.

Naomi convinces Orpah to return to her people.

Naomi cannot convince Ruth who clung to Naomi saying, “Your people will be my people, Your God my God, Where you go I will go, Where you stay I will stay”

Ruth 2 ? “It Just Happened” (God?s Provision)

Naomi had named herself Mara which means bitter ? thinking God had given up on her.

Ruth decides to go and gather some food ? it just happened that she landed in the fields of Boaz ? a kind man.

Ruth brings some of the abundance back to Naomi and shares with her.

Ruth 3 ? “Amazing Love” (God?s Love)

The love of God is pictured by the love shown by Ruth and Boaz.

Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz who his a kinsmen reedemer to lay at his feet and seek his protection.

Boaz promises if He is able to Redeem Ruth.

READ RUTH 4

PRAY

Some of you may remember the days when you could collect soda bottles for the purpose of redeeming them at a store. You would take these bottles in and recover the deposit that had been paid on them.

Some of you may remember that there were some bottles that you collected that said on the back of them:
“NO REFILL – NO RETURN”
In other words this bottle is non-redeemable. Many of the bottles you buy in today?s stores have that phrase on them.
Naomi had thoughts and feelings the days of redemption were beyond her. Having her husband and sons die in the land of Moab, and being left with one daughter-n-law who was a foreigner, all seemed hopeless.
Old Testament Kinsman Redeemer

Today we see from the book of Ruth a story of God’s Redemption. From the land of Moab, gleaning in the fields of Boaz and to the threshing floor the story finds its purpose in the kinsman redeemer.

In the Old Testament the kinsman redeemers were relatives who protected the needy members of their extended family. They could redeem (buy back) . . .

A relative sold into slavery (Lev 25:47-49)

Preserve the family lineage of a deceased male by marrying his widow and providing an heir. (Deut 25:5-6)

Land a relative had sold outside the family. (Lev 25:25)

In order for the kinsman to redeem persons , land or lineage he must fit these qualifications.

• Must be a blood relative.
• Must be able to redeem.
• Must be willing to redeem.

In the story of Ruth there is a kinsman nearer than Boaz, but he is not able nor willing to redeem. (Ruth 4:1-6)

Ruth 4:6 (NIV)

6 At this, the kinsman-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

Boaz steps up to become the kinsman to redeem the land and lineage of Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon, Ruth’s deceased husband. Boaz being a blood relative is able and willing to redeem.
Christ Our Kinsman Redeemer

The story sounds ancient and the customs sound strange, but bear with me for this story has a parallel to our Kinsman Redeemer.

In the Old Testament writings we have types and word pictures of the person and work of Jesus Christ. When Moses lifted up the serpent in the Wilderness (Numbers 21:9) it is a word picture of the atoning work of Christ (see: John 3:14).

John 3:14-15 (NIV)

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

Boaz is a type of Christ in his role as kinsman redeemer. Knowing who the Kinsman can redeem ? those sold into slavery (sin) and being blood related, able and willing we see the effective redeeming work of Christ.

Redeemer must be blood related ? Christ became the incarnation that He might be the blood relative to redeem lost humanity.

John 1:14 (NIV)

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Redeemer must be able ? Christ was able

1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Redeemer must be willing ? Christ was willing.

Hebrews 9:12 (NIV)

12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

The apostle Paul reminds us in our fallen nature we have been sold to the slavery of sin (Romans 7:14). Therefore all mankind is in need of a redeemer. The principle of redemption is to be bought back from the bondage of sin and freedom from its control.

Ephesians 2:11-13 (NIV)

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)– 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,

Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer!

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Titus 2:14 (NIV)

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

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Galatians 3:13 (NIV)

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

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Ephesians 1:7′ (NIV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Christ purchased our freedom through His blood as the payment to redeem us. Need I say that God is still in the redemption business.
The Benefits of Redemption

A story is told of a business man who was wanting to sell an old warehouse. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and thrown trash all over the place. As he showed a prospective buyer the property, he said that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage. The buyer said, “Forget about the repairs. When I buy this place, I’m going to build something completely different. I don’t want the building; I want the site.”

That’s God’s message to us! God wants to redeem us and build in us the benefits of redemption.
redemption restores life

Ruth 4:6-8 (NIV)

6 At this, the kinsman-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.” 7 (Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.) 8 So the kinsman-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal.

Boaz keeps the family alive! He restores the lineage of Naomi’s husband and sons to continue. When death seemed inevitable redemption restored life.

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Psalms 23:3-4 (NIV)

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

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Psalms 51:12 (NIV)

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Can you sing the song of the redeemed? It’s a song of restoration and renewal in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 5:9 (NIV)

9 And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

redemption gives witness

Ruth 4:9-10 (NIV)

9 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion and Mahlon. 10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records. Today you are witnesses!”

Redemption always bears witness to the truth. We are witnesses not only of each other, but the redeeming work of God. The Christian life is not to be a life of isolation. It is to be a witness of the great redemptive work of God in us through Christ Jesus.

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Psalms 107:2 (NKJV)

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

Just as many witnessed the redeeming act of Boaz to Ruth, so we must become witnesses of God redemption in our lives.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Are we witnesses of the day Christ redeemed us … bought us back from the slavery of sin? Are we witnesses this day?

redemption gives new life

Ruth 4:13-15 (NIV)

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

The lives of the redeemed share in the new life offered. God was not satisfied with Boaz merely redeeming the land, but the life of Ruth so that the life lineage would continue.

For Naomi her life was now restored through the new life she held in her hands

” Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.” (Ruth 4:16) Naomi was holding her redemption! Oh to think that there was once a time that was so dark in her life that she had given up all hope. But God … isn’t that a great phrase! But God had other plans … plans of redemption.

The story of Ruth does not end with this gentle picture of Grandma Naomi holding Obed the son of Ruth and Boaz. Redemption gives new life so that redemption may continue.

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Ruth 4:22 (NIV)

22 Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.

We must travel forward into the land of the New Testament to see the lineage of Boaz and Ruth continuing.

Matthew 1:5-6 (NIV)

5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, ?

Matthew 1:16 (NIV)

16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

We see the scene of Naomi cradling Obed in her arms and now we see Mary and Joseph in the temple dedicating the Christ child. And another elderly lady named Anna bears witness of the redemption to be made in Christ

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Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer who gives new life to all who come to Him. The story of redemption continues each time a person confesses and believes in Jesus Christ. The story of redemption continues to give new life!

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

In Him we find the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness, care, and love.
In Him salvation is fulfilled for a sinful and lost mankind.
In Him we find that Ruth’s story is our story as we have a Redeemer who is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is Faithful and True
Song: Steven Curtis Chapman

As I look back on this road I’ve traveled.
I see so many times He carried me through.
If there’s one thing I know in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do.
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My heart rejoices when I read the promise.
There is a place I am preparing for you.
I know someday I’ll see my Lord face to face.
Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do.
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

In every situation He has proved His love for me.
When I lack the understanding He gives more grace to me.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do.
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

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The days of redemption are not beyond us they are before us! Our Redeemer is faithful and true!

Read at beginning of service:

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (NIV)

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

INTRODUCTION

Many people have different responses to the question, “What is love?” Seldom is there two people who agree on what love is.

There is the story of the little girl who answered that love is when her daddy tucks her in to bead and reads a story to her ? True love is when he doesn?t skip any pages! (Autoillustrator.com, “LOVE”)

• Love is a mother.
• Love is a father.
• Love is when my sister leaves me alone.
• Love is your parents letting you have your way.
• Love is a lesson in human frailty.
• Love is a candle lit at both ends and when it meets it extinguishes itself.

They get better, I mean worse.

• Love is the dim glow of the candle flame of hope buried at the bottom of a well so deep that on a no-moon night, peering over the edge as far as possible, you cannot detect the feeble flame — you know it’s there ? but the rope you have is only five feet long.
• Love is sitting at the window, looking out and remembering who you were the night before.
• Love is where fantasy meets reality.

It is safe to say many have no idea of what love is or what it is about. And yet, for so many love is the one thing they want more than anything else ? to love and be loved. So the question and the quest moves on to you and I. What is love?

Today we have before us a picture of love. It is a picture of God’s love, God is the source and sum of true love. It involves the lives of Namoi, Ruth, Boaz, you and I.

For those who have not been with us in the last few weeks let me give a brief history account to catch us all up to date.

• Naomi & Elimelech travel to the land of Moab because of famine in the land of Israel.
• Elimelech dies in Moab.
• Ruth’s two sons marry women from Moab, Ruth and Orpah.
• Their husbands die and Orpah returns to her own people, but Ruth clings to Naomi and forsake her people.
• They travel back to Israel for the famine has ended.
• Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz and finds favor in his sight.

The story is quickly coming to a climax that involves love and redemption. Today we look at love and next week redemption.

To get a clearer understanding of love let us not glean among the tares of the world for our definition, but from the wheat itself of God’s love.

Read Ruth 3
Love Provides Security
Ruth 3:1-2

Ruth 3:1-3 (NIV)

1 One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? 2 Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.

God is a great provider. If we will only look around us we can see His loving provisions.

Notice Naomi who earlier was bitter about her situation believing God’s hand was against her. Through the faithfulness of Ruth and the favors of Boaz, Naomi begins to see rays of hope in the midst of her darkness. She goes from having to be provided for to one who wants to provide. She knew she could not give Ruth a home or living. So she now plays “matchmaker” for she wants to provide for Ruth the security of marriage.
Do those whom you love find security in your love? Or are they always having to earn your love? Do you love to make others feel secure?

Why did God provide . . .

• Coverings for Adam and Eve after they had sinned? ? Because He loved them.
• Smoke by day and fire by night to lead the children of Israel? ? Because He loved them.
• Voices of repentance through the prophets? ? Because He loved His people.
• Protect Daniel in the lion’s den? ? Because He loved him.

Why did God provide His Son as the atoning sacrifices for ours sin? Because He loves us!

Naomi sought “security” for Ruth by obtaining a Hebrew husband for her. In granting her success, God was answering her earlier prayer (1:9 “May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”) with much more than she had hoped. (Quickverse: Believers Study Bible) God always provides security

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

In Christ God has provided each of us with His secure love. A love that we do not have to earn. A love that will keep us eternally secure.

Extra Note: Did you notice verse three? Naomi instructed Ruth to “put on” her best garments. Love is the greatest garment you and I can wear! It wasn’t just the clothes, but the love Ruth had for Boaz.

We are instructed in the Christian life to “put on” several garments.

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Put on the love of Jesus Christ, for there you will find the greatest provision of security.
Love Submits & Obeys
Ruth 3:4-5,6-7
Submit and obey, these are words that conjure up horrible thoughts among many today. Living in a “free” society many do not want to submit to the likes of others having to obey their commands. We desire freedom from all restraints.

What we fail to understand is that in the field of loving security it is not a burden to submit and obey.

Ruth listens to the very detailed words of her mother-in-law (vs.4-5) and the executes them obediently (6-7). Listen to Ruth, “All that you say to me I will do.”

Would you? Would you not obey these words of instruction knowing they would bring you security and a hope in life? Ah, be careful how you answer.

John 14:15 (NIV)

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.

Love submits . . .

• Thoughts so as not to think less of another.
• Tongue so as not to talk less of another.
• Eyes so as not to see another as less.
• Life so as to love Christ and others.

In a time of great extremity the young man prayed to God for deliverance. In return for that deliverance the young man promised God a life-long commitment of service to others. Shortly thereafter, he was confronted with a man who embodied all that he disdained: a Texan with a loud brash manner who would lean close to confide a “great truth.” And in drawing near he would bellow and his spittle would fly and cover the glasses of the quiet young man. That night, he whispered to God, “If you will but deliver me from this loud, obnoxious person, I promise to serve you the rest of my life.” Instantly the response came in his heart: “Love one another.” The relationship continued. The Texan, oblivious to all, seemed to be delighted to have this quiet young man as his friend and confidant. He would give lusty greetings from across a crowded room, and continued showering the young man whenever they were in close proximity. On his part, the young man would remove his glasses, and holding the gaze of the Texan, clean them very deliberately. He thought: “God — you love him through me. I’m weak — much too weak.” The answer in his heart was swift and sobering: “My commandment is this — that you love him, just as I have loved you.” The young man began to try to put this into practice. He looked for ways to express a love that he did not feel. He listened to the Texan, and even began to be interested in what he was saying. He took him out for coffee and, during the telling of a story by the Texan, laughed loudly himself when the Texan spilled his coffee while gesturing wildly. After a short while, the quiet young man and the Texan became inseparable friends. Always together, they found time for many conversations. One day the quiet young man related to his friend from Texas that he had had a great deal of difficulty in the beginning of their relationship. There was a quiet moment. Then the Texan leaned close and said, or sprayed: “YEAH, AH KNOW. AH DID TOO. AH THOUGHT YOU’D NEVER GET OVER BEIN’ SUH STUCK UP!” (Autoillustrator.com, LOVE)

Ruth’s simple reply shows her trust in Naomi and her submission to her. Here is the key to her obedience. She knows that a place of blessing is found in submission.

Have we learned this? “At your feet Oh Lord is the most high place.”

The very picture of Ruth laying at the feet of Boaz is a beautiful picture of you and I submitting our lives at the feet of God the Father.

Husbands have you learned this? Wives have you learned this? Children have you learned this? Submission is the place of blessing.
Love Gives and Receives
Ruth 3:8-17

Acts 20:35 (NIV)

35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When love is received it continues to give. Ruth could have gone after younger men than Boaz (vs.10). But she gave her life. She started by giving her life away when she left Moab forsaking her own people to stay with Naomi and now as she lay in submission (vs.14) she again was giving her life away. Ruth was willing to give her life that she might receive life (vs.9).

John 12:25 (NIV)

25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

There is a story about a man and wife who were celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary–fifty years of married life. Having spent most of the day with relatives and friends at a big party given in their honor, they were back home again. They decided, before retiring, to have a little snack of tea with bread and butter. They went into the kitchen where the husband opened up a new loaf of bread and handed the end piece (the heel) to his wife. Whereupon she exploded! She said, “For fifty years you have been dumping the heel of the bread on me. I will not take it anymore; this lack of concern for me and what I like.” On and on she went in the bitterest of terms, for offering her the heel of the bread. The husband was absolutely astonished at her tirade. When she had finished he said to her quietly, “But it’s my favorite piece.” (Autoillustrator.com, “LOVE”)

Boaz willingly receives Ruth’s proposal for marriage through the Kinsman Redeemer relationship.

Ruth 3:9 (NIV)

9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.”

When you give you receive. Boaz promises to do all that Ruth has asked of him. He will become her redeemer. Love always gives and love always receives and in turn it will always give again.
CONCLUSION

We will see in greater detail next week the work of the Kinsman Redeemer for our lives who is Christ. But for the moment I want you to see this beautiful picture of love made up of provision, submission, obedience, giving and receiving. And it all pertains to you and I.

I know this story may seem archaic but it is not. It is our story! Giving and receiving love is our make up as Christians. If there is one quality of the Christian life that ought to out weigh and shine all the others it is our love. We are to be known for our love.

Folks the tremendous truth of the Bible ? which is God?s word to us is that He loves you ? and it is by His example of love that He shows how we can love.
The Bible declares these words to us.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (NIV)

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

The story in Ruth 3 is a story of love. I think it is only fitting to close out this chapter with the words of Paul for they fit so well into the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. And we can only pray they fit our lives.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

Look at the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz and we quickly discover, “Love never fails.”

WHATEVER Once, while riding in the country, I saw on a farmer’s barn a weather vane on the arrow of which was inscribed these words: “God is Love.” I turned in at the gate and asked the farmer, “What do you mean by that? Do you think God’s love is changeable; that it veers about as that arrow turns in the winds?” The farmer said, “Oh, no! I mean that whichever way the wind blows, God is still Love.” Charles Spurgeon (Autoillustrator.com, “LOVE”)

God loves you and when you know that you find His provisions. When you know God loves you, you can submit to Him in obedience. And when you receive God’s love you and give God’s love.

Ah, it’s love that can only be described by living it. “Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all.” Amen!

READ AT BEGINNING OF SERVICE:

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

INTRODUCTION

Read Ruth 2

In 1858 a Sunday School teacher, Mr. Kimball, led a Boston shoe clerk to give his life to Jesus Christ. The clerk was Dwight L. Moody who became an evangelist. In 1879 while preaching in England the heart of a pastor named F.B. Meyer was set on fire, who later came to an American college campus to preach. Under his preaching a student by the name of Wilbur Chapman was saved. He engaged in YMCA work and employed a former baseball player named Billy Sunday, to do evangelistic work. Billy Sunday held a revival in Charlotte, North Carolina. Because the revival stirred the hearts of many, some 30 business men wanted to devote a day of prayer for Charlotte. In May of 1934 a farmer lent the men some land to use for their prayer meeting. The leader of the business men, Vernon Patterson prayed, “Out of Charlotte the Lord would raise up someone to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth.” The business men then called for another evangelistic meeting asking Mordecai Ham, a fiery Southern evangelist who shattered the complacency of church-going Charlotte. The farmer who lent his land for the prayer meeting was Franklin Graham and his son Billy became a Christian during the meeting.

All I can say is Wow, what a coincidence! Who would have ever dreamed or imagined that because a Sunday School teacher told a young man about Jesus it would turn out the likes of Billy Graham. Now is that luck or what? If that isn’t fate I don’t know what is! What else could it be?
How about your life? Are there a series of events in your life that may appear as luck, or chance?
That is exactly what the world want us to believe about such events in the lives. It’s all just luck they say. Many would have us believe such things as:

FATALISM: the view that all things are determined by an untouchable law of cause and effect. In other words fate.

DEISM: the idea that God created the world but then withdrew from its day-to-day caring of it.

DUALISM: the view that two opposing forces in the universe are locked in struggle with each other for control.

As Christians is this what we believe life comes down to? An order of fate by an uncaring higher power who is struggling to gain control of the universe?

The book of Ruth and the rest of the Bible has something different to say about the everyday events and circumstances we happen to find ourselves in. It’s called God’s Providential Care.

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“Do you know how many times the word coincidence (or any other word like it) is used is the Bible? Zero. Not one event in all of Scripture is ever spoken of as having been coincidental.” [ Evan D. Baltz, Pastor Sun Valley Church ]

So we begin by answering the question, “Who would have ever imagined or dreamed a Sunday School teacher leading a young man to Christ would have such an impact both now and eternally?” The answer is “God.”

With providence meaning to see and know in advance we can conclude that God saw in advance what impact Mr. Kimball would have by leading a young man to Christ.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

As Ruth gleaned in the field of Boaz, today I want us to glean from 2^nd chapter of the book of Ruth some truths concerning God and His providential care.
God’s Providential Care Allows Us to Go On

Ruth 2:2-3 (NIV)

2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself [happened] working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

Think about this scene with me for a moment. Ruth is a now a widow, she has left her homeland (Moab) to move into a country to which she would be viewed as a stranger, foreigner, and outsider, and her mother-in-law who is a widow herself has given up, thinking the hand of God is against her.

Ruth however was not inclined to sit and lick her wounds. She knew they had to eat and that meant she would have to work in the fields a gleaner. And that she did!

There is a great deception in the midst of God’s church today. It’s called always got to be blowing and going. If it isn’t then God is not in it.

Isn’t it interesting that God who can move mountains, raise people from the dead, heal the sick and lame, give sight to the blind, provide miraculous feedings, and raise His own Son from the dead, chooses to do most of His work in the quiet, very normal everyday events and happenings?

Behind the scenes of Naomi and Ruth God was quietly at work. Henry Blackabye states that God is always at work around us, even if we do not see Him working. In fact one of the most interesting definitions for coincidence I have come across is:

Coincidence: is a small miracle where God prefers to remain anonymous. (Autoillustrator.com, “COINCIDENCE”)

I believe it is called a trust factor. The very fact that Ruth was with Naomi, having given up her own, and was now going out to work says she trusted God. Like Elizabeth Elliot has said concerning her husband and herself, so Ruth was in the shadow of the Almighty. The apostle Paul knew this trust factor in his life?

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2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

“Providence is God’s faithful and effective care and guidance of everything which He has made toward the end which he has chosen.” [ Timothy George, Holman Bible Dictionary, Providence ]

Ruth’s “happening” to come into the field of Boaz was not chance or luck, it was by God’s design of providential care. God knew what He was doing and He still knows what He is doing in your life today.

I must say that there is an opposite side to this story. Many like Naomi become bitter and swelled with the cynical view of “Why is God doing this to me? What have I done to deserve this?” The cynic never trusts anyone much less God!

The challenge for us is to see that God is behind the scenes working for our best.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Few if any escape illness, loss of income, death of a loved one, pressures of job and family, loneliness, injustices, and the many other thorns in this life.

“The point is not that following Christ will exempt one from trouble or pain. What it does provide is the assurance of God’s presence in the midst of the stormy tempests of life.”[ Timothy George ]

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Genesis 28:15-16 (NIV)

15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

To know and trust that God is with you in the very place you find yourself today allows you to go on while experiencing His providential care.
God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Care

Cynicism breeds carelessness. The cynics 2^nd favorite line is, “I don’t care!” The first is “I don’t believe that!” We are living in a world much like the dark days of the judges in Ruth’s time to which everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes.

Oh but out of the darkness of the day comes two shining examples of how we are to live life under God’s providential care.

BOAZ ?

As a kinsman to Ruth’s husband Mahlon, Boaz was by law to care for her. He could have sighed and begrudgingly allowed Ruth to glean from his fields.

But Boaz being a man of integrity and loyalty to God in the midst of these dark times, sees an opportunity to express his thankfulness to God for His gracious care shown in his own life.

Listen how he greets his workers in the field, “The Lord be with you!” It shows he is sterling in his love for God. It was not a clich?. How do I know, because of the kindness and care that is shown to Ruth, a foreigner, and a stranger.

• Allows Ruth to glean more than just extra. God never has us live off the residue of His love. vs. 8,15-16
• Gives Ruth protection. God at times hedges us in. vs. 9a
• Provides Ruth with water for her thirst. vs. 9b
• Feeds Ruth from his own table. vs. 14

God’s providential care had been showered upon Boaz and now he was willing to allow God to use him to show care for another.

RUTH

Another sterling example of light in the midst of darkness is Ruth.

Ruth 2:14 (NIV)

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over.

Ruth 2:18 (NIV)

18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

Ruth could have become selfish having hit the jack pot of sorts and thought only of herself. She could have easily forgotten her bitter mother-in-law. She could have focused upon Boaz as the gift giver and lost sight of who she was, an outsider. I believe she loved God with a whole heart and that allowed her to return and care further for Naomi.

Ruth 2:11-12 (NIV)

11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband–how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

God want to teach us that we who recognize His providential care must be willing to go to those who are bitter with life and show them His care.

Tell me we have not lost our ability to care. Have we lost sight of who we are, a stranger and alien of whom God has taken in, and who God is. The very truth that He providentially (seeing before you do) cares for us should lead us deeper into a life of caring for one another.
God’s Providential Care Allows Us to Humble Ourselves

Ruth 2:10 (NIV)

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me–a foreigner?”

There?s something important to remember about Ruth here ? not only was Ruth a foreigner but she was also a native of Moab. For those who aren?t familiar with Israelite history this might not mean to much ? but for those who are it is significant. Moab was one of the countries that refused to allow the Israelites peaceful passage through their country when they were on their way to the promised land. (Also relate story of Baalam). Ruth knew that she would not be well received in this new land on account of her heritage but she was willing to risk a chance with God.

The average person does not understand what it means to be in need and fails to appreciate the grace of God. Ruth falling on her face demonstrates a great act of humility and respect for the kindness shown to her by Boaz.

She was hurting inside. She was hungry and alone and this act of care and compassion was too much and she fell to the ground in 100% humility.

Are we a humble people? Or has the world crept into our hearts and seared the humility we once had? Have we become prideful and arrogant? I am afraid that too many of us would have responded in this fashion.

• “Hey, I am your relative by marriage and by law you have to let me glean!
• “Hey, you can’t tell me where to glean and where not to, I will do as I please!
• “Hey, I am poor and you owe me you wealthy snob!”

Keep in mind and heart that Ruth is modeling for us what we should be. She is here in the scripture not for some nice story to tell, but her life is for our admonition

Have we spent any time down on our faces of late in the posture of 100% humility? If not let me take you back to the time you confessed and believed in Jesus Christ. Was it not at the point of confession and belief that we finally understood we were a foreigner to God’s grace? And all we could do was humbly bow before Him admitting our inability to do anything about our sinful condition. Confessing your sins to Christ is so hard for some because they don?t want to admit their in need of forgiveness!

Ruth 2:10b (NIV)

“Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me–a foreigner?”

What has happens in our lives that turns us from the act of humility before God?

“Human arrogance and pride and the desire for self-determination often block those words from our lips and our hearts and our minds.” [ Evan D. Baltz ]

James 4:10 (NIV)

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

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1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

CONCLUSION

After examining this second chapter of Ruth can we look at our lives events and say, “Hum, coincidence!”? No, as we have seen in the life of Ruth there are no happenstance’s. God is at work in our lives through His providential care. Meaning God has already looked into this day and has what you are in need of. He is working in today’s events to provide for you. Don’t miss it!

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Ruth 2:13 (NIV)

13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort?