A Generous Provider

Intro

My family and I just got back from our vacation in Phoenix

Question… why do we live here!

Make joke about moving “en mass” to Arizona

The main reason we get to go to Arizona often is the generosity of Karen’s sister and her family

Open up their home (and pool, and hot tub), let us use their car, take us out to eat, put up with our chaos, etc.

Their generosity gives us time to relax and connect, and we appreciate it

It also provides a good example of the generosity displayed by Boaz to Ruth

Jumping back in: last time I preached Boaz had already shown Ruth great generosity as a reward for her loyalty to Naomi

Re-read Ruth 2:12-13.

As the story picks up in Ruth 2:14, we see this generosity go even further

Above and Beyond (Ruth 2:14-16)

Boaz is intrigued by Ruth, and invites her to eat with him and the others

Read Ruth 2:14-15.

Not an honour that would have been given to those gleaning

A good reminder of the fact that Boaz cares for Ruth; a budding romance (recognizes that she is honourable)

Not only did Ruth eat with Boaz, she ate until she was satisfied… and had some left over!

Can you imagine how this must have felt after a long time of going with little/not enough?

She would have started the day hungry without prospects; now she was full with extra

In his generosity to Ruth, Boaz was going above and beyond

He had already been generous to provide her the best position for gleaning, water to drink and safety from assault

Now he has offered her more food than she can eat!

Boaz also allows her to glean among the sheaves, and commands his reapers to literally pull barley from the bundles and leave it for Ruth

Read Ruth 2:15-16.

More than would ever be necessary; above and beyond

We learn much about our relationship with God in Boaz’s generosity toward Ruth

First, we are reminded that God goes above and beyond in His generosity towards us.

Cf. 2 Corinthians 9:8-9.

“make all grace abound to you” = “able to bless you abundantly”

In His grace, God blesses us abundantly

Can be considered in the physical sense (we are ALL affluent)

Finds its deepest fulfillment in the Gospel

Share what Jesus has done in terms of “above and beyond” generosity

Again, not just generous to give us what we need, but above and beyond; God gives us more than we need

Refer to conversation with Roland and read 1 Tim. 6:17, highlighting “to enjoy”

God’s generosity is not deserved, but it is not to be shunned either. Enjoy the blessings that He has given you (home, family, job, etc.)

And appreciate them appropriately for the gift that they are

Secondly, God has been generous to us with a purpose: So that we can go above and beyond in our generosity to others.

Cf. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11a.

You will be enriched… why? “To be generous in every way”

Talk about those supporting my parents when they were full-time missionaries

How is God calling you to be generous in every way?

Give to missionaries; give to your church; host people in your home, help others move; go for coffee and catch up… so many ways!

Grateful Acceptance (Ruth 2:17-19)

Ruth continues to work hard until the end of the day, and brings home all that she has gleaned

She is left with an ephah of barley (approx. 22 litres), as well as the extra food from the meal

Which she shares with Naomi as she tells her about her day… and what a day!

*Give a general recap of the story of the day*

One thing that is true of Naomi and Ruth is that they were able to gratefully accept the generosity of Boaz

Ruth was humble (lay down at his feet) and thankful, but she was not too proud to accept the gifts that were given to her

There are times we are called to give generously, and there are times we need to receive the generosity of others with grateful acceptance.

Talk about my childhood memory of refusing to accept a 2L of Pepsi

We often reject the generosity out of pride

Not a good reason! Points to self-sufficiency that does not jive with the gospel

When we reject generosity, we don’t allow others the blessing of giving

God loves a cheerful giver (cf. 2 Cor. 9:6-7)

It is designed to flow: God -> others -> you (for God’s glory and the blessing of all)

Refusing generosity stauches that flow and diminishes the gifts it is designed to bring

But so does always taking and never giving (need a balance)

Like a lake that lacks a flow in and out to stay healthy

The Generosity of God Leads to Thanksgiving (Ruth 2:20-23)

When Naomi hears and sees all that God has generously done for Ruth, she makes an incredible statement

Read Ruth 2:20.

What a change in tune! When we last heard from Naomi, she had named herself “bitter” and accused God of doing her harm (cf. Ruth 1:20-21)

Now she has done a 180; and readily acknowledges that God has indeed been faithful to her (his kindness has not forsaken the living and the dead)

What we see in Naomi’s life is the end result of God-given generosity: The generosity of God leads to thanksgiving.

If we think of this as a formula: God -> us -> others -> thanksgiving

Cf. 2 Corinthians 9:11-12.

This is the Scriptural basis, and Naomi offers us living proof!

If we want to accomplish the mission God has given us a church, generosity must be part of it

“Stony Brook Fellowship is a spiritual family that encourages the over-churched and under-churched to live as devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”

NOT just financial generosity; but to express the generosity of the gospel

Be merciful; show forgiveness; love first; exercise patience

Live out the generosity that God has shown you in Christ, and watch people’s lives be transformed (just like Naomi)

Conclusion

Where do you find yourself in this story?

In the role of Boaz, God can use your generosity to bless others and lead to thanksgiving and praise

Parallel passage in 2 Cor. was about giving (cheerfully) to the “ministry of the saints;” today this would be like giving to the church and missionaries

Talk about how we have been able to pass on generosity; let’s keep it up!

In the role of Ruth, you can gratefully accept God’s generosity for others when you need it

Don’t let pride get in the way of receiving what God has in store for you through his people

Gift cards for groceries; someone pays for your meal at lunch; offers babysitting for free

Say “thank you,” and mean it!

In the role of Naomi, your whole faith outlook can be transformed as God is generous to you (often through His people)

Refer back to my youth pastor being generous with his time to help my anger at God move back to thanksgiving

Pray