Ruth - From Defeat to Victory

Lesson Theme

Every one of us will face times of failure, defeat, temptations, and despair. It is important for us to realize that God never forsakes His children, and no matter what the situation, there is always hope in the Lord. We need to follow godly direction and be faithful. In His own time, God will bring us to blessing and victory.

Lesson Goals

At the conclusion of the lesson, each student should:

Understand the importance of following those who are following God

Realize that a whole-hearted attitude is necessary to successful labor for the Lord

Decide to be a follower and a worker whom God can bless

Introduction

Often when people are defeated, they think their lives are over and that God cannot use them. But God’s Word often shows that a defeat is merely the closing of a chapter, and that God is about to open up a new opportunity and a new chance to serve Him. As we will see today, such was the case with Ruth.

I. Faithful in Following

God is looking for one primary qualification in a follower: it is not intelligence or ability; it is faithfulness.

It is not education or a record of past achievements; it is faithfulness.

No matter what other attributes or gifts one may have, a lack of faithfulness will make the Christian useless in God’s work.

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

John 12:26 “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

I think before we move on, it’s important to define these words:

Faithful (def) Firmly adhering to duty; of true fidelity; loyal; Constant in the performance of duties or services

Follow (def) To go after or behind; to pursue

(Ill.) In “Everyday Discipleship for Ordinary People,” Stuart Briscoe wrote about a fellow minister who was asked to officiate at a funeral for a war veteran. Briscoe recalls, “The dead man’s military friends wished to have a part in the service at the funeral home, so they requested the pastor to lead them down to the casket, stand with them for a solemn moment of remembrance, and then lead them out through the side door. This he proceeded to do, but…picked the wrong door. The result was that they marched with military precision into a broom closet, in full view of the mourners….”

Briscoe suggests at least two principles that can be gained from that story:

“First, if you’re going to lead, make sure you know where you’re going.

Second, if you’re going to follow, make sure that you are following someone who knows what he is doing!”

(Author Unknown, Provided by Student Discipleship Ministries, TX)

Followed Naomi’s Path

Ruth 1:22 “So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.”

In Genesis 24:27 the servant of Abraham, who was sent to find a bride for Isaac, rejoiced to say, “I being in the way, the Lord led me.” As we are faithful to follow, God leads us further.

One of the ways that God leads is through His people—and not just through professional Christian leaders or experienced counselors.

You may not consider yourself a leader, but you can rest assured that someone is looking to you for an example. No matter who you are, God wants to use you to show someone else the right way to go.

In Ruth 1:22, we see that Naomi decided to return to the city of Bethlehem and Ruth decided to follow her. This was a step of faith on Ruth’s part, but, as God’s Word clearly states, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). That is the choice we face in every decision: faith or sin.

Ruth was about to embark on a path of miraculous providence and blessing, and it all began with her willingness to follow. It should be noted that following always involves leaving.

Always. If you choose to follow Christ, you will leave your own path. If you are behind Christ and follow the world, then you will leave Christ.

In following Naomi, Ruth left her friends, her family, and the place of her birth, but God had so much more for her in a new place.

Followed Naomi’s Path

Followed Naomi’s Counsel

A wise person, contrary to what one may think, is not someone who knows it all. Wise people are willing to listen and learn. Wise people understand their need for more wisdom!

Proverbs 1:5 “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”

Ruth had told Naomi when they left Moab, “…whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16). When they reached Bethlehem, Naomi told Ruth both where to go and what to do. Ruth trusted Naomi and did what she was told. Naomi knew that there was a place where Ruth could access the blessings of her family heritage and guided Ruth to it.

Go to Boaz’s Field

Ruth 2:1–2 “And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.”

We see Ruth taking the initiative, but Naomi giving the permission.

Go to Boaz’s Feet

Ruth 3:6–7 “And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.”

Naomi not only told Ruth where to go, but she told her whom to go to. She knew that the answer for Ruth was to get to the right person—that being Boaz, for he was the one who could meet her needs.

We, too, need to get to the one who can meet our needs, the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Word commands us to “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

It is not enough to believe that help is available: we must actively go to Him. Not only that, but we need to direct others to the same Lord Who can and will meet their needs as well.

John 1:41 “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”

John 1:45 “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

John 4:29 “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”

II. Fervent in Laboring

While it is true that people have different levels of gifts and responsibilities, no one has more and no one has less than twenty-four hours in the day. Each of us is held accountable for what we do with those hours. We are to “redeem (make wise and sacred use of) the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). God’s Word challenges us, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” Ecclesiastes 9:10). We can easily see that Ruth believed this.

(Ill.) Ten Best Excuses when you are caught napping…

10. “They told me at the blood bank this might happen.”

9. “This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in that time management course you sent me to.”

8. “Whew! Guess I left the top off the Wite-Out. You probably got here just in time!”

7. “I wasn’t sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm.”

6. “I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance.”

5. “I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who practice Yoga?”

4. “Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem.”

3. “The coffee machine is broken….”

2. “Someone must’ve put decaf in the wrong pot….”

And the #1 best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk…

1. “…in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

(Ill.) Mount Cory Carriage and Wagon Works - Workplace rules for employees on April 5, 1872

1. Daily sweep the floors.

2. Wash the windows once a week.

3. Bring in a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal.

4. Make pens carefully.

5. Hours are 7 am to 8 pm. Closed on Sabbath. Each employee is expected to spend the SABBATH by attending CHURCH and contributing liberally to the cause of the Lord.

6. Men will be given an evening off each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go regularly to CHURCH.

7. After an employee has spent 13 hours of labor in the office, he should spend the time reading the BIBLE and other good books while contemplating the glories and building up of the KINGDOM.

8. Every employee should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years, so that he will not become a burden upon the charity of his betters.

9. Any employee who smokes Spanish cigars, uses liquor in any form, gets shaved at a barber shop, or frequents pool and public halls, will give me good reason to suspect his WORTH, INTENTIONS, and HONESTY.

10. The employee who has performed his labours faithfully and without fault for a period of five years in my service and who has been THRIFTY and attentive to his RELIGIOUS DUTIES, is looked upon by his fellowmen as a SUBSTANTIAL and law abiding CITIZEN, will be given an increase of five cents per day in his pay, providing a just return in profits from the business permits it.

Be worthy of your hire.

Went to the Harvest

Ruth 2:3 “And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.”

Ruth went to where the harvest was taking place. She knew that there was reaping going on, and she wanted to be a part of it.

It is very common for people who are serious about reaping to spend time with others who are also serious about reaping.

Farmers gravitate to other farmers. People who enjoy gardening love to talk with others who share their interest. Such was the case with Ruth.

Stayed in the Harvest

Ruth 2:23 “So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.”

It has been well said that people remember how you start and how you finish. We find here that Ruth stayed in the field until the end of the harvest. She did not gather a little bit and say, “That is enough for today,” but she stuck with the job until the harvesting was done.

For believers today, the harvest time will not end until the Lord Jesus chooses either to call us home via death or via the sound of the trumpet.

God’s Word clearly states this, and we are told to occupy until He comes.

Luke 19:13 “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”

Illustration: The Ant and the Grasshopper (revised)

ORIGINAL VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks he’s a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.

MODERN AMERICAN VERSION: The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks he’s a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can it be that, in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Then a representative of the NAGB (The National Association of Green Bugs) shows up on Nightline and charges the ant with green bias, and makes the case that the grasshopper is the victim of 30 million years of greenism.

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when he sings “It’s not easy being green.”

Bill and Hillary Clinton make a special guest appearance on the CBS Evening News to tell a concerned Dan Rather that they will do everything they can for the grasshopper who has been denied the prosperity he deserves by those who benefited unfairly during the Reagan summers.

Richard Gephardt exclaims in an interview with Peter Jennings that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and calls for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his “fair share.”

Finally, the EEOC drafts the “Economic Equity and Anti-Greenism Act” retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal hearing officers that Bill appointed from a list of single-parent welfare moms who can only hear cases on Thursday’s between 1:30 and 3:00 pm.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant’s food, while the government house he’s in, which just happens to be the ant’s old house, crumbles around him since he doesn’t know how to maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. And on the TV, which the grasshopper bought by selling most of the ant’s food, they are showing Bill Clinton standing before a wildly applauding group of Democrats and Republicans announcing that a new era of “fairness” has dawned in America.

III. Favored with Blessing

We as parents delight to meet the needs of our children and will do whatever is necessary to take care of them. God is a much more faithful and capable Father than any of us could be, and we can rest assured that He will take good care of His children as well. But going beyond just the basic needs, we need to desire God’s blessing on our lives. We spoke earlier of faithfulness: it is the key to following God, and it is the key to the blessings of God.

Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man shall abound with blessings…”

Illustration

There are so many miraculous ways throughout the Bible where God met specific needs:

The famine in Israel—God used Joseph to preserve his family (Genesis 42–50).

The escape from Egypt—God’s people crossed the Red Sea on dry ground (Exodus 14).

The wilderness wanderings—God provided manna every day (Exodus 16).

Crossing of the Jordan—Again, the Israelites crossed on dry ground (Joshua 3).

The times of the Judges—Again and again God provided His people with deliverers from oppression (Judges 2).

David—God gave him strength and courage to overcome the lion and the bear and the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17).

Solomon—He desired wisdom above all; God gave him wisdom—and honor and riches and peace as well (1 Kings 3).

Elijah—God used ravens to feed him (1 Kings 17).

The widow woman—She honored God and God’s man and saw God provide in a wonderful way (1 Kings 17).

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—They honored God and saw His miraculous protection (Daniel 3 and 6).

The poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, those hungering and thirsting after righteousness, the needy of all descriptions—No one who ever came to Jesus with a sincere heart went away without the need being met abundantly (Matthew 5).

God clearly promises that if we will put Him first, He will see to it that we are well-cared for. He takes good care of the birds and the flowers, and we have no need to doubt that He will take even better care of us—the crown of His creation. (Read Mat. 6:24-33)

God’s Word teaches us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. He is the source of blessing. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

It is a beautiful thing to see how God met the needs of both Ruth and Naomi.

Immediate Needs Met

Ruth 2:15–16 “And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.”

Each and every day that Ruth went into the field, she was able to glean (in other words, to gather that which the reapers left behind) enough food for her daily needs.

The Bible uses a beautiful phrase when it states that there were “handfuls of purpose” that were left for her.

Although the field was not hers, she was being watched over and cared for. God’s Word says that He will not see the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread.

Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.”

Permanent Needs Met

Ruth 4:13 “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.”

Ultimately, Ruth became the bride of Boaz and a part of his family. God gave them a son who was to be a part of the lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1–16, notice verse 5).

It is an amazing thing to look at some of the women whom God used to maintain the royal line of David that would someday result in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether it was Rahab, Bathsheba, Tamar, or Ruth, we are reminded that God is looking for people that He can use to further His cause.

Conclusion

Just as Esther was a wonderful example of love and grace, Ruth is an equally fantastic example of faithfulness and fervency. No matter what trials God brought into her life, no matter how many immense and sudden changes she had to endure, Ruth remained faithful to her authority and fervent in her labor and, for this, she was favored with blessing from her God. The God Ruth served is the same God we serve today. We should remain faithful no matter what He allows to enter our lives, and we should be fervent in our labor. How are you doing with your service to your God?