Hidden Redemption

The Hidden Grace in Every Encounter

Bible Passage: Ruth 2:1-7

Summary: This passage narrates how Ruth, a Moabite widow, finds favor in the eyes of Boaz while gleaning in his field. It illustrates the themes of divine providence and kindness amidst adversity.

Application: This sermon underscores the significance of recognizing divine encounters in our daily lives. For Christians, it encourages them to extend kindness and hospitality to others, especially those who are vulnerable.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the importance of being aware of divine appointments and the impact of showing grace to others, much like Boaz did for Ruth.

How this passage could point to Christ: Boaz serves as a type of Christ, demonstrating the character of God as our Redeemer who provides grace and restoration, paralleling how Jesus offers hope to those in need.

Big Idea: God orchestrates divine encounters where we can extend grace and kindness, reflecting His love and providence in our actions.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural practices of gleaning and the significance of kinsman-redeemer in Israelite society through your Logos library. You might find value in examining the Hebrew text for deeper insights into the characteristics of Boaz and Ruth. Also, look at the historical context surrounding Moabite women in Israel, which can enrich your understanding of Ruth's situation.

Thank worship team for leading.

1. Divine Decisions in Action

Ruth 2:1–3 CSB

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. His name was Boaz. Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?” Naomi answered her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family.

So, In this first passage of Ruth 2, we have a very exciting and God ordain thing happen. That being, Ruth was able to gather crops, or another word used for it which we see in other translations is glean. Ruth was able to glean. However, this was not a simple act or a common thing. You see, in Leviticus 19:9

Leviticus 19:9 CSB

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edge of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.

The gleanings were meant for the poor or the widow. And while Ruth was a widow, gleaning behind the reapers was not something a right to be claimed, rather granted by the owner. This leads me to point 1 which is

God’s divine decisions calls us to action

Ruth had no business being out in the field with the reapers, but she went anyway. Some of us are in a season of waiting, hurt, worry, and you feel like there is no way out. But God is divinely orchestrating a path of redemption for you. Just like Ruth had to clue how this was going to redeem her, she went and she meets a man named Boaz. Sometimes we have to go out in uncomfortable situations and unknown places to chase after God, but it is up to us to obey and do what God is calling us to.

2. Compassionate Connections Count

Ruth 2:4–7 CSB

Later, when Boaz arrived from Bethlehem, he said to the harvesters, “The Lord be with you.” “The Lord bless you,” they replied. Boaz asked his servant who was in charge of the harvesters, “Whose young woman is this?” The servant answered, “She is the young Moabite woman who returned with Naomi from the territory of Moab. She asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters?’ She came and has been on her feet since early morning, except that she rested a little in the shelter.”

2. In following God’s plan for our life, we need to represent Christ’s character to others

You might suggest that Boaz's interaction with Ruth exemplifies how we should approach others with grace and love. His kindness to Ruth was an overflow of his character that reflected God’s love and care for the marginalized. Christians today can learn to recognize and act upon the divine opportunities they have to help and support others, seeing these moments as chances to reflect the character of Christ in practical ways.