The Journey— Ruth

[Pulpit version]

Intro:

Review: We are engaged in an extended trip throughout the entire Bible— one book a week for the duration— not lingering long enough to take it all in, but to come away with some principles fit for adding to our journal that will help us.

We started out in Genesis, changed our socks for the long trip through Exodus, paid attention to the many sacrifices in Leviticus, sharpened our pencils for the lessons of Numbers and Deuteronomy, felt the new breeze of adventure with Joshua, and trudged through the depressing sloughs of despond associated with Judges— Here we are.

If any of you have watched any of the Pixar Films—-

Once upon a time, a Famine ravaged the land,

Everyday, life grew more difficult until Elimelech and his family decided to move to greener pastures 

But one day, Elimelech died— then the two sons married two women of Moab, and in the course of time, these two sons died as well. 

Naomi decides to return home but is bitter and distraught. Somewhere on the way home, Naomi implores her two daughters in law to return to their own country. While one does so, the other, our heroine, clings fiercely to her mother in law and they both return to their own land but devoid of real possibilities and hope.Because of this,

Naomi is soon awakened to the possibility of a marriage made from family. Her daughter must travel to the threshhing floor, wait for the appropriate time and establish her interest in seeking this man’s commitment… Will he or will he not,Because of this, 

And finally, We have a marriage and an heir, we have an inheritance, and a legacy— We will have a king… and ultimately a Savior. 

Trans:

Before we head out today, let me give you a hint of what you will see.

This book is about the ways of God in human life. It is a short story—

It possesses a distinct literary style which uses prose and semi-poetic language.

It is a tale, about a woman, quite possibly written by a women and is meant both to entertain and instruct.

These are typical human beings in whose joys and sorrows, the audience is invited to participate, and who’s character the audience is to either emulate or avoid.

The characters remain complex throughout the entirety of the story.   Mystified by the hiddenness of God— the absence of audible voices, visions, miracles, but in their own experiences, they want to know God’s presence in their daily lives. 

Trans:

It may seem that Emma Gatewood was locked into an endless pattern of beatings, and abuse, but when she set out on her journey, she freed herself from that… It may appear that in reading Ruth 1, that Naomi, Ruth, were alone, destined for destitution, even extinction, but might suggest to you, that… in Ruth, we can…

WE CAN FREELY EXPRESS OURSELVES

Ruth 1;

A series of decisions, landed them in a situation that looked impossible: The famine brought them to Moab (they sojourned), kept them in Moab (remained there), and eventually— brought them to settle down (lived there 10 years)

A father dies… their children marry, only to watch their hope for a future perish with their son in laws.

The painful yet necessary decision to return to Israel— Further pain associated with the loss of a daughter in law— lost to the pagan world of Moab.

What’s left? Bitterness, anguish, uncertainty, and difficulty…After all, the text could be understood: Ruth 1: 13; “ Yahweh’s own hand has attacked me” An honest reflection of our situation. Her earlier pain and tragedy, might only be the beginning…

Been there? recently? currently? Thinking quite a bit about how you wound up with the short end of the stick?

But wait— Where is God in all of this? Don’t miss the back side of her cry? As much as it might appear contrary on the surface, By holding Yahweh responsible, for her pain and suffering, Naomi testified to His participation in her world. So rather than being out of control, God is involved… Right where He needs to be, when He is at work, working out his perfect salvation. Ironic, given her plea and the impossible that God did to secure the blessings of family and heritage. Notice the author’s helpful note: Ruth 2: 1;

The God who carries out his will justly: Ruth 1:20; the Almighty after all is the One who;

Involved in Cosmic rulership: Num. 24:4;

Shaddai dispenses blessings, promises, great destinies: Gen. 17:1; 43: 14;

Assigns fates to the wicked and the righteous: Job. 27:14;

Oversees the maintenance of justice: Job. 8:3;

She is correct in this term, her fate could come by no other, neither the reversal that would befall her.

WE CAN FREELY PURSUE WHO WE ARE IN REAL TIME

Ruth 2:

A word about Ruth before chapter 2: Ruth 1: 14-15; Orpah’s decision leaves us to question her outcome— but at the same time, it accentuates Ruth’s character and decision— Hubbard notes, “ Orpah did the sensible, expected thing— Ruth the extraordinary and unexpected.”

And then her response: Don’t pressure me to desert you. For her to “return” meant movement away from something, not toward something. (2) she intends not only to travel with Naomi, but to settle with her— permanence. (3) She chooses a destiny opposite to Orpah’s. She renounces all that is associated with Moab—it’s culture, its worship, in favor of Yahweh. Certainly not common in OT: Only 2 references: Rahab in Joshua 2:11; and Naaman in 2 Kings 5:15;

Hubbard: In sum, Ruth decisively casts her lot with Naomi. Her words encompassed both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of life. In geography, they covered all future locations; in chronology, they extended from the present into eternity, in theology, they exclusively embraced Yahweh; in genealogy, they merged the young Moabitess with Naomi’s family. (pg. 120)

A decision to glean—to support the family Ruth 2: 2- 3;

A happenstance meeting: Ruth 2: 4- 7; A testimonial for a character of diligence, selflessness, and grit. The best stuff of relationships, when we have found the person of great character, who happens to be a knockout.

An introduction with admiration— a relationship in the making: Ruth 2: 8-16; there is kindness, respect, and provision. From God through man to the needy. Ruth 2: 23;

And Naomi— from distraught to determined: Nothing warms the heart of a mother (in law), like the prospects of a future. Ruth 2: 19- 22; He is a relative after all.

And two who can freely choose purity: Who says good guys or gals always finish last?

In Ruth we have integrity, obedience, selflessness, and initiative. Ruth 3: 1-11;

And in Boaz we have sterling integrity, compassion, initiative, and understanding of the law of God, and I think, a desire to see this through to completion. If my friend Blake were to interact with Boaz, he would call him, a real stand up guy. Ruth 3: 12-13;

And in none of it, does the text indicate that they allowed themselves to sink into the depravity of the world around them. “To cover his feet” need not be a sexual euphemism.

Note the care that Boaz takes to ensure that she is not seen, thereby lending themselves to wagging tongues. And clearly the scene is full of sexual tension— but the fact that it was unusual does not require it be unseemly.

But make no mistake, the arrangement was nothing less than risky. R. L. Hubbard notes, “ In any case, the strange venture was no doubt a risky and daring one. Naomi asked Ruth to enter into an uncertain, compromising situation with a great deal hanging in the balance.” (Hubbard pg. 204) Ruth 3: 4-5;

If Ruth is known for for Devotion, then Naomi is known for honesty.

WE CAN FREELY ENJOY THE FRUITS OF GOD’S PLAN FOR US!

Ruth 4;

Who knew: that Boaz was so direct? God did! He did not let any grass grow under his feet.

Who knew that Boaz was so shrewd? God did! Part A of the story— “Naomi, has this land…” — “Ok, I’ll redeem it.” Ruth 4: 3-4; Easy deal, Naomi, after all, no kids, good land… what’s not to love…

Who knew that Boaz held an Ace in the whole? God did! “Oh, by the way…” Ruth 4: 5;

Who knew that Boaz was so careful, conscientious, and cool under pressure? God did. Ruth 4: 9-12;

Who knew that in marrying Ruth, Boaz was fulfilling the plan of God and raising up a king who would rule Israel? Ruth 4: 13-22; Who knew that He would be found in the genealogy of Jesus? God did… and now so do you.

Applications:

When I am lacking, God’s presence is constant and abiding. To be lacking, to be destitute, to be on empty, need not signal that God has departed, but that He is working. Go back to what we know: His presence a constant for the believer.

When I act in faith, God’s provision is available to me. Sometimes the miraculous, sometimes, the providential, and sometimes, through the risks that we are willing to take to follow Him.

When I leverage my giftedness, God’s blessings are evident to all