Above and Beyond (2)

Where have you seen God lately?

I know I ask this often enough this is probably not a surprise for you to hear. Yet it is an extremely important question and equally important answer.

God is active in this world.

This is, I believe, a foundational principle of Scripture. God did not create this world and then wash his hands of it nor is it sitting back doing “nothing”.

God is active behind the scenes.

The sovereignty of God is something I take great comfort in. It gives me some peace when I wonder what is going to happen next.

The book of Ruth reminds us of this truth as well. Verse

The hesed of God: love, grace, mercy, commitment, justice, generosity, faithfulness.

These are some of the words which can be used, but not exhaustive, that Ruth reminds us of. At the same time it is a voluntary act which will require a response. We cannot be touched by God’s character and remain the same.

Commitment matters.

As we open up our text some more this morning we see the commitment of Ruth change her world.

Character matters.

Two words but in the context of the ending of the book of Judges and I think our present world this is an extremely important reminder. This chapter gives us the first lesson about character from Ruth and Boaz.

Men we need to step our character towards women!

Verse 9 indicate this lesson from the mouth of Boaz. Proactively he steps up to squash whatever may or may not have happened. How we treat women is an indication of our character. I know it goes both ways but in our culture this is still a big issue.

Boaz goes above and beyond. Ruth works above and beyond.

Here is where I get our title from this morning. Neither of the characters just do the bare minimum or just enough to get by. They go above and beyond what was required. Ruth’s trait makes her stand out. Boaz reflects the character of God.

Boaz goes above the requirements of “The Law” to provide.

This is where I think he fulfills the spirit of the law and not just the text of the law. He had a obligation to provide for the widows, foreigners among him but he did not have to make it easy for them.

Ruth humble serves Naomi without seeking personal gain.

Ruth does not do this for herself. She truly has become a servant for the sake of Naomi.

Where is God call you to go above and beyond?

In response to Jesus what is your next step.

Who do you need to humbly serve? How?

Serving others may not get your many rewards and “pay” but it is always worth it. Servant leadership is talked much but I don’t care what someone says I care about what someone does.