God provides a Redeemer

We all need a Redeemer ()

Explanation: The break between chapter 2 and 3 is probably somewhere around 6 to 8 weeks. The harvest season is ended and Ruth’s job as a gleaner is over. She has been well-taken care of, but that provision was temporary. Naomi and Ruth are still in a precarious position, and Naomi understands the situation. Naomi realizes that Ruth needs a husband who will provide long-term economic and physical safety. Naomi also realizes that she as the mother-in-law has responsibility towards Ruth. This young widow has left all she knew to hitch her wagon to Naomi, and now Naomi is trying to fulfill her obligations to Ruth. She knows that in and of herself she cannot do it adequately and is therefore ready to call on the resources of one who can.

Illustrate: A person has to admit need before he or she can be helped

Argument: People are good at not admitting the primary need as long as other needs are being met. Especially in the west, we don’t consider spiritual need as long as the economy is good, we have food on the table, and we are able to do what we basically want to do. Take the creature comforts away, and many are ready to cry out to God for help. Because He is God, He often directs the paths of the elect in order that they come to the end of their resources so they can see His

Application: Being in a hard place is not necessarily a bad thing. Any situation that highlights our weaknesses, and our need for Him are good situations.

God can provide a Redeemer in spite of our plans and agendas ()

God can provide a Redeemer in spite of our plans and agendas (Ruth 3:3-7)

Explanation: Naomi has a plan for Ruth to obtain a husband. Naomi stresses that Boaz is a relative who can provide for them. (It is assumed that Naomi had taught Ruth the principles of levirate marriage at an earlier time). Naomi tells Ruth it is time to move on, to get rid of the widow’s garments and get back in the game. Naomi tells Ruth to get cleaned up and to pay Boaz a midnight visit at the threshing floor and to lay down at his feet while he is sleeping. Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz will give instructions when he wakes up.

[NOTE: This is a descriptive narrative, not a prescriptive one. This is what Naomi told Ruth to do in a particular situation at a specific time, and in accordance to the customs of a particular nation. None of these parameters exist today, and it is not wise for a young girl to go alone to places where men are sleeping and to uncover their feet!]

Argument: Naomi must have had a sense of God’s intervention in her situation before she made this proposal. She has seen God’s hand in providing for the two of them by “happening” to lead Ruth to Boaz’s field, and in the way Boaz went beyond what was necessary in how he treated Ruth.

Regardless of the reasons, the plan was fraught with danger. Ruth could very easily be perceived as a woman of loose morals, Boaz could have taken advantage of the situation, and both reputations could have been ruined as a result of this plan. In spite of all of the human planning, God still rescued the situation.

Application: The wrong lesson to learn is that God will redeem all of our plans, especially the really stupid ones! God is not obligated to intervene just because we do foolish things. God works according to mercy and grace, neither of which we can demand.

Our personal provision is often a result of prayer ()

Explanation: The reaction of Boaz is most definitely in line with God’s Unseen Hand orchestrating this relationship. It is however, important to remember the previous prayers that had been lifted up in this regard. In chapter 1:9, Naomi prays for the LORD to grant Ruth rest in the home of her husband. In chapter 2:12 Boaz prays for the LORD to provide Ruth a full reward. It should not come as a surprise, then, that God provides an answer to these prayers.

Argument: God has provided prayer as the means by which we can communicate with Him. Throughout the Scriptures are numerous examples of those who have prayed and then seen God answer (for one, consider Hannah). In the NT, Jesus commands us and expects us to pray, even though He tells us that God already knows what we need! It is an act of faith, and it is the means by which God moves us to know Him more fully. Our desire should be for the Redeemer, not just His redemption

Application: Become more of a person of prayer than your currently are. Also, be careful to acknowledge and give thanks to God when He answers.

Man can provide temporal redemption; God provides Eternal Redemption ()

Explanation: When Boaz wakes up and finds Ruth at his feet at midnight, he acts in accordance with his character. He does not take advantage of her, and he blesses her for being obedient to Naomi instead of following her natural instincts to go after the young men. Boaz responds to Ruth’s proposal (v. 9), and he acknowledges his role as a near relative who can perform the deed.

As a man of integrity, Boaz also acknowledges his limitations. While he is indeed a kinsman - redeemer, there is another who is closer in line than he is (v. 12). Boaz does not, however, use this other relative as a dodge to get out of his commitment to provide for Ruth. Boaz tells Ruth on the spot that he will marry her (v. 13), if the other man will not.

Argument: Although Boaz is a worthy man of character and integrity, he is still limited. He has the desire to do right by Ruth, but in and of himself he cannot personally provide for her unless the other man says no. Boaz is dependent upon another in his role as a kinsman - redeemer.

Boaz is a type of Christ, he is not the Messiah. Where Boaz is willing but unable, Jesus is not only willing, He is more than able (, )

Application: Ensure you are putting your trust in the Only One who can provide for your greatest need