The Nearness Of The Redeemer

(No Other Field)

Text: Ruth 2-3

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (08/23/98)

Introduction:    Give brief overview of Ruth.

·         Story of Romance & Redemption

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Redemption’s road winds it’s way through Bethlehem twice; once in OT, Once in NT.

Without Ruth there would be no Christmas story, only an empty manger in Bethlehem.

TWO OUTLINES OF RUTH.

Mine

I. The Need For A Redeemer (Ch. 1)

II. The Nearness Of The Redeemer (Ch. 2-3)

III. The Negotiations In The Redemption (Ch. 4)

Mgee’s

I. Ruth in Moab (ch.1)

II. Ruth in Boaz’s Field  (ch.2)

III. Ruth in Boaz’s Threshingfloor  (ch. 3)

IV. Ruth in Boaz’s Heart and Home (ch. 4)

Review of chapter one. (BRIEF)

Briefly tell story of chapter two.

The Law of gleaning.  (EXPLAIN)

Read Scripture:  -  Leviticus 19:9-10

“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10  And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.”

The Lord is interested in the poor and destitute, He is interested in the widow and the orphan!!!

Verse 22 – No Other Field

Now Ruth and Naomi got ahold of some truths here that made this decision a simple one.

Purpose: To demonstrate that when you grasp certain truths about God you’ll want to be in no other field.

Applications:

SALVATION – VOCATION – FAMILY – EDUCATION – ETC.

I. Realize His Sovereignty

Meaning of Sovereignty – “The undisputed right to make decisions and act accordingly.  Speaks of God’s dominion and supremacy in all things.”

Boaz was sovereign in his domain.  His workers were at his command and call.

Ruth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

Ruth’s “fate” was in his hands.

A. Man’s Perspective

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.

Explain meaning of the word “hap”.

Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Example – God’s will ( From our perspective it is difficult to say we fully understand God’s leading.   It is far more important to do God’s will on  a daily basis & know that He will not lead you astray over the course of time.)

B. God’s Perspective

The lineage of Christ hangs in the balance.  But God is not biting His fingernails he is not worried about Ruth going to the wrong field.

1. Sovereign in His attributes

No one can equal God in any one.

2. Sovereign over His creation

Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His knowledge of it.

3. Sovereign in His will

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

4. Sovereign in His judgement

Rev. 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

5. Sovereign in His grace

LOOK UP & READ Psalm 139:13-16

Jeremiah 1:4-5 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

II. Rest In His Grace

God exercises His Sovereignty and he extends His Grace.

This grace is demonstrated by…..

A. Invitation Vs. 4-10

John 3:16

Romans 10:13

I John 4:16-19   And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19  We love him, because he first loved us.

·         Ruth did not feel she had desirable qualities.

·         We know we have no desirable qualities to God.

Romans 5:8

B. Hospitality vs.11-14

C. Handfuls Of Purpose vs.15-17

Contrast with the “hap” of verse 3

An Ephah is how much?

3/8 to 2/3 of a Bushel.

III. Rejoice In His Power To Save

A. A Mighty Man

Ruth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Isaiah 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

B. A Near Kinsman

Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

Conclusion:    

What field are you in child of God?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Read your Bible (ILLUS – RIED’s NT with the “DO NOT ENTER” sticker on the front).

What field are you in unsaved friend?

Acts 4:12

John 14:6