Ruth Part 3: Pursue what is Good
Notes
Transcript
Big thought:
Big thought:
Life is dynamic
How would you define Character?
What builds Character?
Ruth and Naomi came for food to survive as two widows
An open door with Boaz but there is a cloud of uncertainty
The challenge in uncertain times is that we tend to settle
Questions on whether or not i’ll find a spouse…go for the next relationship
Struggle in parenting and so we stop short and claim ‘i’m doing the best I know how’
In ministry, we can take the easier route though we know its not as effective
We apologize with gifts and words rather than action and sincerity
Preparation V. 1-5
Preparation V. 1-5
Equity Revisited
God of equity
You can provide resources but others must be proactive to use them.
Naomi’s advice
Sees an opportunity with Boaz as he is a kinsman
Gives instruction to Ruth
Ruth: picture of humility and obedience
Despite having done the work to provide she knows she still needs help to navigate charterer territory
Boaz is a picture of Christ through out the book
My part v. perfection in meeting Christ
Ruth 3:3-4
3 Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 Then it shall be, when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies; and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down; and he will tell you what you should do.”
Naomi could make herself presentable but she could not change her condition.
Only Boaz could redeem her and change her state
Vulnerability V. 6-14
Vulnerability V. 6-14
The relationship between Ruth and Boaz has been developing over months…But why hasn’t Boaz approached Ruth?
Ruth under the counsel of Naomi will take the first step.
Initiation in any relationship is always wrought with vulnerability
7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 It happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.”
Examples of Vulnerability
Coming quietly in the night
Lay at the feet (Mentioned 4x in Ch 3)
Announcing herself as a maid (NOT a Moabite woman)
Requesting he redeems her through marriage (Bold)
1 Kings 19:19 - To claim a person for oneself or to bring under your wing.
19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.
Waiting for a response
Boaz response to Ruth (V. 10-11)
Ruth 3:10-11
10 Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich.
11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.
V. 10
Boaz shows he was felling insecure about approaching Ruth due to his age and her beauty, youth and virtue
Boaz highlights Ruth’s Character as being so unique “for you have shown kindness…
Ruth’s loyalty and sense of commitment extends beyond Naomi to her first Husband.
Her desire to be redeemed by Boaz is to honor her first husband, which she didn’t have to. (Boaz knows this)
The only way to get the best out of the situation is through a Kinsman Redeemer
Keep the land
Perpetuate the name of her husband
Find comfort and Rest
Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer
He took our humanity (Kinsman)
rescued us from death (Redeemer)
Offers us eternal life with Him (Comfort/Rest)
V 11 - Ruth the virtuous woman
Our Character is formed and molded in the daily decisions we make Big or Small.
It is formed over time and tested in the times we are in need
The type of Character that is built in us is determined by the principals and values we adhere to.
Principals and values don’t foresee circumstance…they provide internal guidance through them.
When we follow our Values despite the potential cost it forms in us Character
Whether we like it or not our character will stand out
Boaz assures Ruth he will do what he can to redeem her but acknowledges there is a closer relative who has the first rite to redeem the land of her husband
This action of Boaz shows his character.
Despite his desire for Ruth, which he held onto and kept back until now, he holds himself to higher principles and values.
Our values are essential for putting our emotions in check.
Ex. Marriages in trouble must hold of higher value the covenant of marriage than their emotions.
Patience V. 15-18
Patience V. 15-18
Boaz sends a gift to Naomi as a sign of his desire to see this through.
Ruth 3:18
18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.”
Learning to be still is a part of our spiritual walk and essential for our maturation
While Ruth and Naomi could only wait at this point there were things that were done that take the edge off of waiting.
Hard honest work
Following sound wisdom
Preparation
Appropriate vulnerability
Faith in the hand of God
In the Equity of God there is room for our work.
When we are not faithful to the things we can do, we find anxiety creeping in and hijacking our peace.
Ex. sermon prep…tough week, focused and faithful but time ran out…give a sermon with a degree of peace know God will cover. Vs. sloppy weak, not faithful with my time and I didn’t prepare...
Final Thought
Ruth was ultimately pursuing what was best (Kinsman-Redeemer)
Pursuing was is good is never easy and requires along the way a firm set of values/principles
In her pursuit, which wasn’t clear upon first arrival in Bethlehem, she without realizing had built up in herself Character.
We need to see our trails as the way we build character.