Favor Found

Opening:

Story

A woman died and went to heaven but when she arrived at the "Pearly Gates," she found Peter. "Before you can come in, you have to spell a word," he said.

"What word?" she asked.

"Any word?"

"L-O-V-E. Love," she said.

"Come on in. But I was wondering if you'd do me a quick favor. Stand here for a few moments. I'll be right back. If anyone comes, just follow the same procedure."

Peter left and behold here comes her ex-husband. "What are you doing here?"

"I just had a heart attack. Did I really make it?" he asked.

"Not yet. You have to spell a word," she said.

"What word?"

After a few moments she said, "Czechoslovakia."

Recap/Intro

Be Aware Vs.1-6

The Arrival

Let’s look at Ruth 2:4 again and look for the second step to receiving God’s favor.

Behold- somethings about to happen “foreshadowing”

The boss shows up on the scene and greets his people.

Yet the people are prepared

Greeting shows his godliness, benevolent nature.

Yahweh be with you

God is the Lord of the Harvest

they know it too, they shout it back

The Request

As we read Ruth 2:5-7, notice the request Ruth has made…

Boaz cares enough about his workers to notice a new one.

This is another providential moment – that he takes notice.

He assumes she is connected to someone else.

Her request was unusual - not just to glean, but “gather among the sheaves.”

This is something like gleaning from that which has been harvested and collected.

Ruth asks for more than she is entitled to.

She asks for provision.

She’s a foreigner

She has set herself up

She’s being very submissive, but hardworking and diligent

Let’s read Ruth 2:8-9 to hear Boaz’s response.

The Response

Boaz’s answer is according to his character

. Boaz gives her permanent work

He also gives her protection

. Working in the fields could be dangerous. Like sending your beautiful daughter to work sweeping up at a construction site.

He grants her access to precious water!

She has received favor!

Boaz becomes the source of God’s Favor towards Ruth.

How often God uses people in our lives to show us His favor

are you paying attention?

Foreigner to Sojourner

God’s Favor changes her position

She Got it because she was faithful, also because she asked

This is the second step to receiving God’s favor.

We Must Be Willing To Ask For God’s Favor

Be Willing V.7-16

James 4:2,“You do not have because you do not ask.”

Same opportunity here

we must be willing

The Reaction

Ruth’s Reaction

Abundant Gratitude

The Favor begs a response - Ruth 2:10

Why- why was Boaz being so nice

Not only is Ruth grateful, she abundantly humbled by this gesture

Why The Reward?

The Reward

The Reward is based upon Ruth’s Faith

Boaz is moved by her loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi

Because she left everything behind and clung to Naomi

Not only to Naomi but to God as well

She has trusted and followed Yahweh (God)

Boaz asks God to “reimburse” Ruth

He realizes God is the only one that could truly reimburse Ruth completely

Hb. (Maskoret) - Compensation equal to the loss

God rewards faith.

Look at Hebrews 11:6

God rewards those who seek him in faith.

He bestows his favor on them Abundantly

Abundance

Ruth continues to realize her humble position.

But things just continue to get better.

Lets recap what has happened

Invited to eat at the Masters table

She had a great lunch, with “a heap” left over to take home!

He served her - indicates he accepted her as a trusted reaper!

A promotion and a bonus!

He granted extended reaping privileges

He told the workers not to rebuke or “harass” her

We receive God’s favor when we are faithful

Be Faithful V.2 17-23

Getting the “lucky breaks”

more than just being in the right place at the right time.

It’s in God’s Time

When we are faithful to God, we will find God’s favor on our lives.

Ruth’s faithfulness wasn’t for one day o faithfulness

it was due to her CONTINUED FAITHFULNESS

Look at the Result

The Result

This result of all Ruth’s work is a take of an ephah (30-50 pounds!). (2 week supply)

Not to mention the immediate provision of leftovers!

She was able to present this “bonus” to Naomi

Naomi recognizes favor has been shown to Ruth.

Let’s read on to get Naomi’s reply. Read Ruth 2:20-23.

The Reply

Learning the source of this favor, she breaks out in praise to God.

He is a close relative! This meant job security, but there’s more.

Boaz was a “kinsman-redeemer”.

This significant Hebrew concept becomes very important to the story.

A redeemer had the right and obligation to redeem land that was sold, people sold as slaves, etc. Naomi realizes he is a potential husband for Ruth!

Naomi’s expression of praise is a reflection of her grateful heart –

Her heart has changed

she is thankful! Not too long ago, she was bitter

When we realize that we have received God’s favor, it should make us grateful.

This is the fourth step in receiving God’s favor