Kinsman Redeemer — A Story of God’s Love

Text: Ruth 3:1-18

Theme: God is a great provider. If we will only look around us we can see His loving provisions.

Date: 08/28/2022 File Name: Ruth_03 Code: OT08-03

There is a time for God’s people to wait passively for God to remove obstacles, but there also comes a time for God’s people to engage those obstacles in faith. This is why in both Old and New Testaments, God’s people are encouraged to pray for and seek out wisdom. Whether we are waiting on God or tackling a situation head-on, both are to be done in faith that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.

God is concerned about the details of our lives.

ILLUS. I shared with someone earlier this week that if God is the loving Father the Bible says He is (and He is), then there is no detail about our life that God does not care about. I used the illustration of purchasing a car. When Linda and I bought our first new car after we’d gotten married, I asked my dad if there was a particular color that he liked. His response was, “It’s your car. I don’t care. You choose.” Well, I still wanted to know what color he liked and he finally told me. Now, to be honest, we didn’t get that color, but I think my dad appreciated that I asked his opinion. Does God care what color of car you buy? In the grand scheme of His will for your life, I think God’s answer would be my dad’s answer, “It’s your car. I don’t care. You choose, but I’m glad you asked.” (But then again, you might hear God say, “I like the bright red one!”

You see, we ask because we are in a relationship with God. This is one of the lessons from the story of Ruth and Boaz — Godis at work in the seemingly small, everyday events of our lives. He’s concerned about the details of our lives. All three characters in this chapter took risks that rendered them vulnerable; all three trusted God; all three were motivated by love.

I. NAOMI PLOTS: The Mate

Ruth 3:1-5

1. when I say that Naomi is plotting, I don’t mean that in a negative way

a. but she knows that time is of the essence, and if God’s will is going to be accomplished, Ruth is going to have to engage the obstacle of Boaz’s romantic inertia

2. it has been two months since Naomi and Ruth have returned to Bethlehem

a. they got there just as the Spring grain harvest was commencing

b. Ruth immediately begins providing for herself and her mother-in-law by going into the grain fields to glean

1) as we have seen in chapters one and two, God has providentially brought Ruth to the fields owned by Boaz who “just happens” to be a close kinsman of her deceased father-in-law

a) and let me remind you again that in the story of Ruth, nothing is “just happening”!

3. Boaz, as we say, has taken a shine to Ruth — especially after hearing her story of how she has dedicated herself to the care of her mother-in-law, and devoted herself to the worship of Yahweh — the One True God

A. BOAZ NEEDS A NUDGE

1. Naomi sees what everyone else in Bethlehem who has “eyes to see” sees — the developing romance between Boaz and Ruth

ILLUS. They are playing the standard Hallmark Romance characters. They are falling in love. It is obvious to everyone except the couple falling in love. Boaz, being a man, is especially clueless. Naomi is going to have to explain things to Ruth and get the ball rolling.

a. Naomi is certain that Boaz’s interest in Ruth went beyond being merely a kind benefactor

1) in vs. 1 she approaches Ruth with all the kindness befitting a loving mother to broach a delicate matter

a) Ruth is going to have to take a bolder approach with Boaz

b) Naomi’s chief aim is Ruth’s well-being — Naomi is growing old, and wants to make sure Ruth will be provided for

2) what Ruth really needs is a husband and a family

ILLUS. OK. I know that is a really patriarchal, woman-hating statement that we dare not make in our progressive society. That said, it remains God’s essential design for the flourishing of men and women and children in this world.

b. it was time for Ruth to stop mourning her late husband, and move on in her life

ILLUS. In the 1954 Hollywood musical There’s No Business Like Show Business, Tim Donahue, played by Donald O’Connor is falling in love with Vicky Parker, played by Marilyn Monroe. And she’s in love with him, only neither one is sure about the other’s romantic intentions. At one point Tim Donahue sings the song A Man Chases A Girl (Until She Catches Him) written by Irving Berlin. Here are the lyrics.

A man chases a girl until she catches him

He runs after a girl until he's caught

He fishes for a girl until she's landed him

It all comes out exactly the way she thought

Uncertain, he tags along behind

Uncertain, till she makes up his mind

A man chases a girl until she catches him

But don't run too fast while you are saying "No"

And once you've caught him don't ever let him go

c. Boaz could just as well sung this song about him and Ruth

3. after introducing the subject, Naomi identified the object of her plan — it’s Boaz!

a. Ruth cannot delay any longer — the harvest season is nearly over, and when it is Ruth’s and Boaz’s regular contact will end

b. Naomi outlines her strategy

1) be attractive ... be attentive ... be assertive ... and be available

“Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.” (Ruth 3:2–3, ESV)

2) these actions would indicate to Boaz that her formal mourning period was over

a) if Ruth was wearing mourning garments — and she probably was — it may help explain in part Boaz’s compassion for her, but also his romantic inertia

c. all these actions would indicate that Ruth was ready to re-enter normal life — including the possibility of marriage

4. in these verses we witness Naomi’s love for Ruth as Naomi plots out a course of ction for Ruth to take

a. we also witness Ruth’s trust of Naomi’s judgment

1) we all need people like Naomi in our lives — wise people who’s judgment we trust

II. RUTH PROPOSES: The Date

Ruth 3:6-10

1. the grain has been threshed, winnowed

a. in the morning it would be stored in ceramic jars which then had to be moved to Bethlehem

b. meanwhile, Ruth goes to the threshing floor and does everything her mother-in-law told her to do

“So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down.”” (Ruth 3:6–7, ESV)

ILLUS. A threshing floor was a large circular area, with a hard, smooth surface where the stalks of grain were first flailed to knock the heads loose from the stalk and the grain loose from the head. Sometimes oxen were used to drag a “grain sled” over the stalks to do the same. This was called threshing. Next the grain was tossed into the air so that the wind would blow the chaff away from the grain. This was called winnowing. Finally, the grain was sifted to remove stones and dirt as well as tares or thistle, and lastly the grain was stored in ceramic jars.

c. in ancient Israel the threshing floor was considered sacred space and under God’s control

1) the harvest was subject to God’s sovereignty and subject to His power to bless, curse, and save

2) in both the Old and the New Testaments the threshing floor was used as an illustration of God’s judgment on both Israel and her enemies

3) John the Baptist used threshing and winnowing as a way of describing the Messiah’s ministry in the world

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”” (Matthew 3:12, ESV)

a) Jesus came to save sinners, but those who refuse to come to him will be like chaff that will be burned with unquenchable fire

2. the end of the harvest was cause for joy and celebration — especially if the harvest was abundant because it meant the Lord had blessed His people

a. in an agricultural community the harvest was a life-sustaining activity

b. in vs. 7 we see that Boaz is in good spirits — no pun intended

1) he is happy and content and tired, and goes to lie down at the far end of the grain pile

3. as Boaz sleeps Ruth approached quietly, and uncovered his feet

a. now, I will tell you that ancient Rabbis as well as modern commentators have given all kinds of interpretations to this action

1) some have seen in it some kind of courting ritual that we just don’t have any information about

2) some have seen it as sexually suggestive, feet being a euphemism, a polite way of referring to the male sexual organ

b. sometimes the most obvious explanation is the best — uncovered feet will get cold, and when they get cold enough Boaz would wake up, and when he did he would discover a woman there

“At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet!” (Ruth 3:8, ESV)

1) if Boaz wakes up and chooses to cover Ruth with his blanket or cloak, the act of doing this would be an act of protection and acceptance, and is effectively a promise to marry her

4. that is what is happening ... in essence, Ruth is proposing, and Boaz is accepting!

“He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” 10 And he said, “May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.” (Ruth 3:9–10, ESV)

a. it finally sinks in ... Boaz gets it ... Ruth loves him

1) she could have gone after other men, but her heart has settled on Boaz

b. just as Ruth has come under the wings of the One True God (Ruth 2:14) now Ruth makes it clear that she desires to come under the wings of Boaz

ILLUS. In our Hallmark Romance this is when we know it’s true love, and there’s the first kiss.

III. BOAZ PROMISES: The Wait

Ruth 3:11-18

1. the setting for moral compromise is obvious

a. Boaz loved Ruth ... Ruth loves Boaz ... the stars are out ... he has drunk a little too much wine ... they’re alone at midnight ... and she has just asked to be taken under his covers

b. these were the days of the judges, spiritual and moral compromise were part and parcel of Israelite society

c. all around them were pagan worship practices that included orgies masquerading as worship

2. Boaz refuses to do anything shameful which is in keeping with everything else this book teaches about the man’s character

“And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.” (Ruth 3:11, ESV)

a. there’s a wedding in the future for Ruth and Boaz

b. Naomi will be ecstatic — she has secured a fine future for a daughter-in-law who has become just like her own daughter

“And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the man had done for her, 17 saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’ ”” (Ruth 3:16–17, ESV)

1) as soon as Ruth walks in the door Naomi wants to know how things have gone ... is she Ruth the widow of Mahlon, or is she Ruth the engaged bride of Boaz?

c. ahh ... but if you know the story of Ruth and Boaz you know there’s a potential problem

A. A WRINKLE IN THE PLAN

ILLUS. Just as in a Hallmark romance there is a wrinkle in their plan. In a Hallmark movie, a previous boyfriend of fiancé would show up just as the couple decided they were in love, right?

1. in the Old Testament story of Ruth and Boaz, Boaz knows what neither Ruth nor Naomi know — there is a kinsman of Elimelech who is an even closer relative than Boaz

“And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”” (Ruth 3:12–13, ESV)

a. again, Naomi offers her advise

“She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”” (Ruth 3:18, ESV)

2. to find out how the story ends, come back next Sunday for the final message from the Book of Ruth (spoiler alert — it’s a happy ending)

IV. LESSONS FROM RUTH CHAPTER THREE

A. GOD’S LOVE PROVIDE SECURITY

1. God is a great provider ... if we would only take the time to look we would see His loving provision

a. because we have the Book of Ruth we have the whole story, but I that time and place Naomi and Ruth don’t have the whole story

1) their lives are hanging in the balance — Boaz’s choice will either bring security or scarcity

2) we know that Boaz chooses to become Ruth’s redeemer — he will take Ruth under the wings of his protection and will protect, provide and care for her

b. when you put your faith in Christ, God commits himself to protect, provide, and care for you

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

2. there are four biblical truths about God’s provision

a. 1st, God May Provide Differently Than We Expect

ILLUS. The Israelites escaped captivity in Egypt only to face the challenges of the desert. One of the biggest challenges for such a large group of nomads was enough food to eat. Over and over again God provided supernaturally for his people.

1) if God could provide for many thousands of Israelites in the middle of a desert, he can surely provide for you and your family’s needs

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25, ESV)

2) but even with God’s supernatural provision, the Israelites still complained and grumbled in the desert

a) they longed for the food they left behind in Egypt

b) God was literally providing bread from heaven — enough for each day — but they wanted his provision a different way

3) they wanted it their own way

b. 2nd, God Provides More of Himself

1) our greatest need is for more of God, and this is something He gladly gives us

2) Scripture tells us to make the pursuit of God the primary function of our lives

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

ILLUS. John Piper has asked, “What is the deepest root of your joy? What God gives to you? Or what God is to you?”

a) it’s a question we all need to think about and answer truthfully

c. 3rd, God’s Ultimate Provision Has Already Been Given in Christ

1) in Christ, we have the most import provision God could ever give us even if He chose never to give us anything else

2) the forgiveness of sin and the promise of resurrection ought to be enough to make us say, “Thank ya, Jesus” every day

d. 4th, God Provides Finally in Eternity

1) add to the forgiveness of sin and the promise of resurrection eternal life in a New Heaven and New Earth ought to make us fall on our knees in humble worship

2) God does not always provide and care for us in ways we might expect in this life

a) the Bible does not promise this

b) Peter, James, John, and Paul gave their very lives for the gospel because they viewed the gospel as a treasure not to be lost at any cost

3. God’s love provides us eternal security, just like Boaz’s love provide Ruth a temporal security in her life

a. Ruth will become the Bride of Boaz

b. Christians become the Bride of Christ

B. LOVING GOD ALWAYS RISKS OURSELVES FOR GOD

ILLUS. C.S. Lewis, in his book The Four Loves writes this. “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it [your heart] intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. ... The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations [disruptions] of love is Hell”

1. all three characters in this chapter took risks ... all three are motivated by love

a. the possibilities for misunderstandings were huge

1) Ruth could have misunderstood Naomi’s reliance on God’s law for the kinsman-redeemer

2) Boaz could have misunderstood the offer Ruth was making and either taken advantage of her, or been repulsed by her

3) Naomi could have misjudged the kind of man Boaz was

b. in other words, lots of things could have gone wrong, but because faith is an attribute seen throughout the story we see God providentially at work

2. all three characters reflected the heart of our heavenly Father who also took a huge risk in loving us

““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

a. God loves us ... He loves us so much that God the Son died for us

Con. If you are not a Christian will you tell God this morning, “Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer."