Sermon on June 28 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi

Scripture: Ruth 3

 

God can do a great work through odd connections. Witness Naomi’s plans, Boaz’s cold feet and Ruth’s strong shoulders!
When God paves the way:

1. HE PROMPTS US TO ACTION, NOT RESIGNATION! (v1-6)
Naomi does not sit back – a risky plan is better than none at all.

‘Believing in God’s providence does not stifle, but stimulates human action’(D. Ralph Davis)

What are some of the risks the Lord is calling you to take in these days and for His glory?

2. HE PROVIDES ALL WE NEED, NOT SOME OF IT! (v7-14)
The request to ‘spread the cover over me’ is equivalent to the request for engagement in our day.
It was counter-cultural for a woman to propose to a man and a younger person to an older.
If Boaz responds as he does, it’s because he knows that Ruth is a Proverbs 31 woman!

• Men, are you a real man?

  ‘…no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body just as Christ does the church’. (Eph. 5:29)

‘Almost all women stand by their men; very few men stand by their women’
(J. Robertson McQuilkin)

• Christian, Jesus is your elder brother (Heb. 2:11)
  When we delight in the love of Jesus more than ministries, or church buildings being open, wait and see what God will do.

3. HE PURSUES US WITH MERCIES, AS WE WAIT! (v15 – 18)
Although Boaz makes a promise to Ruth (i.e. if the closer relative does not act), he does not send her away empty-handed.
Small signs can leave big impressions on needy people.
Sometimes God gives a token, 36 kg of barley, to say ‘You can trust Me – every time!’

Christian, what are you willing to risk – and for what? A faith without risk soon becomes stagnant.
Non-Christian, as God paved the way for Ruth, He has paved a greater way for you to come home – i.e. Jesus.

Thoughts for reflection and Prayer

1. Why was Naomi’s plan so risky? What could have gone wrong? Was it foolish, or not?
2. Ruth’s reputation went ahead of her, so that Boaz did not misunderstand her. What did he notice about her in her time in Bethlehem? What should you be looking for in a future spouse, if unmarried, and what kind of spouse should you seek to be, if you are married?
3. Why can we call Jesus our ultimate kinsman-redeemer? What is it that makes what He does so outstanding? What is the garment He has given to us and what does that mean for this life and the one to come?