Legacy of Redemption: Pointing to Christ Through Faith
Summary
In Ruth chapter four, we witness the culmination of a beautiful story of redemption, a theme that resonates deeply with the essence of the gospel. As we gather today, we reflect on the legacy we leave behind, one that transcends material possessions and focuses on the spiritual inheritance of redemption. The story of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to God's providence and the power of a gospel legacy. Despite the bleak beginnings marked by loss and despair, Ruth's journey unfolds into a narrative of hope and restoration. Her story begins with the faithless acts of Elimelech, leading his family away from God's people, resulting in death and loss. Yet, through God's providence, Ruth finds herself gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a man of integrity and kindness, who becomes her kinsman-redeemer.
Boaz's willingness to step up and redeem Ruth, despite the presence of another closer relative, highlights the importance of character and selflessness. His actions not only restore Ruth and Naomi's fortunes but also set the stage for a legacy that would eventually lead to the birth of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This narrative reminds us that our lives are not just about the here and now but about the impact we have on future generations. The legacy of Ruth and Boaz is not one of wealth or status but of faithfulness and redemption, pointing us to the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on this story, we are challenged to consider what we are passing down to those who come after us. Are we leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and redemption? Are we pointing others to Jesus through our lives? In a world that often values material success, we are reminded that the most significant inheritance we can leave is a life transformed by the gospel. May we strive to be like Boaz, an arrow pointing to Jesus, and may our lives reflect the redemptive work of Christ in us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Redemption Over Material Legacy: The story of Ruth and Boaz teaches us that the most valuable legacy we can leave is one of redemption and faithfulness. Material possessions fade, but a life transformed by the gospel impacts generations. Our focus should be on passing down a spiritual inheritance that points others to Jesus. [41:19]
2. God's Providence in Our Lives: Ruth's journey from despair to hope illustrates God's providence. Even in our darkest moments, God is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. We are reminded to trust in His plan, knowing that He can turn our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. [44:13]
3. The Power of Character and Integrity: Boaz's actions demonstrate the importance of character and integrity. His willingness to redeem Ruth, despite the presence of another closer relative, shows that true leadership involves selflessness and a commitment to doing what is right. Our character can have a lasting impact on those around us. [50:54]
4. The Significance of Gospel Legacy: The genealogy of Jesus, which includes Ruth and Boaz, highlights the significance of a gospel legacy. Our lives are part of a larger story, and our faithfulness can contribute to God's redemptive work in the world. We are called to be faithful stewards of the gospel, impacting future generations. [01:03:47]
5. Pointing Others to Jesus: Like Boaz, we are called to be arrows pointing to Jesus. Our lives should reflect His love and grace, drawing others to Him. In a world that often values self-promotion, we are reminded that true significance comes from pointing others to the Savior. [01:12:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:19] - Introduction to Ruth Chapter 4
- [03:47] - Thanksgiving and Announcements
- [06:41] - Prayer and Reflection
- [08:04] - Family Traits and Legacy
- [10:55] - The Importance of Redemption
- [12:11] - The Story of Ruth and Boaz
- [14:37] - The Role of the Kinsman Redeemer
- [16:41] - Boaz's Integrity and Character
- [18:04] - God's Providence in Ruth's Story
- [20:55] - The Legacy of Ruth and Boaz
- [23:47] - The Genealogy of Jesus
- [26:41] - The Call to Leave a Gospel Legacy
- [28:04] - Conclusion and Prayer
- [30:55] - Response and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ruth Chapter 4
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 4:1-22
- Leviticus 25:25-28
- Deuteronomy 25:7-10
---
Observation Questions:
1. What role does Boaz play in Ruth's life, and how does he demonstrate his character and integrity in Ruth 4? [50:54]
2. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer, as described in Leviticus 25 and Deuteronomy 25, play out in the story of Ruth and Boaz? [44:13]
3. What is the significance of the genealogy at the end of Ruth 4, and how does it connect to the larger biblical narrative? [01:03:47]
4. How does the transformation of Naomi's life from the beginning to the end of the book of Ruth illustrate God's providence? [59:02]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth, despite the presence of another closer relative, highlight the importance of selflessness and character? [50:54]
2. How does the story of Ruth and Boaz challenge the cultural norms of their time, particularly regarding marriage and redemption? [56:00]
3. What does the inclusion of Ruth and Boaz in the genealogy of Jesus suggest about God's redemptive plan and the significance of a gospel legacy? [01:03:47]
4. How does the transformation in Naomi's life from emptiness to fullness reflect the theme of redemption and hope in the book of Ruth? [59:02]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you need to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem bleak? How can you actively choose to trust Him this week? [44:13]
2. Consider the legacy you are leaving behind. What steps can you take to ensure that it is one of faith, love, and redemption, rather than just material success? [41:19]
3. Boaz's actions were driven by integrity and selflessness. Identify a situation in your life where you can demonstrate similar character traits. What specific actions can you take? [50:54]
4. The story of Ruth and Boaz points to the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ. How can your life be an arrow pointing others to Jesus? What changes might you need to make to reflect His love and grace more clearly? [01:12:11]
5. Naomi's story shows a transformation from emptiness to fullness. Are there areas in your life where you feel empty? How can you seek God's redemption and fullness in those areas? [59:02]
6. The genealogy of Jesus includes unlikely characters, showing God's inclusive love. How can you embrace and reflect this inclusivity in your relationships and community? [01:03:47]
7. In a world that often values self-promotion, how can you focus on pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking recognition for yourself? What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus? [01:12:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Redemption as Our True Legacy
The story of Ruth and Boaz illustrates that the most valuable legacy we can leave is one of redemption and faithfulness. Material possessions fade, but a life transformed by the gospel impacts generations. Ruth's journey from loss to restoration through Boaz's selfless act of redemption is a powerful reminder that our lives are not just about the present but about the spiritual inheritance we pass on. This narrative challenges us to focus on leaving a legacy that points others to Jesus, emphasizing the eternal significance of a life lived in faithfulness to God. [41:19]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that your legacy is one of faith and redemption rather than material success?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Providence
Ruth's journey from despair to hope is a testament to God's providence. Even in our darkest moments, God is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. Ruth's story encourages us to trust in God's plan, knowing that He can turn our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. As we reflect on Ruth's transformation, we are reminded that God's providence is always at work, even when we cannot see it. This assurance invites us to trust Him more deeply, especially in times of uncertainty. [44:13]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's providence more fully? How can you actively surrender this area to Him today?
Day 3: The Impact of Character and Integrity
Boaz's actions in redeeming Ruth highlight the importance of character and integrity. His willingness to do what is right, even when it was not required, demonstrates true leadership and selflessness. Boaz's integrity not only restored Ruth and Naomi's fortunes but also set the stage for a legacy that would lead to King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. This story challenges us to consider the impact of our character on those around us and to strive for integrity in all our actions. [50:54]
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it reflect integrity and selflessness? How can you ensure your future decisions align with these values?
Day 4: The Significance of a Gospel Legacy
The genealogy of Jesus, which includes Ruth and Boaz, underscores the significance of a gospel legacy. Our lives are part of a larger story, and our faithfulness can contribute to God's redemptive work in the world. This narrative invites us to be faithful stewards of the gospel, impacting future generations through our actions and choices. As we consider the legacy of Ruth and Boaz, we are reminded of the eternal impact our lives can have when we live in alignment with God's purposes. [01:03:47]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to a gospel legacy in your family or community? What specific actions can you take this week to live out this calling?
Day 5: Pointing Others to Jesus
Like Boaz, we are called to be arrows pointing to Jesus. Our lives should reflect His love and grace, drawing others to Him. In a world that often values self-promotion, we are reminded that true significance comes from pointing others to the Savior. This calling challenges us to live in a way that consistently reflects Christ's character, inviting others to experience His transformative love through our words and actions. [01:12:11]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to see the love of Jesus. How can you intentionally reflect Christ's love to them today?
Quotes
Ruth chapter four is where we're going to be. Have you ever noticed that there is a unique trait that seemingly every family carries? You'll probably see that this week when you're around some of your family members. There is a unique trait that every single family carries. Like with our family, with my family, the Tugwells, there is a unique trait that no matter what, we squint. Like I have, like kryptonite, I have red hair and fair skin, so like sun is like kryptonite to Ben Tugwell. But if you ever try to take a squint, I am squinting. And I, I, so many pictures I have ruined. I look like a drunk guy in so many pictures. I've got my eyes like this and, and I'm trying so hard. It doesn't matter what I do. I can't help it. My dad squinted. I've never met my grandfather before, but I've seen a picture of my grandfather. The only picture I've ever seen of my grandfather, he's out in the cornfield. He's squinting, right? He's squinting. I've got two teenage boys now. And so now we try to take family pictures and like the likelihood of one of us three ruining the picture because is really high. We had to take about 30 pictures just to get one good one. Jess always looks good, but then all of us, one of us is always going, you know, it just looks, it just looks terrible. And so that is something that was passed down to me. And unfortunately, that is something that is passed down to my boys. And no matter what, there's always something that is passed down. If you have kids of your own, there's probably something you are going, whether you know it or not, you're going to pass down. One of the, whether it be a physical attribute, another physical attribute that we have, we call it a, we call it a butt chin. There's this little indention right here in the middle of our chin and all of us have it. That's why I have a beard. You would never know. Now, you know, this is, I've waited this long to tell you for a reason. But we all have it. Every family has one of those sort of weird things, or maybe many of you have several of those weird things that you carry down. Maybe perhaps some of those are things that have been passed down, assets that have been passed down. Maybe some of you have an inheritance or a, a, a, a, house or a family farm or an estate. Maybe it's a, a relic or memorabilia, or maybe there's a family Bible that's just been in your family for a long time. It's just been passed down, uh, the family line. And there's a lot of those things that get passed down. But, but I want to tell you this morning that there's one thing that matters more than all of that. [00:38:20] (143 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And today, that's what we're going to unpack. That you can have a family that has none of, or a lot of those material things, or maybe none of those material things. Or maybe perhaps you have a family that you were estranged to. You don't have no things that are passed down. Maybe you don't even know much about your family. [00:40:42] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And maybe there, perhaps there's grief with that. But however, there is hope here because there is something that you can pass down, whether you have a family or not, that is far more important. It's far more important than your physical family in and of itself. And before I leave you on the edge of your seat, I'll just go ahead and tell you what it is. It's redemption. [00:40:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
That's something that you can pass down. It's a life that you've lived that has made an impact on those around you. That is something that you can pass down. It's something that we call here gospel legacies. What we talked about quite a bit here in this past, in this fall. It's something, that is something that you can pass down. And that's what we're going to see this morning as we close out in the book of Ruth. The story of Ruth began with a black cloud of despair. And it looked like almost everything. [00:41:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
was completely lost. Everything was completely hopeless. And in chapter 4, chapter 1, it opens with the faithless acts of Elimelech, and he leads his family to Moab, away from the people of God where he experiences and his family experiences, and he experiences death and loss. And then this leaves us with two widows named Naomi and then her daughter -in -law Ruth, and they're now moving away from the pagan nation of Moab. They've moved back into Bethlehem, Naomi's hometown, mainly just hoping that they could scrounge up some food so that they don't face starvation. And because both are widows, they are yet to carry a family name, and this would be shameful for Naomi, being an Israelite in the eyes of many other Israelites, not to have a family name, not to have anything to pass down. She would feel a lot of shame for that. And because also there's no one to care for them, Ruth has to go and she has to glean in the fields, which is similar to going to a soup kitchen to find food. And the scripture shows... shows us this great picture of God's redemption, because the word tells us in the beginning in chapter 2 that Ruth just happens to glean in the field of Boaz. And Boaz is this man who's next akin to Naomi's former late husband, Elimelech, and she happens to glean in his field, and he immediately shows interest in Ruth. And his generosity and kindness is something that's given to Ruth that she's never experienced before. [00:41:39] (89 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And the scripture says, then it continues with Boaz and Ruth, and Ruth is gleaning in his field for several months, and he's pursued her at this one moment, but now several months he pulls back. I don't know if it's because he just doesn't have a lot of game, but he pulls back. [00:43:18] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But Naomi, she nudges Ruth to go and pursue Boaz and perhaps offer some sketchy advice that while he's sleeping, she should go lay down by his feet. [00:43:43] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And he wakes up and he's honored because apparently she's a catch, and he's honored that she would approach him this way. [00:44:03] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And everything in this story worked well until, this is what we're going to see, there's another person in line, a part of Elimelech's family that has a chance to marry Ruth. And what Boaz is going to do is to see this guy if he really has intentions to marry Ruth, because if he doesn't, Boaz definitely does. [00:44:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so Ruth 3 ends with Naomi, with Ruth, with Boaz, everything is on the waiting. They're waiting and deciding what's going to happen. Boaz hopes not to marry, lose the woman that he wants to marry, and Ruth is hoping, has no clue who her future husband will be. But at the end of 3, Naomi gives some better advice to Ruth. She tells her, encourages her to wait and see what happens. [00:44:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And Naomi, knowing Boaz's character that he will likely initiate. So all the chips are on the table. And really everything rests in the hands of a sovereign and kind God. And this is where we pick up Ruth chapter 4, verse 1. It says, Now Boaz had gone up to the gate, and he sat down there, and behold, the Redeemer of whom Boaz has spoken came by. Now, I know we've talked a little bit about a Redeemer or a kinsman Redeemer, and this idea is thick throughout the book of Ruth. We don't understand the kinsman Redeemer. It's going to be hard for us to understand. We don't understand the kinsman Redeemer. We don't understand the book of Ruth. And so I want to tell you a little bit more about the kinsman Redeemer. In Jewish culture, if a husband dies, the closest to kin, the kinsman Redeemer, the kinsman is going to redeem that family. He's going to be able to step up and take care of that family, take care of that widow in need. And so in this case, Elimelech, who was Naomi's husband, he was a Jew. And so whoever is closest to kin to, Elimelech, should step up and take care of Naomi's family. [00:44:59] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Boaz is in line, but he's not the closest. And so now we know there is this Redeemer, this person that should be the one who steps up. Now, according to Old Testament law, the person should step up in really two primary ways. One is to step up and take care of the land of the person who lost. And also, if the person, like in this case, dies, then he should step in and marry. [00:45:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The one who experienced loss. I'll show you Leviticus 25. Look at what it says about land. Look at verse 25. It says, if your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then the nearest Redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother had sold. If a man has no [00:46:13] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
one to redeem it and then himself becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it. Let him calculate the years since he sold it and pay it back the balance to the man whom he sold it and then return to his property. But if he does not have sufficient means to recover it, then what he sold shall remain in the hand of the buyer until the year of Jubilee. In Jubilee it shall be released and he shall return to his property. You see this? This is God's way of providing for those who were suffering and it was his way to preserve the family from losing any possible means or inheritance. [00:46:33] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And this is what the redeemer of the family would do. It's more serious in the law. If you're supposed to take care of the person's land, then in some cases you're supposed to marry the person. Even if you're supposed to if you didn't step up and marry the person, it was considered a shameful act. In fact, I'll show you Deuteronomy 25 verse 7. It says, if a man does not wish to marry his brother's wife, then his brother's wife, listen to this, shall go up to the gate, the gate's like the square, to the elders and say, my husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel and he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me. And then the elders of the city shall call him and speak to him. And if he persists in saying, I do not wish to take her, then listen to this, his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, pull his sandal off and spit in his face. [00:47:17] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And she shall answer and say, so shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house. And the man in the name of his house shall be called Israel, shall be called in Israel, the house of Israel. And he shall say, I do not wish to take her, then listen to this, his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of him who had his sandal pulled off. [00:48:11] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Friends, I am glad we're not under the law anymore, all right? I'm going to tell you, this is reason 4 ,842 why I'm thankful for Jesus, all right? [00:48:32] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And this is true of every Israelite family, y 'all. Like, if your brother's wife dies and you don't marry her, it's a shameful act. I mean, even if she's mean, even if she's not pretty, even if she likes The Bachelor and makes you watch it, you have to say yes, right? You have to say yes. It's a shameful act. [00:48:39] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And I know this sounds rigid, but I want you to hear this. Like, this is God's extended arm to make sure the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized are cared for. [00:49:11] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I mean, even if you would read a lot more about the law, about this Redeemer and what this Redeemer does, there's actually a part in Numbers 25 that says, if a family member is murdered because of this role as a Redeemer, the next of kin, the Redeemer, should go and avenge that person's death. I think that part's actually pretty cool. But it's there. Like, it's there. Like, these are all the things that this person is supposed to do. Now, I show you that because this is what a big deal this was. This kingdom and Redeemer was supposed to stand up. And now we find out that there is someone for Ruth and Naomi that totally should have stepped up and helped, but he didn't. And now we're going to see how Boaz, the man who's closer to kin, as close as this one, he actually wants to step up. How is he going to handle this situation? Look in verse 1. He went up to the gate. The gate is sort of like the, again, the town hall. It's sort of like their courthouse where things were settled, contracts were settled, people would come together and make decisions. And then behold, the Redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, had come by. And so Boaz said, turn aside, friend. Sit down here. [00:49:52] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And he turned aside and sat down, and he took 10 of them. And he took 10 of them. And he took 10 of them. And he took 10 of them. And he took 10 men and the elders of the city and said, sit down here. So they sat down. And so here's Boaz. He comes to the square. He comes to the gate where things like this are settled. And he asked this person to sit down, this nearest to kin, this Redeemer, to sit down. And it's obvious that this person is not significant because, you know what, did you notice anything? His name is not even mentioned. [00:50:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
In fact, we're not even sure that Boaz knows his name. He's like, hey, friend. [00:50:57] (5 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
citizen friend. It's like when we don't know somebody's name, we're like, hey, buddy, you know, like, hey, sport, how's it going? You know, hey, bro, how's it going? We don't know their name. And in a subtle way, it even shows a little bit of his insignificance that Boaz doesn't even know his name. We should know his name, but we don't. And you know why we don't? Because he doesn't step up. That's why we don't know his name. [00:51:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And Boaz steps up and we know his name. And this is what he says in verse three. And he said to the Redeemer, Naomi, who has come back from the country of Boaz, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative, our relative, Elimelech. Remember him? He died, right? And so I thought I would tell you of it and say, buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it. [00:51:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So wow, where's this guy been, right? He should have already known about this property and he should have known a
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 07, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?