Redemption and Hope: The Story of Ruth and Boaz
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound story of Ruth and Boaz, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in Israel's history. This narrative, found in the book of Ruth, is a testament to God's providence and the unexpected ways He works through our lives. We began by acknowledging the brokenness and bitterness that life can bring, as exemplified by Naomi, who returned to Bethlehem empty and afflicted after losing her husband and sons. Her story resonates with many of us who have experienced loss and heartache, reminding us that God sees our pain and is compassionate towards us.
Ruth, the unlikely heroine, steps into this story as a Moabite, a foreigner, and a widow. Her loyalty to Naomi and her bold step of faith to glean in Boaz's field demonstrate the courage required to trust in God's provision. Ruth's story is a reminder that God often uses the most unexpected people to fulfill His purposes. Her encounter with Boaz, a man of integrity and a kinsman-redeemer, illustrates the concept of redemption—a central theme in the Bible. Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi's family line is a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work for us.
Boaz, as the redeemer, points us to Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer. Just as Boaz provided for Ruth and Naomi, Jesus offers us a living hope and eternal life. He takes us, spiritually poor and broken, and makes us His own. This story challenges us to see ourselves in the characters: Naomi's bitterness, Ruth's unlikely favor, and Boaz's redeeming love. It calls us to recognize our need for redemption and to embrace the grace offered to us through Jesus.
As we reflect on this narrative, we are reminded that God is always at work, even in our brokenness. He invites us to take steps of faith, trusting that He will meet us with His grace. Our journey with Jesus is one of continual growth and transformation, as we learn to walk with Him daily, despite our imperfections. Let us celebrate our redemption and strive to be a reflection of Christ's love and hope to a world in need.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Compassion in Our Brokenness: Naomi's story of loss and bitterness is a powerful reminder that God sees our pain and is compassionate towards us. Life's hardships can leave us feeling empty, but God invites us to bring our brokenness to Him, trusting that He will provide comfort and healing. [08:49]
2. The Courage of Faith: Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and glean in Boaz's field exemplifies the courage required to step out in faith. Her story encourages us to trust in God's provision, even when the path is uncertain, knowing that He often uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. [09:50]
3. The Role of the Redeemer: Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer is a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work for us. Just as Boaz provided for Ruth and Naomi, Jesus offers us a living hope and eternal life, taking us, spiritually poor and broken, and making us His own. [14:24]
4. Our Identity as the Unlikely Favored Ones: Like Ruth, we are the unlikely ones who have found favor in God's eyes. Despite our backgrounds or circumstances, God's grace and favor are extended to us, reminding us that His kingdom operates on principles that often defy worldly expectations. [22:49]
5. Walking with Jesus in Imperfection: Our journey with Jesus is one of continual growth and transformation. Despite our imperfections, we are called to walk with Him daily, learning from His example and allowing His grace to shape us into His likeness. This journey requires faith, humility, and a willingness to be transformed by His love. [28:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:56] - Opening Prayer
- [01:54] - Introduction and Humor
- [03:13] - Series Overview: Grandmas, Grandpas, and Grace
- [04:24] - Background of Ruth and Boaz
- [05:11] - Elimelech's Decision and Consequences
- [06:00] - Naomi's Loss and Bitterness
- [07:40] - Ruth's Loyalty and Faith
- [08:49] - Naomi's Return to Bethlehem
- [09:50] - Ruth's Step of Faith
- [12:06] - Boaz's Favor and Protection
- [13:02] - Taking Steps of Faith
- [14:24] - Boaz as the Redeemer
- [15:33] - Naomi's Plan for Ruth
- [17:40] - Boaz's Integrity and Proposal
- [19:22] - The Bitter and Broken Ones
- [20:41] - Jesus, Our Redeemer
- [22:49] - The Unlikely Favored Ones
- [23:58] - God's Upside-Down Kingdom
- [25:37] - Jesus, the Redeeming One
- [27:23] - Our Response to Redemption
- [28:52] - Walking with Jesus
- [34:19] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ruth 1:1-22
2. Ruth 2:1-13
3. Ruth 3:1-18
#### Observation Questions
1. What circumstances led Naomi to feel bitter and broken upon her return to Bethlehem? [08:49]
2. How did Ruth demonstrate her loyalty and faith when she decided to stay with Naomi? [07:40]
3. What actions did Boaz take that showed his role as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi? [14:24]
4. How does the story of Ruth and Boaz connect to the lineage of Jesus as mentioned in the sermon? [03:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does Naomi's story of loss and bitterness reflect the human experience of brokenness and the need for God's compassion? [08:49]
2. How does Ruth's courage to glean in Boaz's field illustrate the concept of stepping out in faith despite uncertainty? [09:50]
3. What does Boaz's willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi's family line teach us about the biblical concept of redemption? [14:24]
4. How does the sermon suggest that Ruth's story is a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work for humanity? [19:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt bitter or broken like Naomi. How did you experience God's compassion during that period? [08:49]
2. Ruth took a bold step of faith by choosing to stay with Naomi and glean in Boaz's field. What is a step of faith you feel called to take in your life right now? [09:50]
3. Boaz's actions as a redeemer point to Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer. How can you embrace the redemption offered by Jesus in your daily life? [14:24]
4. Ruth was an unlikely heroine who found favor in God's eyes. How can you recognize and celebrate the unexpected ways God is working in your life? [22:49]
5. The sermon emphasizes walking with Jesus despite our imperfections. What practical steps can you take to grow in your relationship with Jesus this week? [28:52]
6. How can you be a reflection of Christ's love and hope to those around you, especially in a world filled with brokenness? [34:19]
7. Consider the concept of God's upside-down kingdom, where the unlikely are favored. How does this challenge your understanding of success and favor in your own life? [23:58]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Compassion in Our Brokenness
In the story of Naomi, we see a woman who has faced immense loss and bitterness. She returns to Bethlehem feeling empty and afflicted, having lost her husband and sons. This narrative resonates with many who have experienced similar heartache, reminding us that God is aware of our pain and is compassionate towards us. Naomi's journey is a powerful testament to the fact that life's hardships can leave us feeling desolate, but God invites us to bring our brokenness to Him. He promises to provide comfort and healing, even when we feel most abandoned. This is a call to trust in God's unwavering compassion and to seek His presence in our times of need. [08:49]
Psalm 34:18-19 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt broken or bitter. How can you invite God into that space today to experience His compassion and healing?
Day 2: The Courage of Faith
Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and glean in Boaz's field is a remarkable act of courage and faith. As a Moabite and a widow, Ruth was an unlikely heroine, yet she chose to trust in God's provision despite the uncertainty of her path. Her story encourages us to step out in faith, even when the future seems unclear. God often uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes, and Ruth's journey is a testament to this truth. Her boldness in the face of adversity challenges us to trust in God's plan and to take courageous steps of faith in our own lives. [09:50]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to take a step of faith? How can you trust God to guide you through the uncertainty?
Day 3: The Role of the Redeemer
Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer is a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work for us. In the story, Boaz willingly redeems Ruth and Naomi's family line, providing for them and securing their future. This act of redemption mirrors the work of Jesus, who offers us a living hope and eternal life. Just as Boaz took Ruth and Naomi, who were spiritually poor and broken, and made them his own, Jesus does the same for us. This narrative invites us to recognize our need for redemption and to embrace the grace offered to us through Christ. [14:24]
Titus 2:13-14 (ESV): "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
Reflection: In what ways do you see Jesus as your Redeemer in your life today? How can you live in response to His redeeming love?
Day 4: Our Identity as the Unlikely Favored Ones
Ruth's story reminds us that we are the unlikely ones who have found favor in God's eyes. Despite her background as a Moabite and a widow, Ruth was chosen to play a significant role in God's plan. This narrative highlights the fact that God's grace and favor are extended to us, regardless of our circumstances or past. His kingdom operates on principles that often defy worldly expectations, and we are invited to embrace our identity as favored ones in His eyes. This truth challenges us to see ourselves as God sees us and to live out our calling with confidence and gratitude. [22:49]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: How does knowing you are favored by God change the way you view yourself and your circumstances? What steps can you take to live out this identity today?
Day 5: Walking with Jesus in Imperfection
Our journey with Jesus is one of continual growth and transformation. Despite our imperfections, we are called to walk with Him daily, learning from His example and allowing His grace to shape us into His likeness. This journey requires faith, humility, and a willingness to be transformed by His love. As we reflect on the story of Ruth and Boaz, we are reminded that God is always at work, even in our brokenness. He invites us to take steps of faith, trusting that He will meet us with His grace. Let us celebrate our redemption and strive to be a reflection of Christ's love and hope to a world in need. [28:52]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to allow Jesus to transform you? How can you take a step today to walk more closely with Him in that area?
Quotes
"I pray that you would show yourself strong in who you are to them and that our hope is not just in having a good life this side of heaven, but our hope is in eternal life with you. In Jesus' name, amen." [00:01:20] (20 seconds)
"Ruth said to Naomi, do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you. For where you go, I will go. Where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." [00:07:49] (16 seconds)
"And when they came to Bethlehem, all the city was stirred because of them. And the women said, is this Naomi? But she said to them, do not call me Naomi, call me Marah, which means bitter. For the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." [00:08:30] (19 seconds)
"Maybe she understood God's heart for the poor. We read throughout the law of Moses, specifically in Leviticus 19, where God instructed the children of Israel, when you harvest your field, when you harvest your grapes, don't go all the way to the end of the harvest. Leave some for the poor." [00:10:50] (22 seconds)
"Boaz, as we're going to learn, is a kinsman of a Limelech who was Naomi's husband who had passed away. And so he shows even more favor to her. She left the home or wherever she was staying with Naomi empty-handed, but goes back full of food, full of grain, full of grapes, full of barley." [00:12:24] (22 seconds)
"To redeem is to buy back something on behalf of somebody else so that they can have a hope and a future. The unlikely ones, us, we're the favored. We're the favored ones from God. Obviously, all of humanity is favored by God. But in the way the world views favoritism is not the way God sees it." [00:25:00] (28 seconds)
"Boaz is a picture of Christ, a type of Christ. He was a redeemer. Boaz had to be a relative. Well, God, in his plan, God the Son, the eternal word of God, in the Christmas story, in the incarnation, he becomes one of us so he can be our redeemer. And he did it in his human life." [00:25:37] (27 seconds)
"Boaz took a poor, penniless alien to be his bride. Well, Jesus has taken us, spiritually poor and broken, to be his bride. Boaz took a poor, penniless alien to be his bride. Well, Jesus has taken us, spiritually poor and broken, to be his bride. What a beautiful picture." [00:26:04] (14 seconds)
"To me, that's to be said, celebrated. And what he asks of all of us is just to agree with him. That's faith. Faith is saying, Jesus, I agree with you. You are the Savior. You are the Lord. And I agree with you. And I want to be your disciple." [00:28:12] (18 seconds)
"He doesn't just want us to pray a prayer or fill out a card or walk the aisle. He wants you to walk with him. Walk with him in every aspect of your life. And guess what? I'm fully aware of my failures every day." [00:28:52] (16 seconds)
"God, this is a building. We are your church. Wherever we're at, that's where you're at. And Lord, we pray as a church family to know you more and make you known." [00:34:27] (17 seconds)
"Lord, in a world of Naomi's that are broken and bitter, help us to be an extension of you. Jesus, to this broken world, we want to be helpful, hopeful, truthful people." [00:34:44] (20 seconds)
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