Ruth: A Journey of Redemption and Noble Character

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delve into the profound narrative of Ruth, a story that transcends time and speaks directly to our hearts about faithfulness, character, and God's redemptive love. Ruth's journey is not merely a tale of human love but a divine illustration of how Christ, our kinsman-redeemer, has called us into a sacred covenant with Him.

Ruth, a Moabite and outsider, represents each of us—sinners, alienated from God. Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, is a foreshadowing of Christ, who redeems us from the bondage of sin and restores what was lost. Ruth's boldness in approaching Boaz is a call for us to seek our Redeemer with the same fervor, trusting in His willingness to cover us with His grace.

The story of Ruth and Boaz is not just about their union but about the bigger picture—our relationship with Jesus. Ruth's actions—preparing herself, pursuing Boaz, and patiently waiting—mirror the steps we must take in our spiritual walk. We must prepare our hearts, pursue God's presence, and wait on His timing.

As we navigate the complexities of relationships, whether in dating, marriage, or our walk with God, we must uphold noble character. Our actions should align with our faith, and our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of God's love. We must be vigilant in protecting our reputation and the reputation of others, ensuring that our "Saturday night" is consistent with our "Sunday morning."

In the context of dating and marriage, it is crucial to seek God's guidance and wisdom. Moving in together before marriage, though common in society, often leads to hurt. Instead, we should strive for purity and honor God's design for relationships. For those who have made mistakes, forgiveness and redemption are available through Jesus.

For singles, remember that God orchestrates encounters and will bring the right people into your life. For married couples, it is never too late to seek forgiveness and start anew in Christ. And for all, be a person of noble character, attracting not what you want but what you are.

In conclusion, the story of Ruth is our story. It is a reminder that Jesus, our ultimate kinsman-redeemer, has paid the price for our redemption. He did not rest until the matter of our salvation was settled, and He calls us to settle the matters of our hearts with Him today.

Key Takeaways:

- Ruth's preparation to meet Boaz is symbolic of how we must prepare our hearts for God. Just as she washed, anointed herself, and dressed in her best, we too must cleanse our hearts, anoint ourselves with the Holy Spirit, and clothe ourselves in righteousness to be ready for our divine encounter. [44:13]

- The act of Boaz covering Ruth with his garment is a powerful image of Christ's covering over us. It signifies protection, provision, and a commitment to redeem. As believers, we are covered by the righteousness of Christ, which shields us from the condemnation of sin and clothes us in dignity and honor. [01:01:41]

- The concept of waiting, as seen in Ruth's story, is a vital spiritual discipline. Waiting on the Lord requires faith and patience, but it is in these seasons of anticipation that our trust in God's perfect timing and plans is refined. As Ruth waited for Boaz, we too must wait on the Lord, confident that He will fulfill His promises to us. [01:09:23]

- The role of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's life is a direct parallel to Jesus' role in ours. Just as Boaz had the right and the willingness to redeem Ruth, Jesus has both the authority and the desire to redeem us from sin. This redemption is not just a rescue but an invitation into a loving relationship with our Savior. [01:10:36]

- The importance of character in relationships is underscored throughout Ruth's story. Both Ruth and Boaz are celebrated for their noble character, which ultimately leads to their blessed union. As followers of Christ, we must cultivate a character that reflects God's nature, knowing that it is the foundation for healthy and godly relationships. [01:06:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ruth 3:1-18
- Leviticus 25:25
- Deuteronomy 25:5-10

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Ruth take to prepare herself before meeting Boaz? (Ruth 3:3)
2. How did Boaz respond when he discovered Ruth at his feet in the middle of the night? (Ruth 3:8-9)
3. What was the significance of Boaz covering Ruth with his garment? (Ruth 3:9)
4. How did Ruth demonstrate her faith and trust in God's plan through her actions? (Ruth 3:5-6)

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Ruth's preparation to meet Boaz symbolize in our spiritual walk with God? (Ruth 3:3) [44:13]
2. How does the role of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's story parallel Jesus' role in our lives? (Leviticus 25:25; Deuteronomy 25:5-10) [01:10:36]
3. In what ways does the story of Ruth and Boaz illustrate the importance of noble character in relationships? (Ruth 3:11) [01:06:24]
4. How does the concept of waiting, as seen in Ruth's story, apply to our faith journey? (Ruth 3:18) [01:09:23]

#### Application Questions
1. Ruth prepared herself by washing, anointing, and dressing in her best clothes. How can you prepare your heart for a deeper relationship with God this week? (Ruth 3:3) [44:13]
2. Boaz's act of covering Ruth with his garment was a sign of protection and commitment. How can you seek and recognize Christ's covering in your life? (Ruth 3:9) [01:01:41]
3. Ruth waited patiently for Boaz's response and trusted in God's timing. Is there an area in your life where you need to practice patience and trust in God's timing? How can you actively wait on the Lord? (Ruth 3:18) [01:09:23]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of noble character in relationships. Reflect on your own character. Are there areas where you need to grow to align more closely with God's nature? (Ruth 3:11) [01:06:24]
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of seeking God's guidance in dating and marriage. If you are single, how can you seek God's wisdom in your relationships? If you are married, how can you seek forgiveness and start anew in Christ? (Ruth 3:1-2) [01:03:29]
6. Ruth's boldness in approaching Boaz is a call for us to seek our Redeemer with fervor. What steps can you take this week to pursue a closer relationship with Jesus? (Ruth 3:7-9) [01:00:30]
7. The sermon highlighted the need to protect our reputation and the reputation of others. How can you ensure that your actions on "Saturday night" are consistent with your "Sunday morning" faith? (Ruth 3:14) [01:05:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Preparing Hearts for Divine Encounters
The preparation of one's heart is akin to Ruth's physical preparation to meet Boaz, symbolizing the spiritual readiness required for encountering God. Just as Ruth cleansed herself, anointed with oil, and dressed in her finest, individuals are called to purify their hearts, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and clothe themselves in the righteousness of Christ. This preparation is not a superficial act but a deep, intentional process of aligning one's life with God's holiness and will. It involves confession, seeking forgiveness, and a commitment to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel. The transformation of the heart is a crucial step in being ready to meet God, whether in daily prayer, worship, or at the ultimate divine encounter when one stands before Him.

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cleanse your heart and prepare for a deeper encounter with God?

Day 2: Embracing Christ's Protective Covering
Boaz's act of covering Ruth with his garment is a poignant representation of how Christ covers believers with His righteousness. This covering signifies protection, provision, and a commitment to redeem. It is a reminder that as followers of Christ, individuals are shielded from the condemnation of sin and are clothed in dignity and honor. This divine covering is not earned but graciously given, and it calls for a response of gratitude, humility, and a life lived in the light of Christ's sacrificial love. The understanding of being covered by Christ's righteousness should inspire a sense of security and compel believers to extend the same grace and protection to others.

"He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love." - Song of Solomon 2:4

Reflection: How does the knowledge of being covered by Christ's righteousness influence your daily actions and interactions with others?

Day 3: The Virtue of Waiting on the Lord
Waiting on the Lord is a spiritual discipline that reflects the story of Ruth, who patiently waited for Boaz's response. This waiting is not passive but an active trust in God's perfect timing and plans. It is during these seasons of anticipation that faith is tested and strengthened. Believers are encouraged to wait with expectancy, knowing that God is at work even when His plans are not immediately evident. The practice of waiting cultivates patience, perseverance, and a deeper reliance on God, teaching that His promises are worth the wait and that His timing is always best.

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him." - Psalm 62:5

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to exercise greater patience and trust in God's timing, and how can you actively wait on Him today?

Day 4: Jesus, Our Kinsman-Redeemer
The role of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's life is a profound illustration of Jesus' role in the life of every believer. Just as Boaz had the right and the willingness to redeem Ruth, Jesus has both the authority and the desire to redeem humanity from sin. This redemption is an invitation into a loving relationship with the Savior, a rescue that brings individuals into a family and a covenant of grace. Understanding Jesus as the kinsman-redeemer deepens the appreciation of His sacrifice and the personal nature of His love and commitment to each person.

"Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, 'Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever.'" - Jeremiah 3:12

Reflection: How does viewing Jesus as your personal kinsman-redeemer change the way you approach your relationship with Him?

Day 5: Cultivating Noble Character in Relationships
The story of Ruth and Boaz emphasizes the importance of noble character, which is foundational for healthy and godly relationships. Both individuals are celebrated for their integrity, kindness, and faithfulness—qualities that reflect God's nature. Believers are called to cultivate such character in their own lives, knowing that it not only pleases God but also leads to blessings and favor. Noble character is not about perfection but about striving to live authentically and righteously, being consistent in word and deed, and maintaining a reputation that honors God.

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." - Proverbs 22:1

Reflection: What aspect of your character do you need to develop to better reflect God's nature, and what practical step can you take today to grow in that area?

Quotes

- "You don't attract what you want, you attract what you are. So it's about being what kind of person you are going to be while you're dating." [44:13] (Download | )

- "He's protecting his reputation and hers. What are you doing to protect your reputation and theirs? Are you a person of noble character? Does your Saturday night match up with your Sunday morning?" [01:06:24] (Download | )

- "I've seen over the years letters that wives would write and say, 'Hey, my husband forced us to be physical before we got married, and I hold it against him.' Forgiveness is found in Jesus, and he can redeem any relationship." [01:07:37] (Download | )

- "Whether they got married and lived happily ever after, not exactly. There's a guy in the way, there's a closer of kin. You got to get rid of the other guy." [01:08:11] (Download | )

- "Ruth waited and oh, that's the part we don't like. We don't like waiting. But it is in these seasons of anticipation that our trust in God's perfect timing and plans is refined." [01:09:23] (Download | )

- "The whole story really isn't about Boaz and Ruth; it's about Jesus and you. Ruth is an alien outside the family of God, that's us. Boaz is a picture of Jesus, and as Boaz redeemed Ruth, so Christ has redeemed us." [01:10:36] (Download | )

- "Jesus didn't rest until the matter was settled. He walked on the earth, he ascended back to the Father, he's there making intercession for us. He will hear your prayer today; he's not going to rest until the matter is settled." [01:12:27] (Download | )

- "Who is Jesus to you? Is he just a man in history, or do you know him in your heart? He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is the way, the truth, and the life." [01:13:44] (Download | )

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Transcript
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