Trusting God's Provision: Lessons from Ruth and Boaz
Summary
In our journey through the book of Ruth, we are reminded of the profound significance of living with a heart aligned with God's purposes. The series "One Heart" emphasizes the importance of unity and devotion, as we explore the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. This narrative is not just a historical account but a living, breathing testament of God's active work in our lives. As we delve into Ruth chapter 2, we encounter Boaz, a man of standing who embodies divine order and obedience to God's law. His life is a reflection of living in accordance with God's commands, particularly in how he manages his fields with generosity and compassion, leaving behind grain for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.
Boaz's actions are a testament to the kingdom mindset, where trust in God's provision surpasses economic logic. This principle challenges us to trust in God's ways, even when they seem counterintuitive. Boaz's generosity towards Ruth, a foreigner and widow, is a reflection of God's grace and provision. Ruth's story is a powerful reminder of God's ability to redeem and restore, as she finds favor in Boaz's eyes and experiences God's provision through his kindness.
The narrative also highlights the importance of leaving and cleaving, a principle that extends beyond marriage to our spiritual journey. Just as Ruth left her homeland to embrace a new life with Naomi, we are called to leave behind our past and cleave to God, trusting in His provision and protection. This story is a beautiful illustration of God's faithfulness and the blessings that come from living in obedience to His word.
As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's provision, embrace His protection, and live with a heart aligned with His purposes. The story of Ruth and Boaz is a reminder that God's provision is often on the other side of our decision to trust Him. Let us be inspired by their example to live with a kingdom mindset, trusting in God's faithfulness and provision in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trust in God's Provision: Boaz's obedience to God's law, leaving grain for the foreigner, fatherless, and widow, exemplifies a kingdom mindset that trusts in God's provision beyond economic logic. This challenges us to trust in God's ways, even when they seem counterintuitive, knowing that His blessings often follow our decision to trust Him. [10:56]
2. The Power of Leaving and Cleaving: Ruth's decision to leave her homeland and cleave to Naomi is a powerful illustration of the spiritual principle of leaving our past and cleaving to God. This act of faith and commitment opens the door to God's provision and protection, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. [29:07]
3. God's Grace for the Outsider: Ruth, a foreigner and widow, finds favor in Boaz's eyes, reflecting God's grace and provision for those who feel like outsiders. This story reminds us that God's love and grace extend to all, regardless of our background or circumstances, and that He sees and values each of us. [19:37]
4. Living with a Kingdom Mindset: Boaz's life demonstrates the blessings of living with a kingdom mindset, where obedience to God's commands leads to abundant provision and favor. This challenges us to align our lives with God's purposes, trusting that His ways lead to true fulfillment and blessing. [17:10]
5. The Legacy of Faithfulness: The story of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to the legacy of faithfulness, as their obedience and trust in God lead to blessings for future generations. This encourages us to live with a long-term perspective, knowing that our faithfulness today can impact the lives of those who come after us. [32:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[10:56] - Introduction to Boaz
[17:10] - Trusting God's Provision
[19:37] - Ruth's Encounter with Boaz
[29:07] - The Principle of Leaving and Cleaving
[32:02] - The Legacy of Faithfulness
[47:46] - Invitation to Trust and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "One Heart" Series on Ruth Chapter 2
Bible Reading:
1. Ruth 2:1-23
2. Deuteronomy 24:17-22
3. Matthew 1:4-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did Boaz take to demonstrate his obedience to God's law regarding the treatment of foreigners, the fatherless, and widows? [17:10]
2. How does the lineage of Boaz, as mentioned in Matthew 1:4-6, connect to the broader narrative of God's redemption plan?
3. What was Ruth's initial reaction to Boaz's kindness, and how does this reflect her understanding of her own status as a foreigner? [19:37]
4. How does the principle of "leaving and cleaving" manifest in Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and embrace a new life? [29:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Boaz's adherence to the laws in Deuteronomy 24:17-22 challenge modern economic logic, and what does this reveal about a kingdom mindset? [17:10]
2. How does the story of Ruth and Boaz illustrate the concept of God's grace for outsiders, and what implications does this have for how we view inclusivity in our communities? [19:37]
3. What does the narrative suggest about the importance of trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire or counterintuitive? [17:10]
4. How does the principle of "leaving and cleaving" extend beyond marriage to our spiritual journey, and what does this mean for our relationship with God? [29:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's provision despite uncertain circumstances. How did that experience shape your faith? [17:10]
2. Consider the ways in which you might be called to demonstrate generosity and compassion in your own "fields" of influence. What practical steps can you take to embody a kingdom mindset like Boaz? [17:10]
3. How can you actively embrace and support those who feel like outsiders in your community, reflecting God's grace as Boaz did for Ruth? [19:37]
4. In what areas of your life do you need to "leave and cleave" to God, letting go of past attachments to fully embrace His plans for you? [29:07]
5. Identify a situation where you might be holding back from trusting God's provision. What decision can you make this week to step out in faith? [17:10]
6. How can you cultivate a long-term perspective in your faith journey, considering the legacy of faithfulness you want to leave for future generations? [32:02]
7. Reflect on the concept of being part of God's family. How does this identity influence your daily interactions and decisions? [47:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust Beyond Logic
Boaz's actions in the book of Ruth demonstrate a profound trust in God's provision that defies conventional economic logic. By leaving grain for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, Boaz exemplifies a kingdom mindset that prioritizes obedience to God's commands over personal gain. This act of generosity is a testament to his faith in God's ability to provide abundantly, even when it seems counterintuitive. As we reflect on Boaz's example, we are challenged to trust in God's ways, knowing that His blessings often follow our decision to trust Him. [10:56]
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to trust Him beyond what seems logical or practical? How can you take a step of faith today to align with His provision?
Day 2: Embracing New Beginnings
Ruth's decision to leave her homeland and cleave to Naomi is a powerful illustration of the spiritual principle of leaving behind the past to embrace a new life with God. This act of faith and commitment opens the door to God's provision and protection, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. Ruth's journey encourages us to let go of what holds us back and to trust in God's plan for our future. [29:07]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing from your past that you need to leave behind to fully embrace God's plan for your life? How can you take a step towards this new beginning today?
Day 3: Grace for the Outsider
Ruth, a foreigner and widow, finds favor in Boaz's eyes, reflecting God's grace and provision for those who feel like outsiders. This story is a reminder that God's love and grace extend to all, regardless of background or circumstances. It challenges us to see others through God's eyes, recognizing their value and worth. As we reflect on Ruth's story, we are encouraged to extend grace and kindness to those who may feel marginalized or overlooked. [19:37]
"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." (Deuteronomy 10:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might feel like an outsider or marginalized? How can you extend God's grace and kindness to them today?
Day 4: Living with Purpose
Boaz's life demonstrates the blessings of living with a kingdom mindset, where obedience to God's commands leads to abundant provision and favor. His actions challenge us to align our lives with God's purposes, trusting that His ways lead to true fulfillment and blessing. By living with a kingdom mindset, we can experience the fullness of God's provision and favor in our lives. [17:10]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to align more closely with God's purposes? How can you take a step towards living with a kingdom mindset today?
Day 5: A Legacy of Faithfulness
The story of Ruth and Boaz is a testament to the legacy of faithfulness, as their obedience and trust in God lead to blessings for future generations. This encourages us to live with a long-term perspective, knowing that our faithfulness today can impact the lives of those who come after us. By choosing to trust and obey God, we can leave a lasting legacy of faith for future generations. [32:02]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can your faithfulness today impact future generations? What is one step you can take to ensure that your legacy is one of faith and obedience to God?
Quotes
Boaz, as we see, a man who is living in divine order, a man of standing, what do we see with this? Well, Boaz was running his business, leading his life, clearly in accordance with the law of the Lord, with the Torah, with the books of Moses. He is living his life in accordance to what God said. [00:11:13] (23 seconds)
And God unfolds, this is how I want you to run your land, your business. Trust me in this. I'll bless you if you do so this way. This is how I want you to do it. So now when we read Ruth chapter two, verse two through nine, we see how Boaz does that. [00:11:55] (20 seconds)
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from their key phrase. That is why I command you to do this. When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. [00:12:42] (25 seconds)
This here from a business practice from an economic practice is a bad idea so though as you've got this field it's all yours I should be able to harvest it and make sure I don't need any of it I should maximize the fruit of the harvest I should maximize all I've got it. [00:13:28] (27 seconds)
God's provision is nearly always on the other side of your decision. God says, this is how I want you to live it. Now decide to live this way. You're still gonna trust God when he says, this is what I want you to do. Walk by faith, trust in me, because my provision is nearly always on the other side of your decision. [00:16:39] (22 seconds)
There is a huge number of marriages that struggle in the early years and some for decades when they do not apply the leave and cleave principle. When they don't leave their mother and father. So let me just put this to you as gently as I can, but probably with some passion. [00:28:24] (22 seconds)
When you hear with all good intent, okay? So imagine, imagine I'm about to get married, all right? Imagine that, I'm about to get married and my parents say to me, so Des, when you get married, you do know that you're marrying into her family. Mel, so you do know when you get married to Des, you're marrying into our family. No, you're not. [00:28:44] (32 seconds)
This story is a historical story that is in the lineage of jesus story and so i'm going to say this husbands men i understand your role is to be a provider and a protector for your people but i'll say this it first starts with you knowing who you belong to it first starts with the humility of knowing without my king i provide nothing. [00:40:27] (32 seconds)
I serve a king who is a servant and he stooped down to lift me up we as guys need to know that the way i provide for my family is underneath and love and presence the way i protect my family is there is a stepping in and a shielding that's presence and the way in which identity of that wider family is involved. [00:41:56] (36 seconds)
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