Ruth 3:18
The story of Ruth illustrates God's love and redemption, demonstrating His desire to save all people and spread His love over us.
Chuck Smith explores the story of Ruth, emphasizing her destitute condition after losing her husband and her commitment to care for Naomi. He highlights Boaz's love and protection for Ruth, illustrating how God's love similarly watches over us, often unnoticed. The narrative culminates in Ruth's bold request to Boaz, leading to her redemption and the birth of Obed, an ancestor of King David. Smith draws parallels to Jesus, who redeems the world to obtain His gentile bride, encouraging believers to wait patiently on God.
Text
"WAITING ON GOD"
Intro: The story of Ruth is a beautiful love story of redemption.
I. RUTH'S DESTITUTE CONDITION.
A. Her husband Mahlon had died.
B. Her mother-in-law Naomi had decided to return home to
Bethlehem.
1. Ruth left her family and friends to go with her, that she might
care for her in her old age.
2. So here was Ruth destitute in a strange country.
C. Their only sustenance was for her to join the gleaners in the fields.
1. The law concerning gleaning.
II. BOAZ'S LOVE FOR RUTH.
A. Ruth happened upon the fields of Boaz, a very wealthy and Godly man.
B. Boaz saw Ruth and was attracted to her.
1. He discreetly inquired about her.
2. He gave orders concerning her.
a. They were not to chide her if she wandered into the
unharvested portion.
b. They were not to touch her.
c. They were to let handsful drop on purpose for her.
C. Ruth was being blessed and protected by his love though she was not
aware of it.
1. Just as the Lord, in love, is watching over you.
D. Naomi who is more experienced than Ruth figures something's up when
Ruth brings home a bushel of grain.
1. She suggests Ruth to stay in Boaz's field.
2. And at the end of harvest she sends Ruth to the threshing floor at night.
a. Out of the darkness she watched as they ate and partied
and finally settled down to rest.
b. She slipped silently to the sleeping Boaz and uncovered
his feet.
c. At midnight he awoke and was startled that a woman was
lying at his feet.
d. He inquired as to her identity and Ruth asked him to spread
his skirt over her. (to fulfill his duty as goel..
e. At early dawn, Ruth slipped back home to Naomi, who advised
her to sit still and wait.
E. Boaz went to city gate and made the transaction to redeem Naomi's field.
1. The marriage to Ruth was consummated and she bore a son
whom they named Obed or "worshipper" who became the grandfather
of King David.
2. The story of Boaz buying a field that he might obtain a gentile bride.
Ill. MATTHEW 13: 44.
A. Jesus redeemed the world that He might obtain His gentile bride.
B. He loves you and has been watching over you though you have been unaware.
C. He wants to spread His skirt over you.
Sermon Outline
- Ruth's Destitute Condition points: - Her husband Mahlon had died - Naomi decided to return home to Bethlehem - Ruth's only sustenance was gleaning in the fields
- Boaz's Love for Ruth points: - Ruth met Boaz in his fields - Boaz was attracted to Ruth and protected her - Naomi advised Ruth to stay in Boaz's field
- Redemption and Marriage points: - Boaz redeemed Naomi's field and married Ruth - Ruth bore a son, Obed, who became the grandfather of King David
- Application to Our Lives points: - Jesus redeemed the world to obtain His gentile bride - Jesus loves and watches over us, even when we're unaware - Jesus wants to spread His skirt over us
Key Quotes
“Just as the Lord, in love, is watching over you.” — Chuck Smith
“He wants to spread His skirt over you.” — Chuck Smith
“Jesus loves you and has been watching over you though you have been unaware.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We can learn to trust in God's love and care, just as Ruth trusted in Boaz's love and protection.
- We should recognize and respond to God's love and care in our lives.
- We can apply the story of Ruth to our lives by trusting in God's redemption and love.