Ruth 4:9-15
Length: 18:28
This is a message given on November 22, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Keeping Integrity
Last week we left off with both Ruth and Boaz taking risks. Ruth took the risk of going to Boaz for marriage. She could have been rejected, humiliated, or possibly even lost her life. But she took a risk out of obedience and trust.
Boaz also took a risk by accepting Ruth’s offer of marriage. He risked his reputation with this women. He risked his business. But he was a man of honor and integrity. So he would do what was right.
He knew what the law said about a widow and he also knew there was another closer relative that had the right to marry Ruth. So Boaz again takes a risk by asking the closer relative if he wants to buy Naomi’s property along with taking Ruth as his wife.
This again goes to show us how Boaz truly was a man of integrity. It wasn’t just a one time good act that he did. It was a lifetime of honesty and fair dealings that he got his well deserved reputation.
Our lesson picks up this morning with Boaz heading to the city gate. Apparently the city gate was the meeting place to transact business during this time period. Boaz sees this close relative and addresses him as a friend.
Boaz then goes and gets ten elders of the city. According to God’s law (Deuteronomy) only two or three witnesses were needed for judicial proceedings. But Boaz gets ten men. It is possible that this was a local custom. But it goes to show once again that Boaz is a man of integrity.
He could have just brought the required two or three men and stack the jury so to speak. They could have been people that owed him something. But Boaz got ten men so there could be no misunderstandings about this transaction.
Then Boaz informs the close relative and the elders about the situation. Naomi needs to sell the family land, because obviously as a widow she needs the money. The stipulation attached to the purchase of the land is taking Ruth in marriage.
Boaz is again taking a risk here. It is possible that this closer relative will buy the land and marry Ruth and Boaz will miss out. But Boaz is a man of integrity and does what is right. He leaves the results up to God. He has faith and trust that things will work out the way God wants them to.
Boaz not only shows respect for the close relative by calling him friend, but even with the fact that Boaz is giving him this opportunity. Boaz also shows respect for Ruth by looking out for her.
And not only Ruth, but her late husband as well. Boaz respects him and sees to it that his name will continue on. Boaz is truly a man of integrity.
At first the close relative is eager to purchase the land, but when he finds out that he will have to marry Ruth, he is no longer interested. His reason for not marrying Ruth is because he doesn’t want to have to mix in his property that will go to his sons with that of any children him and Ruth might have.
It sounds a little selfish of a reason to us, but it was God’s way of protecting Ruth. If this man would have said “Sure, I’ll buy the land and take Ruth as my wife.” It is possible that he could have treated Ruth poorly or even abusively.
So the close relative tells Boaz he isn’t interested and Boaz is free to buy the land and marry Ruth. The deal is confirmed by the act of the man giving Boaz his sandal.
Boaz exercises his right to buy the land and marry Ruth by confirming his intentions in front of the ten witnesses.
The witnesses not only confirm that they agree to the legality of the situation, but they actually give a wonderful blessing to Boaz and to Ruth.
Boaz and Ruth of course had a son named Obed who had a son named Jesse who had a son named David. This of course continues the Messianic line right down to Jesus. So they were indeed blessed by God.
Boaz did what was right even though it could have cost him. He was a man of his word. Many people today do not live by their word. They do not have the integrity of Boaz or they compromise their integrity they do have.
Usually, they do this when they are looking out for themselves or if they will gain some benefit. Sometimes, they will compromise because of peer pressure or just going with the crowd. That is very dangerous.
Integrity is being honest with others and being honest with yourself. It involves following through on your commitments, much like Boaz did. Part of integrity involves knowing your weaknesses, sharing them with others, and encouraging them to hold you accountable for your actions.
None of us are perfect and being a person of integrity means confessing when you were wrong and asking for forgiveness. Of course the opposite is true as well. Forgiving others that have wronged you.
Integrity is speaking the truth, even when it hurts. Integrity builds trust and credibility. As Christians we need to be people of integrity.
For sure, it is difficult to maintain your integrity and honesty in this fallen world, especially when the choices are tough and the consequences of our actions are huge.
But, when we are dealing with people we must as Christians do the right thing, act honestly in our dealings and be up front with our intentions. This is how Boaz was, this was how Christ was and is.
We need to trust God, ask for His help in our daily lives and guide us to the things that He wants for us. Ask Him to make you a person of integrity and ask Him to hold you accountable to it.
Think about how you can be faithful this week to do what is right and to trust God with the results.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wonderful illustrations of normal people living out their faith. We ask for your forgiveness when we do not fully trust you and try to do things our own way. Continually remind us that your way is best. Guide us as we make decisions and help us to do what is right. So that you may be honored and glorified. AMEN.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Trusting God
Ruth 3:1-10
Length: 16:55
This is a message given on November 15, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Trusting God
Our story of Ruth continues from last week. We left off with Ruth returning to Naomi’s house after a long day in the field. After listening to Ruth’s day, Naomi begins to realize that God is still there working in their lives. She began to understand and remember that God is loyal, faithful and merciful to His children.
Naomi knows what must be done. Encouraged by Ruth’s day in the field and meeting Boaz, Naomi instructs Ruth to seek Boaz as a provider to ensure a good future for Ruth.
Naomi knows that the crop has been harvested and Boaz would be spending the night at the threshing floor. This would be a normal activity. During the harvest season, most people would probably working late into the evening and would be so exhausted that they would just crash right there.
Not only that, but the grain had just been harvested and no doubt Boaz was spending the night there to protect it from thieves or animals as well.
Naomi instructs Ruth to clean herself up and put on her best outfit. Then head down to the threshing floor and indicate that she was willing to have Boaz as her husband by uncovering his feet. Ruth trusted Naomi and obeyed her instructions.
Now, some commentators have read more into this than there is. There was no immoral act committed here. This was simply a custom for a young women to essentially propose marriage to an older man.
Ruth was taking a great risk in doing this. She could have been rejected by Boaz. She could have been humiliated if found alone with Boaz. Her life could have even been at risk, after all Boaz was guarding his grain from thieves. But Ruth trusted in Naomi and obeyed.
During the middle of the night Boaz was startled and realized someone was there. He asks “Who’s there?” Ruth replies, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid for you are a close relative.”
This response of Ruth’s shows that she was submitting to Boaz and was willing to be his wife according to the levirate custom.
Ruth demonstrated moral excellence in her standards. She didn’t engage in any acts of immorality. She did not look to remarry outside the family. She appealed to the customs and traditions of the Jewish people. The people she accepted as her own.
In all aspects of this situation Ruth showed excellence. The same can be said for Boaz. In chapter 2 verse 12, Boaz blesses Ruth by saying “May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
Little did he know at the time of the blessing, that God would use him to carry out and fulfill that blessing. So Boaz too is an excellent man. It is fitting then that they were perfectly matched in marriage.
Boaz is truly a kind man. A man of integrity. He too was taking a risk for Ruth. He showed compassion to her and for her.
But there seems to be a problem. Since, Boaz is a righteous man, he knows the laws and customs. It turns out that there is a closer relation than him. Boaz accepts the proposal from Ruth as long as the nearer relative was unable or unwilling to exercise his levirate duty.
Ruth spent the rest of the night laying at Boaz’s feet. Again, scripture is clear that nothing immoral happened that night. Boaz didn’t want people to think something immoral did occur, so he sent Ruth away early in the morning.
But he didn’t let her go empty handed. He gave her 6 measures of barley to take back to Naomi, while they wait for Boaz to inquiry of the closer relative. Naomi knew that Boaz was a man of integrity and would fulfill his promise with a sense of urgency. They needed to wait on the Lord to work through Boaz.
How about you? Are you willing to wait on the Lord like Ruth and Naomi?
Looking at some of Ruth characteristics, which traits would you like to increase in your life?
Ruth was a hard worker. She did what was right. She put herself out there and took risks. She trusted and obeyed. She was faithful and loyal.
There are some costs associated with obeying God today. There is always the possibility of being rejected by your friends, co-workers, or family members. More than likely you will need to forsake some worldly things and activities. Are you willing to pay the price?
Some of you have indeed made personal sacrifices in accordance with God’s will. You give of your time and money to be here or to do what ever it is you do for God. God knows what you do and you will be rewarded for your works. But we don’t do them, just for a reward.
Things don’t always turn out the way we expect them to. If we really trust God, if we really believe He loves us and has our best interests in mind, then when things seem to fall apart around us and aren’t going our way, we need not worry. Simply trust that God has it under control. Because He does.
Contentment in fact is trusting God even when things seem out of control Discontentment on the other hand is really a lack of faith and trust in God’s love and concern for us. This is like saying God has lost control or doesn’t care about us.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Verse 19, Paul continues, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Paul trusted God completely. When things fell apart around him and it seemed as though his world was upside down and going crazy. He just kept on trusting God.
There are uncertainty’s that we face each and every day, just like Ruth did. Ruth didn’t know what was going to happen. She just trusted in God and knew everything would work out.
We too need to place our trust into God and let him handle the details. Just like Ruth did.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for another example of a faithful believer in Ruth. This time of her trusting obedience. Help us to be like her. Sometimes you ask us to step out in faith and we may not always be comfortable with that.
It may cause us fear and anxiety. Forgive us when we lack the faith to take the risk that you ask of us. Give us the courage and strength to trust and obey you. AMEN
Length: 16:55
This is a message given on November 15, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Trusting God
Our story of Ruth continues from last week. We left off with Ruth returning to Naomi’s house after a long day in the field. After listening to Ruth’s day, Naomi begins to realize that God is still there working in their lives. She began to understand and remember that God is loyal, faithful and merciful to His children.
Naomi knows what must be done. Encouraged by Ruth’s day in the field and meeting Boaz, Naomi instructs Ruth to seek Boaz as a provider to ensure a good future for Ruth.
Naomi knows that the crop has been harvested and Boaz would be spending the night at the threshing floor. This would be a normal activity. During the harvest season, most people would probably working late into the evening and would be so exhausted that they would just crash right there.
Not only that, but the grain had just been harvested and no doubt Boaz was spending the night there to protect it from thieves or animals as well.
Naomi instructs Ruth to clean herself up and put on her best outfit. Then head down to the threshing floor and indicate that she was willing to have Boaz as her husband by uncovering his feet. Ruth trusted Naomi and obeyed her instructions.
Now, some commentators have read more into this than there is. There was no immoral act committed here. This was simply a custom for a young women to essentially propose marriage to an older man.
Ruth was taking a great risk in doing this. She could have been rejected by Boaz. She could have been humiliated if found alone with Boaz. Her life could have even been at risk, after all Boaz was guarding his grain from thieves. But Ruth trusted in Naomi and obeyed.
During the middle of the night Boaz was startled and realized someone was there. He asks “Who’s there?” Ruth replies, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid for you are a close relative.”
This response of Ruth’s shows that she was submitting to Boaz and was willing to be his wife according to the levirate custom.
Ruth demonstrated moral excellence in her standards. She didn’t engage in any acts of immorality. She did not look to remarry outside the family. She appealed to the customs and traditions of the Jewish people. The people she accepted as her own.
In all aspects of this situation Ruth showed excellence. The same can be said for Boaz. In chapter 2 verse 12, Boaz blesses Ruth by saying “May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”
Little did he know at the time of the blessing, that God would use him to carry out and fulfill that blessing. So Boaz too is an excellent man. It is fitting then that they were perfectly matched in marriage.
Boaz is truly a kind man. A man of integrity. He too was taking a risk for Ruth. He showed compassion to her and for her.
But there seems to be a problem. Since, Boaz is a righteous man, he knows the laws and customs. It turns out that there is a closer relation than him. Boaz accepts the proposal from Ruth as long as the nearer relative was unable or unwilling to exercise his levirate duty.
Ruth spent the rest of the night laying at Boaz’s feet. Again, scripture is clear that nothing immoral happened that night. Boaz didn’t want people to think something immoral did occur, so he sent Ruth away early in the morning.
But he didn’t let her go empty handed. He gave her 6 measures of barley to take back to Naomi, while they wait for Boaz to inquiry of the closer relative. Naomi knew that Boaz was a man of integrity and would fulfill his promise with a sense of urgency. They needed to wait on the Lord to work through Boaz.
How about you? Are you willing to wait on the Lord like Ruth and Naomi?
Looking at some of Ruth characteristics, which traits would you like to increase in your life?
Ruth was a hard worker. She did what was right. She put herself out there and took risks. She trusted and obeyed. She was faithful and loyal.
There are some costs associated with obeying God today. There is always the possibility of being rejected by your friends, co-workers, or family members. More than likely you will need to forsake some worldly things and activities. Are you willing to pay the price?
Some of you have indeed made personal sacrifices in accordance with God’s will. You give of your time and money to be here or to do what ever it is you do for God. God knows what you do and you will be rewarded for your works. But we don’t do them, just for a reward.
Things don’t always turn out the way we expect them to. If we really trust God, if we really believe He loves us and has our best interests in mind, then when things seem to fall apart around us and aren’t going our way, we need not worry. Simply trust that God has it under control. Because He does.
Contentment in fact is trusting God even when things seem out of control Discontentment on the other hand is really a lack of faith and trust in God’s love and concern for us. This is like saying God has lost control or doesn’t care about us.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Verse 19, Paul continues, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Paul trusted God completely. When things fell apart around him and it seemed as though his world was upside down and going crazy. He just kept on trusting God.
There are uncertainty’s that we face each and every day, just like Ruth did. Ruth didn’t know what was going to happen. She just trusted in God and knew everything would work out.
We too need to place our trust into God and let him handle the details. Just like Ruth did.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for another example of a faithful believer in Ruth. This time of her trusting obedience. Help us to be like her. Sometimes you ask us to step out in faith and we may not always be comfortable with that.
It may cause us fear and anxiety. Forgive us when we lack the faith to take the risk that you ask of us. Give us the courage and strength to trust and obey you. AMEN
Friday, November 13, 2009
Kindness
Ruth 2:8-16
Length: 19:34
This is a message given on November 8, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Kindness
So far in our study of Ruth we have see a women by the name of Naomi leave her homeland of Bethlehem with her husband and two sons because of a great famine. While staying in the land of Moab her two sons get married, but they eventually die along with her husband.
So Naomi decide to return to her homeland and tells her daughter in laws to return to their homes to marry someone from their culture and to have their own family. One daughter in law indeed returns, but the other stays. That of course is Ruth.
Ruth make that wonderful speech that we looked at last time, proclaiming her loyalty to Naomi. Where you go, I will go. Your God will be my God. Were you die, I will die. That is true loyalty. Ruth was loyal out of love for Naomi, not to gain some type of reward for her good behavior.
As we shall see today, Ruth was indeed taken care of or rewarded if you will, for her loyalty, for her kindness, and for her faithfulness.
So, we have these two widows, Ruth and Naomi, back at Naomi’s hometown of Bethlehem after about a 10 year absence. They needed the basic necessities of life. Ruth volunteered to go out into the field and glean for food.
Gleanings were stalks of grain left after the first cutting. The Mosaic law commanded that the harvest should not be reaped to the corners nor the gleanings picked up. These were to be left for the needy, especially widows, orphans, and strangers.
Ruth just “happened” to arrive in the field of Boaz. What a wonderful depiction of God’s providence for His children. Boaz turns out to be a close relative of Naomi’s. As I mentioned last week in our introduction, he was a respected man of great wealth.
If you read the entire chapter you can get a pretty good idea of what Boaz was like. From the conversation with his workers we can see that he was well respected and treated his workers with kindness.
He hears the story of Ruth and how hard she worked in the field trying to provide for her mother in law. He feels compassion for her and is generous to her by not only allowing her to glean in his field, but provided a little extra for her and Naomi.
He told his servants to leave a little extra behind and to let some grain fall from their sacks so she could have some. He let Ruth drink from the water of his workers. At mealtime, he let Ruth eat with him.
Boaz admired Ruth because of her faithfulness and dedication to Naomi. She was a hard worker and Boaz went above and beyond the required law to provide for her and to protect her.
Boaz told his servants to watch out for Ruth and not to touch her. No doubt, there were many dangers for a single woman, especially a foreigner, in those days. But Ruth prevails because God provides for her through the kindness of Boaz.
What a difference one person can make. Sometimes we think that we will never be able to make a difference in this world. Most of us will never have the opportunity to preach to a large crowd like Billy Graham. But someone had to introduce the Gospel to him right?
Most of the important things we do in life are often neither dramatic nor memorable to us. But they can make a huge difference in the lives of others. God will remember that and He knows our hearts. He knows our true reason for doing what we do.
God is faithful to His children. He was faithful to Ruth and provided her protection and the other things she needed. He still continues to provide for us today. I am sure we all have appropriate shelter, adequate food and clothing. God has provided for us.
When Ruth returns home to Naomi that evening she tells Naomi about her day. If you look back at the end of Chapter 1, Naomi is feeling a little sad and maybe a little angry or at least upset with God for all that she has experienced.
After listening to Ruth’s day, Naomi begins to realize that God is still there working in their lives. She begins to understand and remember that God is loyal, faithful and merciful to His children.
This marks a turning point for Naomi. She was empty inside, feeling abandoned by God. But now she realizes through Boaz’s kindness that God is still there. And He is still here with us today as well.
Boaz is kind. We should be kind as well. In fact, Christ was the perfect example of kindness and we are supposed to be like Christ, right?
Jesus touched the lives of the untouchables of society. Remember, the women who bled for twelve years? Not only was she ceremonially unclean, but she would have been physically unclean as well. She was an outcast of society.
But this women came to Jesus for help. She believed He could heal her. How did Jesus respond? With kindness. He didn’t yell at her or belittle her. He says be of good cheer, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.
As Christians we are commanded to love one another. Part of love is showing kindness. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”
Throughout the bible we are reminded how actions speak louder than words. The same holds true for us today as well. Where does kindness start? The best place is in your heart. When you have a kind heart it will reflect in your everyday life, in your home, with family, with friends, at work.
Boaz was a kind person and it shows.
Kindness is pretty easy to demonstrate isn’t it? It doesn’t take much as we can see from Boaz’s example. What small acts of kindness can you do to brighten someone’s day? How can you help someone in need this week?
Do you enjoy it when people treat you with kindness? I know I do, and I'm sure that you do, too. If you want to be treated with kindness, notice carefully the words of Jesus in Luke 6:31
"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
Just think of the effect you can have on those around you if you treat them with kindness.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the so many blessings you have placed into our lives. Thank you for not only providing exactly what we need, but so much more. Help us this week to be kind to others. Show us what we can do. Give us a generous heart like Boaz to share the things we have been given with others. Give us a kind heart. In Jesus Name. AMEN.
Length: 19:34
This is a message given on November 8, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Kindness
So far in our study of Ruth we have see a women by the name of Naomi leave her homeland of Bethlehem with her husband and two sons because of a great famine. While staying in the land of Moab her two sons get married, but they eventually die along with her husband.
So Naomi decide to return to her homeland and tells her daughter in laws to return to their homes to marry someone from their culture and to have their own family. One daughter in law indeed returns, but the other stays. That of course is Ruth.
Ruth make that wonderful speech that we looked at last time, proclaiming her loyalty to Naomi. Where you go, I will go. Your God will be my God. Were you die, I will die. That is true loyalty. Ruth was loyal out of love for Naomi, not to gain some type of reward for her good behavior.
As we shall see today, Ruth was indeed taken care of or rewarded if you will, for her loyalty, for her kindness, and for her faithfulness.
So, we have these two widows, Ruth and Naomi, back at Naomi’s hometown of Bethlehem after about a 10 year absence. They needed the basic necessities of life. Ruth volunteered to go out into the field and glean for food.
Gleanings were stalks of grain left after the first cutting. The Mosaic law commanded that the harvest should not be reaped to the corners nor the gleanings picked up. These were to be left for the needy, especially widows, orphans, and strangers.
Ruth just “happened” to arrive in the field of Boaz. What a wonderful depiction of God’s providence for His children. Boaz turns out to be a close relative of Naomi’s. As I mentioned last week in our introduction, he was a respected man of great wealth.
If you read the entire chapter you can get a pretty good idea of what Boaz was like. From the conversation with his workers we can see that he was well respected and treated his workers with kindness.
He hears the story of Ruth and how hard she worked in the field trying to provide for her mother in law. He feels compassion for her and is generous to her by not only allowing her to glean in his field, but provided a little extra for her and Naomi.
He told his servants to leave a little extra behind and to let some grain fall from their sacks so she could have some. He let Ruth drink from the water of his workers. At mealtime, he let Ruth eat with him.
Boaz admired Ruth because of her faithfulness and dedication to Naomi. She was a hard worker and Boaz went above and beyond the required law to provide for her and to protect her.
Boaz told his servants to watch out for Ruth and not to touch her. No doubt, there were many dangers for a single woman, especially a foreigner, in those days. But Ruth prevails because God provides for her through the kindness of Boaz.
What a difference one person can make. Sometimes we think that we will never be able to make a difference in this world. Most of us will never have the opportunity to preach to a large crowd like Billy Graham. But someone had to introduce the Gospel to him right?
Most of the important things we do in life are often neither dramatic nor memorable to us. But they can make a huge difference in the lives of others. God will remember that and He knows our hearts. He knows our true reason for doing what we do.
God is faithful to His children. He was faithful to Ruth and provided her protection and the other things she needed. He still continues to provide for us today. I am sure we all have appropriate shelter, adequate food and clothing. God has provided for us.
When Ruth returns home to Naomi that evening she tells Naomi about her day. If you look back at the end of Chapter 1, Naomi is feeling a little sad and maybe a little angry or at least upset with God for all that she has experienced.
After listening to Ruth’s day, Naomi begins to realize that God is still there working in their lives. She begins to understand and remember that God is loyal, faithful and merciful to His children.
This marks a turning point for Naomi. She was empty inside, feeling abandoned by God. But now she realizes through Boaz’s kindness that God is still there. And He is still here with us today as well.
Boaz is kind. We should be kind as well. In fact, Christ was the perfect example of kindness and we are supposed to be like Christ, right?
Jesus touched the lives of the untouchables of society. Remember, the women who bled for twelve years? Not only was she ceremonially unclean, but she would have been physically unclean as well. She was an outcast of society.
But this women came to Jesus for help. She believed He could heal her. How did Jesus respond? With kindness. He didn’t yell at her or belittle her. He says be of good cheer, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.
As Christians we are commanded to love one another. Part of love is showing kindness. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”
Throughout the bible we are reminded how actions speak louder than words. The same holds true for us today as well. Where does kindness start? The best place is in your heart. When you have a kind heart it will reflect in your everyday life, in your home, with family, with friends, at work.
Boaz was a kind person and it shows.
Kindness is pretty easy to demonstrate isn’t it? It doesn’t take much as we can see from Boaz’s example. What small acts of kindness can you do to brighten someone’s day? How can you help someone in need this week?
Do you enjoy it when people treat you with kindness? I know I do, and I'm sure that you do, too. If you want to be treated with kindness, notice carefully the words of Jesus in Luke 6:31
"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
Just think of the effect you can have on those around you if you treat them with kindness.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the so many blessings you have placed into our lives. Thank you for not only providing exactly what we need, but so much more. Help us this week to be kind to others. Show us what we can do. Give us a generous heart like Boaz to share the things we have been given with others. Give us a kind heart. In Jesus Name. AMEN.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Loyalty
Ruth 1:6-17
Length: 16:25
This is a message given on November 1, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Loyalty
The book of Ruth focuses on the life of a women, named Ruth. Throughout the scripture we see three main characters, although there is a fourth character, but they aren’t mentioned until the New Testament book of Matthew.
The first person is an older married women who has two sons, each of which have their own wives. After a while, the women’s husband dies as well as the two sons. She is left alone with her two daughter-in-laws. This women is of course Naomi.
The second person, is Ruth. She marries Naomi’s son, but then finds herself a widow in a foreign land.
The third person, is Boaz. He is a wealthy and powerful young man, who just happens to be single and who also happens to be related to Naomi. As we shall see, Ruth is loyal to Naomi. Naomi finds Ruth a husband in Boaz. And they all live happily ever after, so to speak.
The important part of the story is not just about love or loyalty. As with anything, God has a plan and purpose. That fourth character that I mentioned, she was a prostitute named Rahab. They were included in the physical lineage or Christ’s genealogy.
The book of Ruth describes several themes throughout it. First, we see what God’s grace is extended to all, not just the Jews. Gentiles can receive His blessings, His mercy, and His grace as well.
Expanding upon that idea, God’s grace isn’t just available to men either. Even though during this time was a very male-dominated society. God cares for all, both men and women.
The story of Ruth occurred in the days when the judges governed Israel. God used a famine in Judah to set in motion these events. The entire story covers about 11 or 12 years.
Because of the great famine, Naomi, her husband, their two sons went to live in Moab until the famine was over. While in Moah, the husband died and the two sons got married.
They lived together as a family for ten years, then the two sons died. Word came to Naomi, that the famine was ending. No doubt, Naomi was a little upset and displeased at the events she had gone through, but knew that she had friends, family, and prosperity waiting for her in Bethlehem. So she decides to return to her hometown.
Think about everything that had happened to Naomi. She lost her husband and her sons. She probably didn’t have much food or material possessions in the land of Moab. She probably felt as if God was punishing her.
When she finally did return to Bethlehem, the people barely recognized her. Probably because of the hard life she lived for the past ten years. She was in emotional pain. It was a physical struggle just to survive.
But look at what she does next.
Naomi graciously tells her two daughter-in-laws to return to their own home towns and remarry, to live their own lives. Both daughter-in-laws insist on going with Naomi. Once, again, Naomi reasons that she cannot provide for them and they would be better off with their own people. What a selfless act of love and mercy Naomi is showing her daughter in laws.
This time though, Orpah, the one daughter in law decides to leave and return to her hometown. But Ruth stays. Naomi once again pleads with Ruth to return to her hometown. This is where we see that wonderful passage of loyalty, of commitment.
Ruth responds, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die; I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.”
After this speech, Naomi truly saw the loyalty of Ruth. She saw the dedication Ruth had not only to her, but to God. See over the past ten years, living with this Jewish family, Ruth had been converted and believed in the true God.
What a wonderful picture of dedication. Ruth who was no longer under any commitment to stay with Naomi, does so because of her dedication and loyalty. By going to Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth is giving up her chance to have her own life with her people.
Ruth is loyal, she is faithful, she is committed, she is trusting, she is selfless. What a wonderful characteristics to have. Can the same be said about you or someone you know?
It seems as though it is so difficult to be loyal like Ruth in our society today. Our society is self-serving and looking for instant gratification, not something that takes commitment and dedication.
We need to remember what Jesus said, we need to deny our self, take up our cross and follow Him. That takes commitment and dedication. It means being loyal. It means thinking of others first. It means doing what is right and not necessarily what is easy.
It is important for us to be faithful in our commitments because we are representatives of Christ. He is faithful, true, and loyal. We should be the same.
He gave His life as a ransom for ours. He didn’t have too. He could have escaped from the Romans or the Jews, but he obeyed the will of the Father perfectly.
Think about the blessings that you have received from a faithful friend, spouse, or parent. Think about the blessings of commitment. Think about how loyal you have been to those in your life. Think about how loyal you have been to God.
Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank you for our time in your Word this morning. Forgive us for our broken commitments and our lack of dedication to things in this life and especially to you and your Word and to the life that you want for us.
Thank you for being faithful to us, even when we do turn from you. Help us this week to show the loyalty and dedication and trust that we see in people like Ruth. In Jesus Name AMEN.
Length: 16:25
This is a message given on November 1, 2009 at the Bowdertown United Methodist Church.
Loyalty
The book of Ruth focuses on the life of a women, named Ruth. Throughout the scripture we see three main characters, although there is a fourth character, but they aren’t mentioned until the New Testament book of Matthew.
The first person is an older married women who has two sons, each of which have their own wives. After a while, the women’s husband dies as well as the two sons. She is left alone with her two daughter-in-laws. This women is of course Naomi.
The second person, is Ruth. She marries Naomi’s son, but then finds herself a widow in a foreign land.
The third person, is Boaz. He is a wealthy and powerful young man, who just happens to be single and who also happens to be related to Naomi. As we shall see, Ruth is loyal to Naomi. Naomi finds Ruth a husband in Boaz. And they all live happily ever after, so to speak.
The important part of the story is not just about love or loyalty. As with anything, God has a plan and purpose. That fourth character that I mentioned, she was a prostitute named Rahab. They were included in the physical lineage or Christ’s genealogy.
The book of Ruth describes several themes throughout it. First, we see what God’s grace is extended to all, not just the Jews. Gentiles can receive His blessings, His mercy, and His grace as well.
Expanding upon that idea, God’s grace isn’t just available to men either. Even though during this time was a very male-dominated society. God cares for all, both men and women.
The story of Ruth occurred in the days when the judges governed Israel. God used a famine in Judah to set in motion these events. The entire story covers about 11 or 12 years.
Because of the great famine, Naomi, her husband, their two sons went to live in Moab until the famine was over. While in Moah, the husband died and the two sons got married.
They lived together as a family for ten years, then the two sons died. Word came to Naomi, that the famine was ending. No doubt, Naomi was a little upset and displeased at the events she had gone through, but knew that she had friends, family, and prosperity waiting for her in Bethlehem. So she decides to return to her hometown.
Think about everything that had happened to Naomi. She lost her husband and her sons. She probably didn’t have much food or material possessions in the land of Moab. She probably felt as if God was punishing her.
When she finally did return to Bethlehem, the people barely recognized her. Probably because of the hard life she lived for the past ten years. She was in emotional pain. It was a physical struggle just to survive.
But look at what she does next.
Naomi graciously tells her two daughter-in-laws to return to their own home towns and remarry, to live their own lives. Both daughter-in-laws insist on going with Naomi. Once, again, Naomi reasons that she cannot provide for them and they would be better off with their own people. What a selfless act of love and mercy Naomi is showing her daughter in laws.
This time though, Orpah, the one daughter in law decides to leave and return to her hometown. But Ruth stays. Naomi once again pleads with Ruth to return to her hometown. This is where we see that wonderful passage of loyalty, of commitment.
Ruth responds, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die; I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.”
After this speech, Naomi truly saw the loyalty of Ruth. She saw the dedication Ruth had not only to her, but to God. See over the past ten years, living with this Jewish family, Ruth had been converted and believed in the true God.
What a wonderful picture of dedication. Ruth who was no longer under any commitment to stay with Naomi, does so because of her dedication and loyalty. By going to Bethlehem with Naomi, Ruth is giving up her chance to have her own life with her people.
Ruth is loyal, she is faithful, she is committed, she is trusting, she is selfless. What a wonderful characteristics to have. Can the same be said about you or someone you know?
It seems as though it is so difficult to be loyal like Ruth in our society today. Our society is self-serving and looking for instant gratification, not something that takes commitment and dedication.
We need to remember what Jesus said, we need to deny our self, take up our cross and follow Him. That takes commitment and dedication. It means being loyal. It means thinking of others first. It means doing what is right and not necessarily what is easy.
It is important for us to be faithful in our commitments because we are representatives of Christ. He is faithful, true, and loyal. We should be the same.
He gave His life as a ransom for ours. He didn’t have too. He could have escaped from the Romans or the Jews, but he obeyed the will of the Father perfectly.
Think about the blessings that you have received from a faithful friend, spouse, or parent. Think about the blessings of commitment. Think about how loyal you have been to those in your life. Think about how loyal you have been to God.
Closing Prayer:
Father, we thank you for our time in your Word this morning. Forgive us for our broken commitments and our lack of dedication to things in this life and especially to you and your Word and to the life that you want for us.
Thank you for being faithful to us, even when we do turn from you. Help us this week to show the loyalty and dedication and trust that we see in people like Ruth. In Jesus Name AMEN.
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