Boaz Accepts Ruth’s Offer – Ruth, Part 6 Series

“Boaz accepts Ruth’s Offer” – Ruth, Part 6

Ruth Sermon Series, Part 6

Ruth 3:10-18

Introduction

- So, let’s sum up this series:

- “Sometimes when you abandon God, your life has disastrous consequences; but God is STILL faithful … even when we aren’t!”

- The focus of the book is NOT the budding relationship with Boaz and Ruth

-- Nor is it Naomi trying to find a future or a life for her and Ruth

- The focus of this series is this fact: “Even in tough times, God is STILL accomplishing His plan to take care of those He loves!”

- Cards on the table: Discipleship is a life-long journey

-- One of the key opportunities we have is the ability to show grace to one another

-- This book is one example of what grace can do for a life that is in chaos

- 2 wks.: When you are given direction to move and follow God, are you willing to step out and trust even though you have NO IDEA where the future will lead?

- Bigger CH: Are we willing to give up our preferences and follow Jesus?

- Let’s see where this story takes us today … focus is on Boaz

- Read Ruth 3:10-18 / Pray

Point 1 – Ruth shows grace and Boaz accepts!

Quick look back at verse 9 for context …

- Ruth says that since you are a kinsman-redeemer, you can redeem me

-- Ruth is implying her understanding of the word “gaal” (Hebrew: to redeem)

-- APP: She knows Boaz CAN save her … but there’s so much more!!

- Boaz, being an honorable and God-fearing man, accepts the proposal ... why?

-- Ruth’s words have brought him honor; reminded him of his integrity

- Boaz, in a word, is ECSTATIC about this opportunity

-- Placing God center stage in his response, really shows us who this man is

-- SEE: He asks God to bless her, and then states his own joy in this situation

- In Boaz’s mind, perhaps he believes that he is too old for her

-- His own words are that she could definitely have a much younger man

-- And his reference to her kindness is a nod to the love she’s shown Naomi

-- APP: She has bestowed “chesed” (grace) on Naomi, and now on him!!

- In response, Boaz practically sings his approval to her

-- Ruth 3:10, “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” (He exclaims this!!)

- TR: See This: Their meeting was NOT by chance, but something God ordained

-- This is a critical point for all of us to understand here – see His provision

-- God had this planned before time began; they simply followed His lead

-- HINT: You and I have the very same thing to rely on today!

Point 2 – Choosing God’s ways leads to His blessings

- IMP: Does this mean we have no say to make choices in our lives?

-- Absolutely NOT! But it does mean that we have to MAKE a choice

-- Get This: To choose nothing is to choose to do … nothing!

- Admittedly, this scene could’ve gone all kinds of awry

-- Boaz could’ve tossed her out and rejected her

-- Boaz could’ve forced his will on her

-- Ruth could’ve retaliated and swore an oath against him for dishonorable deeds

-- Think about it: This could’ve gone VERY bad for both of them!

- But instead, look what happens when God is at the center of (their) lives

-- It’s a great lesson here when we reflect on focusing on God’s desire for us

-- IMP NOTE: Their choices center on God’s best; his blessing is bestowed

- Hosea Ch 6 gives us a great insight into how our relationship ought to be (vv1-6)

(our confession) “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”

(His response) “O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?” asks the Lord. “For your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight. I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces - to slaughter you with my words, with judgments as inescapable as light. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”

- Boaz was a man above reproach, had great standing in the community