Ruth: A Love That Amazes
Ruth 3; 1 John 4:7
Pastor Ralph Juthman
INTRODUCTION: ( Read 1 John 4:7) 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
There is nothing so immeasurable or as important as God’s love and yet His love so misunderstood by man today. God is love! Do you really understand what that means? In this passage, the simplest & yet most profound statement of all is "God is love." That sounds beautiful, but what does it mean? We use the word "love" a lot, & I’m afraid that our use of it can be rather confusing. For instance,
Love is something that we “fall into.” Love brings stars into our eyes, & causes our hearts to go pitter?pat. "Love makes the world go ’round."
ILL. Someone even said, "Love is never having to say you’re sorry." Now, whoever said never met my mother in law. I can assure you of that.
So what is love, really? It is safe to say many have no idea of what love is or what it is about.
Once a young man kneeled before a beautiful young woman beside a placid lake.“Darling,” he said, “I want you to know that I love you more than life. I want you to marry me. I’m not a wealthy man. I don’t have a yacht, a Rolls-Royce or lots of money like Johnny Green, but I do love you with all my heart.” The young woman paused for a moment and said, “Darling, I love you with all my heart too. But before I say ‘yes,’ tell me a little more about Johnny Green.”
The Bible tells us that "God is love," & that I am to "love the Lord, my God with all my heart." It tells me to love myself, & to love my neighbor, & even to love my enemies.
For so many love is the one thing they want more than anything else – to love and be loved. And yet it remains elusive and seemingly unattainable. So ,What is love?
Today we have before us a picture of love. It is a picture of God’s love, The Bible declares God is the source and sum of true love. God is the reason we can love, beause God is love.
Read Ruth 3:1-18
Around midnight, Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! [9] ‘Who are you?’ he demanded.
“‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she replied. ‘Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.’" – Ruth 3:8-9
Now things are really starting to heat up for Ruth – and depending on how you read verse 9, here in chapter 3, they could be getting hot! But we’ll get back to that in a minute.
As you recall things started out looking pretty bleak.
Naomi andEleimelech and their two sons ( Skinny and Stinky) had moved to Moab because there was a famine around the home town of Bethlehem. The sons married Moabite women. Then Naomi’s husband died – and then her two sons died as well. Naomi was devastated and was convinced that God has done this to her and that she had no future – so she might as well return to her hometown of Bethlehem. Besides, the word out on the street was that the famine in Bethlehem was over.
She encouraged her daughters-in-law to return to their original families so they could get married again. One does – but not Ruth. She was hopelessly devoted to her mother-in-law. So leaving behind her native land, language, culture, and people she went to Bethlehem with Naomi.
So we’ve got these two poor women trying to eke out an existence in Bethlehem.
In that era if you didn’t have a man you didn’t have much hope because it was a male dominated world. Men owned the property. Men earned the living. If you were a single woman not under the covering of some man – a father, an uncle, a brother, a husband – you were stuck.
And such appeared to be the case with Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth.
Although, they could still do the things that poor people did to survive. So Ruth went out into the fields to glean.
Well, as it turned out she ended up gleaning in the field of a middle-aged balding, overweight guy named Boaz. And Boaz, was extremely nice to Ruth – making it easy for her to glean. He even provided lunch and extra grain for her to take home to Naomi.
Ruth goes home to Naomi with her booty and Naomi says – “Wow, this guy would make a great husband for you. Hey, he’s even a member of my late husband’s extended family.”
And according to ancient custom members of the family had the option – even the obligation – to marry the widow of someone in the clan. There were some specific guidelines as to who was first in line to do this.
Eugene Peterson’s rendering in his Message translation of Ruth carries the story line quite well. Naomi is speaking. Ruth 3:2-4 (Msg) – “And isn’t Boaz our close relative, the one with whose young women you’ve been working? Maybe it’s time to make our move. Tonight is the night of Boaz’s barley harvest at the threshing floor.
[3] "Take a bath. Put on some perfume. Get all dressed up and go to the threshing floor. But don’t let him know you’re there until the party is well under way and he’s had plenty of food and drink. [4] When you see him slipping off to sleep, watch where he lies down and then go there. Lie at his feet to let him know that you are available to him for marriage. Then wait and see what he says. He’ll tell you what to do."
In our way of thinking it’s kind of a strange way to express interest in marriage. And it was probably strange to Ruth as well. Remember she was a foreigner and Naomi has to explain the custom to her.
So Ruth does exactly what Naomi says. She goes to the threshing floor where Boaz has been working and apparently eating dinner, too. She waits in the wings until Boaz has eaten and had plenty to drink.
It’s dark. He has to get back to work early in the morning. There’s nothing good on TV anyway. So he lies down to sleep.
As soon as he is snoring Ruth sneaks in, pulls the blanket off Boaz’s feet – exposing them to the cool night air – and she lies down next to his feet.
About Midnight Boaz realizes that his toes are cold and wakes up – only to discover that there is someone else in the room. And not only is someone else in the room, that someone is at his feet. And that someone is a woman!
He’s a bit startled – not knowing if it’s the boggy woman or what.
And thus we’re at verse 9 again – "Who are you?" he demanded.
"I am your servant Ruth," she replied. "Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer."
Now that’s a word that you do not hear very often when you go shopping at Foodland. Sadly, it is a word that has long fallen off the radar in many churches. The word redeemer means, ‘someone who redeems or buys back.
A kinsman Redeemer was a close relative who would have the authority and responsibility to ‘buy back’ the land and inheritance of a deceased family member. Usually this occurred by marrying the widow of the family member.
Boaz was a relative of Eleimelech, the late husband of Naomi and also of Ruth’s Husband.
If he agreed, Boaz could agree to marry Ruth and so redeem or buy back the land and inheritance of Eleimeechs family. This would mean that eleimelechs family line could remain intact in Isreal.
In this case Boaz has the option of being the designated family redeemer – of taking the poor widow Ruth to be his wife – of redeeming her from a life of poverty and aloneness. That’s what this is all about – redemption!
So Ruth says to the startled Boaz – I’m here. Take me to be your wife. Spread the corner of your covering over me.
Now we can read that several ways. She could be inviting him to receive her into his bed – which is really all it would take in that culture to consummate a marriage. He could marry her right then and there.
But there is more to it than that. Some of your translations render verse 9 as “spread your covers” or “your cloak over me.” But even more literally Ruth is saying “spread your wings over me.”
The same word is used in 2:12 where Boaz says to Ruth – “May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully."
Ruth is asking Boaz to protect her in the same way that God has given her refuge.
Psalm 9:9
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,A refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1
[ To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. ] God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 57:1
[ –To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave. ] Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Boaz, you’re a family redeemer. So redeem me. Take me under your protective wings.”
And what does Boaz do?
I love this guy. He is so sensitive and faultless. He starts heaping compliments on Ruth – expressing flattery that such a beautiful young woman would be interested in having him as her redeemer. But he says, “there is one little teeny tiny problem. I’m not really the first in line to redeem you. There is one other relative that is closer. So let me see what I can work out.”
He gives her another load of grain to take home. And just before the sun rises he sends her back to Naomi in a stealth fashion.
The love story between Ruth and Boaz is quickly coming to a climax It is a story illustrating how God has redeemed each of us through Jesus. Next week we will be taking a closer look at what it meant for God to redeem us.
But today I want us to focus on the love of God that is pictured for us through the love expressed between Ruth and Boaz.
At it’s heart, the Book of Ruth is a love story. It is about two people who find each other in a surprising way, and it tells the powerful story of their love as it faces threats, adversities, and difficulties. This is a picture of God’s love, God is the source and sum of true love.
There are three truths that we can glean from this classic love story that I want us to go home with today. The first lessons we glean is……
1. LOVE SEEKS WHAT IS BEST ( Read 1-2)
The first hallmark of love is its self-sacrificing concern for the other person. 1 Cor.13, is referred to as the Great Love Chapter of the Bible. Nowhere is love better described then in these immortal words,
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.
True Agape love looks for the best interest of others no matter what the background, wealth or history. Many feel that they do not deserve God’s love because of their sordid past. However, the Bible says that God’s love is even willing to sacrifice all,
1 John 3:16 gives the biblical hallmark of love, 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Ladies, this is what you have to watch out for with guys. Anytime a guy tries to convince you, persuade you, or encourage you to compromise God’s standards of purity, he is no longer looking out for what is best for you. He is only looking out for what he wants. That guy is not in love, he’s in lust. All such guys should be dumped, dissed, deleted.
And guys – be a man and start looking out for her best.
Obviously, this applies to all relationships, not just romantic ones.
Love seeks what is best, furthermore…
2. LOVE PURSUES PURITY: ( 3-5, 6-7)
The second hallmark of love is its purity. This is a wonderful story. But behind it is a commitment to purity. We’re told that both Boaz and Ruth have excellent character, meaning that they pursue their relationship with purity.
It seems lately that I cannot turn a web page and not read of another prominent Christian leader who has fallen due to sexual sin.
Just this week, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God resigned after confessing to "ethical misconduct and an inappropriate interaction.", with another woman.
It was reported in the Christian Post News Magazine that A pastor at one of the largest and most influential megachurches in the country resigned from his leadership position after admitting to "sexual impurity,"
With daily headlines like this, is it any wonder that according to the Christian Post, that only 2% of young people look to members of the clergy as positive role models?
Is it realistic to expect young people to remain pure until marriage?
Josh McDowell is one of christianity’s foremost experts on teenagers.
His research shows that in evangelical church circles:
65% of teens have had some kind of sexual experience before the age of 18. 43% say they have actually gone all the way.
He asked them where they learned their values in this area, and 73% said, “from the movies.”
Bristol Palin, the 18-year-old daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, made headlines last summer when it was revealed that she was about to become an unwed mother. On December 27, she gave birth to a baby boy named Tripp. Now, Bristol Palin is back in the news again - and this time by her own choice. She granted an interview to Fox News Channel’s "On the Record."
Bristol told Fox News that teenagers should not have sex. However, she also said that sexual abstinence for teens is "not realistic at all."
The good news is that of the 35% who had no experience, the vast majority said the reason was because of a commitment they have made to God.
A Senator in Washington once said, “today’s teens are just hormone hurricanes, and you can’t stop a hurricane.”
I’m thankful for a power greater than a hurricane, He’s the Creator of that hurricane, He’s the One that kept my wife and myself pure for each other, He’s our powerful God!
I want to say two things that will shock some of you. It is not said enough in church. Nevertheless, I want you to know that God is not afraid or ashamed of sex. In fact, the Bible makes no bones that it is a powerful force in our lives and society. The Bible does not hide the the good, bad and even ugly about sex.
Sex is not a dirty word. Teenagers: your generation did not discover sex. God originated it for the benefit of all, within His guidelines.
Parents: Don’t make faces at me for using the word sex. Your kids are hearing lies about it every day and today they will hear the truth.
Older folks: Don’t look so holy at me for talking about God’s gift…you’re here because of it. (The has been only 1 virgin birth and you’re not it!)
I believe that YOU CAN LIVE PURE BEFORE GOD AND MAN.
The apostle Paul put it this way, 4Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed KEPT PURE, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.( Hebrews 13:4)
What does this mean Pastor? It means that love does not take advantage of another person
Physically
Emotionally
Spiritually
A PURE LOVE, DOES NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NOR BREAK FAITH WITH ANOTHER PERSON.
What does that mean Pastor? It means that it is genuine. It means that you will not break faith nor take advantage of another person for your own lusts or desires.
Love protects. Love pursues purity.
And finally,
3. LOVE KEEPS IT’S PROMISES
Boaz points out a snag
Suddenly there’s a wrinkle! Someone else is first in line! Just when we looked like we were in for a happy ending, there’s a snag. In the Hebrew system of Levirate marriage, the closest relative had first choice, or obligation. Boaz cannot proceed with wedding plans until this other guy is given the chance.
B. Boaz makes a promise
Boaz makes a promise that he will take care of things for Ruth. But Boaz demonstrates his determination to take care of her. On her way out, Boaz gives her a gift of grain - 60-90 pounds! Its his way of saying to Naomi “You’re empty days are over...” Boaz provided for Ruth’s immediate physical needs.
He has headed into town early to settle this matter. He will not let anything deter him from meeting her long range needs.
Those who truly love do not hesitate to make, and keep promises. You can count on a person who really loves you to keep his or her commitments – to purity, to honesty, to loyalty. Hold out for someone who demonstrates the ability to make and keep promises.
Let me ask you a question, can God be trusted? Well of course HE can. Let me ask you another question, “Do you trust God to keep His word.”
O, I know with your words, you say that you do. But have you personally received and trusted in his love and grace.
Maybe you have never heard of the Fathers promise to love you,
John 3:16, 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
1 John 3:16- 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
Romans 5:5-8: 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Eph.2:4- because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
1 John 4:10-11- 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
CONCLUSION: Video 3:16 #4
I don’t know who said this, but it is a great concluding statement, God loves you and when you know that you find His provisions. When you know God loves you, you can submit to Him in obedience. And when you receive God’s love you and give God’s love.
This sermon was preached by Ralph Juthman at Havelock Pentecostal Church. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1873, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Thanks goes to Darren Ethier and Robert Aubuchon for his message, "A Story of God’s Love" - part of the Series: Ruth – Kinsmen Redeemer as well as David Asch and his sermon Hallmarks of Love.
