RUTH A NEW BEGINNING
The Book of Ruth in the Bible is the eight Book. In Biblical numerology number eight stands for "New Beginnings". This is an outline sermon of Ruth as a type of the unsaved who comes to Christ, lives for Christ and walks with Christ:
a) Ruth as a Moabite was under a curse (Deuteronomy 23:3-6).
b) Ruth decided to go with Naomi and accept God (Ruth 1:15,16).
c) Ruth goes to Bethlehem - "the house of bread" where the Bread of God is born some 1300 years later (Ruth 1:22).
d) At Bethlehem they found plenty of food.
e) Ruth meets Boaz who can represent the person of Christ, as he is: The Lord of the Harvest - able to redeem (Ruth 4:4-6) - The new Kinsman (Ruth 3:12,13) - The supplier of wants (Ruth 2:14) - The redeemer of the inheritance (Ruth 4:6,7) - The giver of rest - The wealthy kinsman (Leviticus 25:27) - The Bridegroom (Ruth 4:13).
f) Ruth can be seen as the gentile bride of Christ (Boaz of Judah) whom he is able and willing to redeem.
g) Ruth gives an example of normal Christian experience: Ruth deciding (Ruth 1). Salvation - Ruth serving (Ruth 2) - Working for God - Ruth resting (Ruth 3) - Resting in the promises of God - Ruth rewarded (Ruth 4). The Church in Heaven.
h) God blessed Boaz and Ruth with the birth of a son Obed who is in the line of Christ.
PRINCIPLES
a) Through grace cursing is turned to blessings by God (Numbers 22 - 24).
b) A person's free will is required to decide for or against God (Matthew 23:37).
c) A person who accepts Jesus Christ as Saviour need never be spiritually hungry again (John 6:35).
d) Correct orientation in life will give spiritual blessing (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 119:9).
e) We can work in the field of the Lord of the harvest (John 4:36).
f) After the harvest the bridegroom (Christ) will wed the bride (the Church) (Revelation 21:2,9).
g) Jesus Christ gives the peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
h) Jesus Christ has redeemed us from this world (Galatians 1:4).
i) God can use those of low status in His plan (eg Ruth, a Gentile, is in the line of Christ 1 Corinthians 1:26).
How about you? Do you want a "New Beginning". It is only found through Jesus!
