SERIES: “WOW! WHOSE YOUNG DAUGHTER IS THAT? (PART 5) BEHOLD A WOMAN LAY AT THIS FEET? – AS IT TURNED OUT (RUTH 2:3)
1. Ruth 3:7-14: 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned - and there was a woman lying at his feet! 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer[b] of our family.” 10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” 14 So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.”
2. Ruth 2:1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek. 4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” “The Lord bless you!” they answered. 5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Whose Beautiful Young Daughter Is That?”
Intro: Wow! Whose Young Daughter Is That? Part 5: Behold A Woman Lay At His Feet
SERIES: An Intro (God Can Change Your Story); Love Is More Than Kissing; Getting Out Of Mara – Dealing With Bitterness; Father’s Day Message - Where Did Elimelech Go Wrong?, Behold A Woman Lay At His Feet; The Dating Game – Sexy Sunday; Characteristics Of A Good Spouse (What Do People Know About You?); Here Comes The Bride; When The Honeymoon Is Over - How Satan Attacks Christian Marriages; What Do You Do When You Realize You’ve Married The Wrong Person; The In-Laws Factor; You Can Begin Again (About Divorce Or Death); Life Without A Spouse, Etc.
KINDS OF SUFFERING THEY WENT THROUGH
The Unseen Future: Example: Elimelech ("God is my king") marries Naomi ("sweet one"). A marriage made in heaven. "God is my King" & "sweet one" have 2 kids – Mahlon ("sickly") and Chilion (“wasting away"). Why were 2 sickly kids born to such wonderful couple? One marries Ruth (“friend) & Orpah (“neck”). Why did famine come? Why do kids die? Why are we disappointed though committed to relationships? Why does anyone face illness? Why do natural disasters occur?
WE HAVE SEEN THE KIND OF PAST THAT RUTH COMES WITH
1. Ruth’s Genealogy - Moab: Compromised Separation. The 2 sons, “Took wives of the Moabites” (1:4). Ruth was hopeless because God condemned Moab. Deut. 23:3 A “Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord - even to their 10th generation”. God’s grace.
2. Ruth Was formerly an Idol Worshipper: That is hard to leave behind.
3. Ruth Married Into A Backslidden Family. Planned temporary regression from God. “Went to sojourn in Moab” (1:1).
4. Ruth Is A Widow: A stigma for most people – who feel they cannot get married to someone who was already married.
5. Ruth Was A Widow With No Inheritance. All the men died. Property went to someone else.
6. Ruth Was Childless: They never blame the man but the woman. In such society where children were highly valued, they saw her childlessness as her problem.
7. Ruth Was Poor & Attached To A Destitute Mother-In-Law & Bad Advisor. Who wants to marry a woman who has nothing? Even if for beauty, you cannot just sit at home.
8. Ruth Would Have No Family Connection In Israel. She was a lonely stranger.
9. Ruth Would Be A Foreigner In Israel. Open to ridicule and attack – defenseless.
10. Ruth Would Be An Outcast. Open to rape and abuse. No man to stand for her.
11. Ruth Lived In An Era Of Uncertainty - No law & order when he judges ruled. Judges 21:25: “Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes." Era of moral relativism and rampant immorality, excessive individualism, unrestrained self-expression, and inconsistent role models. Their message was simple: conform and tolerate.
QUALIFYING PERSONAL QUALITIES OF RUTH – HOW WE RESPONSE TO SITUATIONS
1. Ruth Had A Personal Testimony - Boaz knew of Ruth’s spiritual testimony.
2. She Takes Initiative: "I am going to the fields to glean ears of grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor."
3. She Is A Hardworker: Ruth caught the eye of Boaz (Ruth 2:12). On her first day of working, God had already provided Ruth with food, water and safety.
4. She Endures In The Midst Of Ostracization, Abuse & Rebuke in Bethlehem: Called "the Moabitess" in Bethlehem (Ruth 1:22, 2:2). Ruth's race was a factor. She is an ethnic outsider.
5. She Seems To Be Aware Of Her Vulnerability Due To Her Foreignness. Ruth 2:13: "Then she said, 'Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”
6. Ruth Was A Vulnerable Foreigner Who Demonstrated Remarkable Courage, Yet Respectful Restraint. She would glean not with anger, but in high spirit and diligence.
7. Ruth Acted With Modesty, Courtesy & Grace, But Also With Determination & Endurance. This is a very difficult combination to work out in our lives.
8. She Exhibited Good Character & Morality. As a widow, she could have opened herself to compromise. Even Boaz testifies to that as we will see later.
9. Ruth Had An Open Mind, Teachable Spirit, Listened To Her Mother-In-Law, Took Her Advice (Ruth 3:2-5). Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions to the letter – in the Lord.
10. She Is Loyal To Naomi To The Very End. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is really the main thing that impresses Boaz. When he hears her story he tells her: Ruth 2:11-12 "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!"
11. She Is Humble, Gracious, Grateful Throughout Their Encounters, which further cements her status as an awesome person in his eyes.
12. She Respects. She knows she does not deserve, but she appreciates.
13. She Did Not Seek For Self-Pity Neither Did She Manifest The Bitterness That Had Gripped The Heart Of Naomi Because Of Her Sad Lot. Amid the shadows, Ruth maintained a poise and a serenity which even her mother-in-law must have coveted.
14. She Is Capable Of Making Tough Decisions And Sticking To Them! Decides to follow God and does. Decides to find work with dignity to support aging Naomi.
15. She Is A Thinking Woman Who Assesses Their Situation In A Practical Manner! Two poor widows alone in need of food to survive. She is younger & can glean.
16. She Does Not Complain Or Grumble About Life's Unfairness But Applies Herself To The Task Of Finding A Solution. Moaning and groaning about life's unfairness is for losers and parasites. She goes to work with a will that is noticed and remarked upon by Boaz foreman.
17. She Is A Humble, Grateful And Respectful Woman. Ruth 2:1 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
18. She Is Ever Considerate Of The Widowed, Childless Mother In Law Naomi: She puts away a portion of her free lunch for Naomi. What a Proverbs 31!
IF YOU LIVE IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD, HE WILL MANIPULATE ON YOUR BEHALF
Obedience To God's Plan Opens His Provision For Our Lives.
A. GOD FAITHFULLY ORCHESTRATES HIS PLAN FOR OUR LIVES (RUTH 1:22)
Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning. Four (4) specific events that God coordinated to perfection as Ruth and Naomi yielded to him.
1. He Moved At The Right Time: Ruth 1:22: "They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest". God's timing was impeccable. They, as widows, needed the season of harvest to live [March – July] to sustain themselves for the rest of the year.
2. He Moved In The Right Person: Ruth 2:1 "Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side named Boaz." God intersected their lives with the one individual who could rescue them from their poverty. It was a godly relative named Boaz. God does this throughout Scriptures.
3. He Moved In The Right Place: Ruth 2:3 "She happened to be in the portion of land belonging to Boaz". Nothing "just happens" with God. This, too, was more than just coincidence. In John 4:4, Jews normally avoided Samaria but the verse says Jesus needed to go through Samaria. Jesus was sitting at the well in Sychar as the woman approached – an appointment with God.
4. He Moved In The Right Ways: Ruth 2:5 Boaz asked… whose young woman is this?" Widows were a common sight in Jewish fields of harvest. The culture allowed widows to pick up fallen grain left by harvesters. But Boaz noticed something different about Ruth. God’s invisible hand is orchestrating this entire encounter.
B. GOD PREPARES AND GUARDS HIS PROVISION IN ADVANCE (Look at Boaz).
Ruth 2:1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech's family. But why is this rich, kind, older man not married yet? Some Things We Know Of Boaz:
1. He Was Wealthy: I'm sure this fact about him would have prompted more than one scheming mother to gently push her daughter in his direction.
2. He Was Strong: In the Bible, names were typically given for reasons. The name Boaz means "strength." It is reasonable to assume his parents saw this as a physical characteristic.
3. He Was A Considerate Employer [2:4]: When he greeted his harvesters he invoked the name of the Lord. And they, in response, did the same. This spiritual dimension of their relationship suggests the manner in which he treated his employees.
4. He Was A Godly Man: He greeted his workers with godly salutation. He dealt with Ruth with respect the way a godly man should. He did not abuse her vulnerable position but gave food, went the proper way to get her. He is a pious and devout and beloved man and boss as seen in his greeting and the response of his employees, and his dealings with Ruth. Ruth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee. Ruth 2:11-12 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
5. He Was Dependent On God And Not Marriage Or His Wealth: He wanted God to bring him the right person. He was not so hot to get married that he took the first person that came.
6. He Was A Virtuous Man [2:1]: The phrase, "of noble character" literally means "good virtue." No doubt he had good standing in the community.
7. He Is An Honest Man: He treats his employees well and thus they freely talk with him. He wants to make sure Ruth is free before he starts any process.
8. He Is A Man Of Prayer: Must seek the face of God before asking for the hand of Ruth.
9. He Is A Promise Keeper: He tells Ruth he will do something about the situation – he does.
10. He Is A Very Caring and concerned Man: In Ruth 2-3, he provides for Ruth and then Naomi: Ruth 3:16 “Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty handed.”
11. He Is A Respectful Man: Ruth calls herself a Moabitess and foreigner but he never does.
12. He Was A Man Free Of Prejudice: The original kinsman redeemer did not want to stain his family line. Also because he knew what it was like to be ostracized like his mother. Who was she? Matthew 1:5-6 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias. He is the son of Rahab the harlot of Jericho!
13. He Was A Man Of Wisdom: He heard and kept. He dealt with issues with prowess.
14. He Was A Man Of Faith [2:4, 12]: He was "churchgoing" man. Not only did he speak of God freely with those who knew him, he also invoked God's name in his first conversation with Ruth, a total stranger [2:12]. While he was probably a few years older than Ruth, Boaz was Bethlehem's most eligible bachelor. So, why had he not married? God was saving him for Ruth. Do you remember the reality? "Your obedience to God's plan opens His provision for your life."
15. Be Available: Boaz was obviously interested in Ruth. It didn’t take him long to move on this matter once he knew she was available. He also was available. I believe in taking a proactive stance and having a plan to accomplish those dreams. When Ruth wanted to move ahead with the relationship, she was coached by Naomi to go and “lay at Boaz’s feet” (Ruth 3:7). This may have been a common cultural tradition to some degree, but I’m guessing it was still not the norm because Boaz was taken back by the action. This was a bold move by Ruth! But Naomi must’ve known something about Boaz. She knew he was a godly man and a “good catch” but needed a little push. In all of this I see that both of them made themselves available.
16. He Is An Observant And Alert Individual! Boaz notices Ruth as soon as he arrived! Come on now do you think he simply noticed Ruth because she was this stunningly gorgeous woman? Do you really think Ruth looked like she had just stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine? She was sweating in the hot harvest sun, probably with soiled clothes and dust covered face. Boaz questions and finds out everything about her so that when he speaks to her it’s from a position of full knowledge.
17. He Is A Tactful Man With A Sense Of Humor! He tries to direct her to stay with the women in a way not to embarrass her! Ruth 2:8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: She fails to get the message and went right back to her previous position so Boaz cautioned his men! Ruth 2:15-16 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
18. He Ensures That Ruth Is Protected And Provided For. Ruth 2:8-9 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
19. He Is A Man Who Will Work. He just arrived from Bethlehem. You just can’t deal with a husband who won’t work. If he will not work, nothing good will ever come of that.
20. He Is Gentle. There are some areas we can allow for growth as we mature together. But you simply must have a husband or wife that has a gentle and loving spirit!
21. An Honoring Of Jurisdiction: When Boaz discovered that Ruth could potentially be interested in him, he was very interested in going forward with the relationship. However, being the man of character that he was, he realized that another man had that right and even the first responsibility according to the law of the Kinsman Redeemer to pursue her. So he said to himself very wisely, “Before I let my heart go to her, I need to make sure that she is released and that she is able to proceed with this relationship.” He then went to the “Redeemer” (relative) who was closer and said, “You need to take care of this matter and if you will not, then I will step in.”
22. He Waits For The Family Blessings Before Marriage: One of the keys to getting married right, is to have and keep the blessing of both families. That’s why a man, before he begins to court a woman, ought to go to the woman’s father and get his blessing to carry on. Whatever the circumstances and family style, it is vital to honor jurisdiction. We should never let our heart go and never woo another person’s heart where there’s not freedom and blessing. We see this fact reflected so clearly in the relationship between Boaz and Ruth.
CONCLUSION: TRUST GOD – HE WILL CONNECT YOU WITH THE RIGHT PERSON.
God Blesses His People In Ways They Cannot Conceive (Ruth 2:4-5). He Blessed With:
1. Unexpected Provision: God intended to not only meet the physical needs of Ruth and Naomi, but also exceed their expectations. In the process, Boaz was also blessed.
2. Unseen Presence: The greatest blessing that God bestows on anyone is Himself. Throughout this story you cannot miss the presence of God. God walks with us – look back and see.
3. Unlimited Power: If God is with us, we can accomplish us. We cannot thwart God's purposes. Our obedience to God’s plan opens his provision for our lives.
GOD CAN MOVE ON OUR BEHALF NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES
1. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
3. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4. Revelation 1:17 Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
5. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all".
6. Job 42:2 I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
7. Psalm 135:6 The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.
8. Proverbs 16:4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster.
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS: FOR GOD’S SEEN AND UNSEEN GUIDANCE
God’s purpose for Married, Unmarried, Widows, Separated, Singles, children, Etc. in whatever you are going through – John 11:4 “Lazarus sickness is not unto death.” 25 …Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Death, sickness, disappointments, deception, unrealized goals, unmet expectations, failures, etc.
