The Promised Savior

Ruth 3

The Story

1. In Boaz, Ruth found meaning for her life and hope for the future.
2. In Boaz, she found help as she went down the path of life.
3. In Boaz, she found a place to settle down and enjoy the blessings of her new relationship.
   

Lessons

• In the LORD Jesus Christ, believers finds that their lives are forever changed by His power.
• In the LORD Jesus Christ, believers finds help as they travel toward glory.
• In the LORD Jesus Christ, believers finds a home awaiting them at the end of the way (John14:1-3), a home where the burdens, the pains, and the trials of life will not be allowed to follow (Rev 21:4).
  

Remember Ruth, she needed a promised Savior.

Looking For The Savior

Ruth 3

The Story

1. A marriage relationship with Boaz would provide Ruth with the security and peace she needed.
2. Ruth needed a Savior badly.

Lessons

• A personal relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ will give us eternal rest.
• Humanity desperately needs the Savior because of their condition (Rom 3:23, Eph 2:1-3) and their condemnation (Rom 6:23, John 3:18,36)

Remember Ruth, she needed a Savior badly.

Settle Down and Work In The Field Of Grace

Ruth 2

The Story

1. Ruth entered that field and gleaned faithfully until the end of the harvest.
2. She was steadfast and dedicated until the work was finished.
3. She willingly submitted herself to the field, the future, her family and her new faith.
   

Lessons

• Christians are to carry out God's will until He comes (Eph 2:8-10).
• Christians are to begin well, work well, and finish well.
• Christians are to be faithful to do God's will, to walk in integrity, and to keep their lives clean and pleasing to God at all times.
  

Remember Boaz's instruction to Ruth, she was finally settled down and worked in the field of grace.

God's Field Is Satisfying and Rewarding

Ruth 2

The Story

1. Ruth was to glean in a very good field, a productive, promising and a proven field.
2. Ruth was to find all her needs in this field.
3. Ruth was to have precious relationships with the young men, the young women and with Boaz, the master of the field.
   

Lessons

• The field of grace is a field of the best character. It will produce the fruit of God's image in our life.
• The field of grace contains all we need and want to sustain us through all times.
• The field of grace give us the privileges to enter into glorious relationship with the people of God and the LORD Jesus Christ Himself.
  

Remember Boaz's instruction to Ruth, his field was satisfying and rewarding.

Never Leave God's Field

Ruth 2

The Story

1. Boaz personally invited Ruth to glean in his field.
2. He gave precise instruction that she was to stay close by his young man in his field.
3. He invited her to glean in his fields until everything had been gathered.
   

Lessons

• Jesus Christ is a personal Savior. He died especially for us.
• Jesus Christ gives us clear instructions as to how to live a consistent christian life.
• Jesus Christ promised us that he will never leave us (Heb 13:5) or cast us away (John 6:37).

Remember Boaz's instruction to Ruth, never leave his field.

Good News About A Person

Ruth 2

The Story

1. Boaz was interested in Ruth's situation and he blessed her abundantly.
2. Boaz was involved in Ruth's situation and he took steps to improve her conditions.
3. Boaz was the instrument in Ruth's situation and
   • He revived her and her mother-in-law to worshiping God.
   • He redeemed them according to the Levirate Law of Redemption.
   • He gave them the spirit and enthusiasm to live on.
     

Lessons

• God is interested in His children and He blessed them abundantly.
• God takes steps to improve their conditions.
• God sent the Lord Jesus Christ to their hearts Who
  • Revived them to worshiping God the Father.
    
  • Redeemed them by His death on the cross, and
    
  • Gave them the Holy Spirit to live a godly and a fruitful life.

Remember Ruth and her good news about Boaz.

Good News About Provisions

Ruth 2

The Story
When Ruth returned home, she had good news to tell Naomi about their provisions.

1. They didn't have to worry about food anymore. They had enough food for a week and continued supply was guaranteed until the end of the harvest.
2. They had received a blessing from Boaz, the owner of the field.
3. Ruth had ready food for her mother-in-law, the remaining part of her portion given by Boaz in 2:14.
   

Lessons

• God satisfies the needs of His children all the time.
• God shows favors to His people.
• Children of God are to share all they have with others.

Remember Ruth and her good news about provisions.

God Continues To Work Behind The Scenes

Ruth 2

The Story
After Ruth left the table, Boaz continued to work behind the scenes to take care of her:

1. He made some decisions for her good.
2. He commanded his men to drop bundles on purpose so that she would not go elsewhere to glean.
3. Ruth left the place carrying a half-bushel of grain, more than enough to feed them for a week.
   

Lessons

• The LORD always works behind the scenes to bring about His best for us.
• The LORD always provides enough for us that we are always well satisfied.
• The LORD always loads us with more than we really need.
  

Remember Boaz and the field, he continued to work behind the scenes to take care of Ruth.

God Cares and He Gives Comfort

Ruth 2

The Story

1. Ruth was humbled by the grace she received.
2. Boaz told her that he knew about her deeds and her faith in the LORD. He prayed that she would received a full reward.
3. Ruth told him that he had been good to her and she wanted to do what pleased him.
4. Boaz invited her to join him at the meal table. He allowed her to dip her bread in his vinegar. And when Ruth left that table, she was satisfied.
   

Lessons

• The thought of what the LORD Jesus Christ has done for us is overwhelming.
• The LORD knows our heart and one day He will richly recompense us.
• Every child of God must learn to please God only, by loving Him, worshiping Him, and putting Him ahead of everything else in the world.
• The LORD sits with us today! He desires that we be close to Him so that He may fill our lives with His best. The LORD has provided all the resources we need to live a fruitful and satisfying christian life.
  

Remember Boaz and the field, Boaz Cared and he gave comfort.

God Is Concerned and He Provides

Ruth 2

The Story
Boaz was concerned about Ruth.

1. He commanded Ruth to glean in his fields only. He had plans to take care of her.
2. He commanded the men to leave her alone. He made sure that no one took advantage of her.
3. He provided her with drink from the vessels when she was thirsty.
   

Lessons

• God commands us to abide faithfully in Him as we walk through this world, and He will bless us beyond our wildest dreams.
• Gods is concerned over our welfare, and He will take care of every detail for us (Rom. 8:28, 2 Cor. 4:17).
• God is concerned over our welfare, and He will satisfy all our needs as we work faithfully in His field.
  

Remember Boaz and his field, he was concerned over his people's welfare and he provided.

God Is Present and He Knows

Ruth 2

The Story
Boaz was present in his field. And his presence was always pleasant to his people.
Boaz was perceptive concerning his field. He had a personal interest in his people. He knew everything about his people, including their backgrounds, activities and motives.

Lessons

• Even though Jesus is in heaven today, His Spirit is ever present with the Church. His presence always brings comfort to his people.
  
• The Lord's eyes are always on His Church. He cares about His people personally. He knows everything there is to know about us. Yet He still loves us and desires to be with us.
  Thank the LORD for His grace and favor.

Remember Boaz and his field, he was present and he knew.

Boaz Is A Type Of Christ

Ruth 2

The Story
Boaz was a relative of Naomi's husband. He was qualified to redeem her and Naomi, according to the Law of God (Num 27:8-11). Boaz was a man of great wealth. He was able to redeem her and Naomi. And Boaz was a well respected man.

Boaz is the man that Ruth will meet, fall in love with and come to know intimately.

Lessons

• The LORD Jesus Christ became man so that He might redeem us from our sins (Phil. 2:5-8).
• The LORD Jesus Christ possesses infinite grace, sufficient to save anyone who will bow to God in faith and repentance (Eph 2:8-9).
• The LORD Jesus Christ is highly exalted. His Name evokes worship and celebration.

The LORD Jesus Christ is the Savior that every sinner must meet, bow down in worship and serve with love now.

God's Providential Care

Ruth 2

The Story
Ruth went into a field and began to glean. She was allowed to do so because of God's command in the past (Lev. 19:9-10, Deut. 24:19-22).
She went into a field owned by Boaz, with whom she later married and had children.

Lessons

• Our present standing in Jesus was made possible because we were chosen and elected by God in the past (Eph. 1:4-6).
• Nothing happens by accident! God moves powerfully and providentially to bring about His will in our life.

Remember Ruth who walked into Boaz's field and life.

Hunger For Food

Ruth 2

The Story
Ruth wanted to go to the fields to glean ears of corn. She and Naomi needed food.
She was looking for some land owner who would be pleased to accept her and allow her to glean in his fields.
So she asked for permission from Naomi.

Lessons

• The child of God desires to know more about the LORD and to grow in Him.
• The child of God needs His favor in His field.
• The child of God wants to please Him in everything he does.

Remember Ruth who hungered for food.

Reaching Home

Ruth 1

The Story
Naomi and Ruth came back to Bethlehem during the time of the barley harvest. It was the time of Passover. It was also the time of the Feast of the Firstfruits (Lev. 23:1-14).

Naomi wanted her name to be changed to "Mara". She was bitter in heart. But when the Holy Spirit spoke of her in verse 22, He called her Naomi. She was a pleasant lady.

Lessons

• The coming home reminded us of the suffering and death of the LORD Jesus Christ.
• The coming home reminded us of the abundant blessings and love of God, that more is to come.
• The come home reminded us that we are people of pleasant disposition.
  

Remember Naomi and Ruth who finally reached home.

Confess Sin Openly

Ruth 1

The Story
The city was disturbed and in an uproar when Naomi and Ruth reached Bethlehem. There, in the open, Naomi declared to them how the LORD worked to bring her home, how the LORD punished her and her family terribly for their sins, and how the LORD was patient and kind to her and Ruth, and bring them home to the City of God.

Lessons

• Backslidden christian has a lot to tell other christians :
  
  1. Stories about how God punished them terribly for their sins.
  2. Stories about how God was patient with them and saved them.
• Backslidden christian has a lot to confess to other christians:
  1. He confessed them openly.
  2. He confessed them completely, speaking of his follies and God's grace and mercy.
     

Remember Naomi who confessed her sins openly.

Come Home

Ruth 1

The Story
The trip from Moab to Bethlehem took 7-10 days. Naomi and Ruth had to cross the Jordan river and to climb the 2000 plus feet elevation. They continued the journey until they reached Bethlehem, the City of God.

• Bethlehem was the place where the Lord was honored and exalted.
  
• Bethlehem was the place where the Lord visited His people.
  
• Bethlehem was the place where the Lord richly bestowed.
  
• Bethlehem was the place where God's people gathered.

Lessons
A little sin, a little slackness, and our hearts will slowly hardened. Backslidden christians must strive to come home before it is too late. And they must come home the hard way :

• To worship and to honor God again.
• To enjoy God's presence again.
• To be blessed by God again.
• To reunite with God's people again.

Remember Naomi and Ruth, who came home the hard way.

A Genuine Christian

Ruth 1

The Story

Even though Naomi had nothing to offer her, Ruth decided to follow Naomi all the way to Bethlehem in Judah. Ruth adopted the Israelites' lifestyle and served their God. And she told Naomi that she would follow her all the way to her death.

Lessons

• Genuine christian looks into the things of God and believes them by faith.
• Genuine christian live a new life and serve a new LORD.
• Genuine christian devotes all his days to walk with the LORD.

Remember Ruth, a genuine christian.

Short-Lived Believer

Ruth 1

The Story
Orpah's faith in God was short-lived .

She then returned to her relatives and friends, and continued her sinful lifestyles. She then returned to her religion, continued her wicked practices. She then returned to her real world, full of sins and vices.

Lessons

• There are people who come to church for a time and then return to a life of sin.
• They may enjoy the light for a while, but they return to darkness and is never heard from again.
• True christians do not turn their backs on Jesus. He is the only hope we have.
  

Remember Orpah, a short-lived believer in God.

Wallow In Sins

Ruth 1

The Story
Naomi was living a defeated life in Moab.

Settling in a pagan nation with no worship of God and no fellowship with other christians had totally brought her and her family down.

With the death of her husband and her two sons, she had no hope of the present and she had nothing to look forward to but grief and pain. And she even encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return to their pagan gods and wicked lifestyles.

Naomi had lost all her ability to be a powerful witness for the glory of God.

Lessons

• There is always a high price to pay for sins. No good will ever result from returning to the world.
• God will chastise wayward christians until He brought them to their knees before Him.
• Christians must not wallow in sins. It's just not worth it.
  

Remember Naomi and her family.

Christian is for life

Ruth 1

The Story
Ruth is an example of a steadfast christian. She decided to leave the old life behind and followed her mother-in-law to Judah.

Though Naomi tried all means to stop her, she was determined to stay with her mother-in-law. Ruth was willing to follow Naomi wherever she went. She was willing to submit totally to Naomi to guide all her life. She was willing to conform her life to the way of the Israelites. And she declared openly her faith in Jehovah.

Lesson

• Christian is steadfast, submits to God all his life.
• Christian is steadfast, conform to the way of the Bible all his life.
• Christian is steadfast, declare his faith openly all his life.
  

Remember Ruth, a steadfast christian for life.

Backsliding Is No Joke

Ruth 1

The Story

Naomi and her family moved to the land of Moab because of a famine in Bethlehem in Judah. After sometimes, Elimelech, her husband died there. Later, her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, decided to take wives of the women of Moab, Orpah and Ruth. The family dwelled in Moab for about 10 years. Then her two sons also died.

Naomi heard of God's providence in Judah and made up her mind to return. Orpah decided to stay with her family in Moab. Only Ruth willingly followed Naomi back to Bethlehem in Judah.

Lessons

• In the time of prosperity, many christians forget about God. They seek after worldly gains and totally ignore God. Some even venture into places where there is no opportunity to worship God and fellowship with other believers.
• In the time of adversity, many christians also forget about God. They work hard for a living and totally ignore God. And they just can't spend their precious time worshiping God or have fellowship with other believers.
• Backsliding is no joke. Elimelech died in Moab. Mahlon and Chilion died in Moab 10 years later. And Orpah decided to leave the faith. Backsliding affects the whole family.
• Backsliding is no joke. Naomi went out happy and cheerful, but returned with bitterness and anger.
• Backsliding is no joke. God was patient and kind to Naomi and Ruth, and spared them their lives. God even brought them back to Judah, the House of God. But Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion and Orpah were left with their hearts hardened and ultimately perished in Moab.
• Backsliding is no joke. A little never mind, a little breaking of the law of God.... and our heart may be slowly hardened, and ultimately left to perish in our sins.
  

Remember Naomi and her family.