Ruth 2:11-12 From Bitter to Pleasant WC
McCarter
Introduction
We basically get the entire story of the book of Ruth in
chapter nine of The Story. This book
is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman (what’s the other
one? Esther), and this book is one of only two books in the Old Testament named
after a non-Israelite (what’s the other? Job). Despite all of her significance
in the narration, Ruth is not the main character of the book that bears her
name. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law is the main character. This is a dramatic
story of love and faithfulness between people. There is a lot for us to learn
from this book.
Let’s take a look at
Naomi’s story found in the book of Ruth to see what we can learn about God and
how He deals with people. I would like to take you through the content of the
four chapters in the book of Ruth and then share with you how I think we can
find our story in Naomi’s story.
Scripture Reading
Chapter 1
This dramatic story of love and faithfulness between people
takes place during the time of the Judges. What do we know about this period?
The people are sinful. Because of their sinful disobedience, God has allowed a
famine to come upon the land. “Bethlehem Moab
(APP) Have you ever had disaster come crashing down on you
and your family? Have you had seasons in your life when you had one setback
after another? What do you do in those times? Sometimes you are forced to do
things you would not want to do just to survive that time of trial. You have to
humble yourself for the benefit of others. Do you think that Naomi and Elimelek
wanted to live in Moab Lot
and one of his daughters. They had also had many conflicts with the Moabites
through the years. What you do in these times is hold on for dear life and
honor your God.
Naomi hears that the Lord had been good to the people in her
homeland, and she decided to go back to Israel
At the end of the chapter, Naomi tells the people of Bethlehem
Chapter 2
We found out at the end of chapter one that when the two
women arrived in Bethlehem
Boaz immediately takes interest in Ruth, the foreign woman.
Boaz himself was a descendant of a foreigner, Rahab the prostitute. Boaz calls
for Ruth and tells her to glean only in his fields along with the other women.
It was not safe in just any field of Israel
(APP) We, too, must stand out from our culture today.
Everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes, but we must do what is right
in the Lord’s eyes. We are to consider the poor and those who are in the most
desperate need. I understand that it is difficult because there are so many
simply using the system, but you will know when someone really needs your help.
We must look at others with the eyes of grace. We must look past their
nationality, their heritage, and even their sin. Should we help those who
continue in sin? Of course not, but how will they come out of their sin unless
someone like you or me reaches out to them?
Ruth’s reputation had gone before her. Boaz knew all that
she had done for her mother-in-law, Naomi. So, we have two people who are
outstanding among the people: Boaz and Ruth. Boaz goes above and beyond the
call of the Mosaic Law. Not only is Ruth allowed to pick up the leftovers, but
Boaz tells his men to intentionally leave some extra stalks for Ruth to gather.
(APP) Do we go above and beyond what the Lord has commanded?
The Lord Jesus even taught us that if someone compels us to go a mile, we are
to go two miles with them. If someone wants your shirt, give them your coat as
well. As Christians, we are to do more than we are even expected to do for
others.
Ruth reported to Naomi how her day had gone. Naomi was
excited about the news. Naomi praised the Lord for His goodness toward them.
She realized that Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer (or guardian). All of the bitter
things that had come upon Naomi were beginning to turn around.
Chapter 3
Naomi knows that she and Ruth
cannot live like this forever. Ruth would need a home where a husband could
provide for her and she could bear children. Thus, Naomi has a plan for Ruth to
make a proposition to Boaz. In chapter two, Boaz had blessed Ruth and said, “May
you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel
Chapter 4
At the end of
chapter three, Naomi tells Ruth to wait to see what happens. She is confident
that Boaz will do all that he can to redeem them. Boaz is a righteous man. He
knew that there was a kinsman who was closer in relation to Naomi and Ruth than
him. He waits by the city gate with the elders of the town and, without
pressure, makes known to him the situation. The man says that he will redeem
the land, but then backs out when he learns about the women. Maybe he was
already married or did not have enough resources to care for Naomi and Ruth.
When he declines, Boaz immediately states in front of all the witnesses that he
will redeem Ruth the Moabite. He buys all the property that had belonged to
Elimelek, Mahlon, and Kilion.
And all the people
said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your
home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel
Conclusion- Finding
Your Story in God’s Story
1) What a
fantastic story of love and faithfulness between people.
2) What a
wonderful story of how the Lord provides for His people, even when they think
that everything is ruined for them.