WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.780 Now, let's turn in our Bibles to the Old Testament book of Ruth. 00:00:06.080 --> 00:00:08.220 Ruth chapter 4. 00:00:10.019 --> 00:00:16.559 And while you're turning there, just to remind you that next Sunday evening will look slightly different. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:23.019 And that there's a chance for us, after we've thought about a big truth from the Bible, 00:00:23.500 --> 00:00:24.879 and what it means for everyday life. 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:27.760 A chance for us to discuss in small groups. 00:00:27.760 --> 00:00:36.060 You don't need to stay, but hopefully be a helpful time for us to work those truths into our hearts and lives. 00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:40.460 So we're doing that for six weeks, and so everyone's very welcome to that. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:43.439 Ruth chapter 4. 00:00:44.040 --> 00:00:46.320 As we finish this wonderful story. 00:00:46.900 --> 00:00:54.939 Meanwhile, Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian redeemer he had mentioned came along. 00:00:54.939 --> 00:00:59.079 Boaz said, come over here, my friend, and sit down. 00:00:59.820 --> 00:01:01.839 So he went over and sat down. 00:01:02.679 --> 00:01:05.599 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, sit here. 00:01:06.039 --> 00:01:06.780 And they did so. 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:09.079 Then he said to the guardian redeemer, 00:01:09.079 --> 00:01:15.739 Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimele. 00:01:16.359 --> 00:01:24.620 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. 00:01:25.239 --> 00:01:26.719 If you will redeem it, do so. 00:01:27.299 --> 00:01:28.799 But if you will not, tell me. 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:30.039 So I will know. 00:01:30.040 --> 00:01:34.380 For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line. 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:36.460 I will redeem it, he said. 00:01:37.080 --> 00:01:47.480 Then Boaz said, on the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man's widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property. 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:52.120 At this, the guardian redeemer said, then I cannot redeem it. 00:01:52.500 --> 00:01:54.600 Because I might endanger my own estate. 00:01:55.200 --> 00:01:57.000 You redeeming yourself, I cannot do it. 00:01:57.000 --> 00:02:05.439 Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. 00:02:06.099 --> 00:02:09.139 This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel. 00:02:09.860 --> 00:02:15.060 So the guardian redeemer said to Boaz, buy it yourself, and he removed his sandal. 00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:18.360 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, 00:02:18.920 --> 00:02:20.060 Today you are witnesses. 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:25.639 I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilian, and Margo. 00:02:25.639 --> 00:02:33.279 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Malon's widow as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, 00:02:33.819 --> 00:02:38.279 so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his home town. 00:02:38.919 --> 00:02:40.839 Today you are witnesses. 00:02:41.579 --> 00:02:44.479 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, we are witnesses. 00:02:45.139 --> 00:02:50.939 May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. 00:02:50.939 --> 00:02:55.079 May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 00:02:55.780 --> 00:02:58.460 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman. 00:02:59.359 --> 00:03:03.340 May your family be like that of Herod, whom Tamar bore to Judah. 00:03:04.359 --> 00:03:06.659 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. 00:03:07.240 --> 00:03:11.520 When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:18.939 The woman said to Naomi, praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian redeemer. 00:03:19.700 --> 00:03:22.200 May he become famous throughout Israel. 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:26.400 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. 00:03:27.020 --> 00:03:32.780 For your daughter-in-law, who loves you, and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth. 00:03:33.740 --> 00:03:36.320 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for her. 00:03:36.319 --> 00:03:41.000 The woman living there said, Naomi has a son, and they named him Obed. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:44.639 He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 00:03:45.479 --> 00:03:48.599 This thing is the family life of Perez. 00:03:49.139 --> 00:03:50.919 Perez was the father of Hezron. 00:03:51.439 --> 00:03:53.180 Hezron, the father of Ram. 00:03:53.740 --> 00:03:55.879 Ram, the father of Aminadah. 00:03:56.500 --> 00:03:58.359 Aminadah, the father of Neshon. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:00.699 Neshon, the father of Salmon. 00:04:01.219 --> 00:04:02.959 Salmon, the father of Boaz. 00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:05.240 Boaz, the father of Obed. 00:04:05.240 --> 00:04:07.540 Obed, the father of Jesse. 00:04:08.140 --> 00:04:11.420 And Jesse, the father of David. 00:04:12.540 --> 00:04:12.980 Amen. 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:16.040 And that's how the book of Ruth ends. 00:04:16.800 --> 00:04:25.740 So this week, as I was reading, especially the conclusion, I was thinking, how different would the book of Ruth look if Disney did Ruth? 00:04:25.819 --> 00:04:27.460 We know that we'd done Moses. 00:04:28.100 --> 00:04:29.420 What if they did Ruth? 00:04:29.860 --> 00:04:32.819 Well, certainly they would focus on what we have in the story of Ruth. 00:04:32.819 --> 00:04:34.339 We've got this on the boy meets girl. 00:04:34.420 --> 00:04:36.319 We've got the romantic angle. 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:42.139 What we've seen is the story of Ruth is one of love across death grids. 00:04:43.139 --> 00:04:46.659 Ruth is from Moab, a foreigner to Israel. 00:04:48.199 --> 00:04:52.120 You can imagine Disney would like the rescue. 00:04:52.459 --> 00:04:54.300 We've spoken of Boaz as a redeemer. 00:04:54.300 --> 00:04:57.300 So the idea of a heroic rescue, perhaps. 00:04:58.020 --> 00:05:02.540 And certainly, Disney, they would all live happily ever after. 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:07.240 Then we come to the true story, to the Bible story. 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:10.420 We see that some of those things are there, but there's also some surprises. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:13.980 So we have got a rescue. 00:05:14.100 --> 00:05:15.560 We have got a redeemer. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:20.939 But there's not so much in the way of dramatic rescue. 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:23.199 It's taking place in a courtroom. 00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:29.379 And we do have a happily ever after, but there's a surprising focus to it. 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:33.879 Because it's almost as if Ruth and Boaz are going to disappear out of shot. 00:05:33.980 --> 00:05:35.959 And the focus is on Naomi. 00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:39.759 And then it's on the nation of history. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:44.800 So we're given a happy ending, but it's a surprisingly big one. 00:05:47.099 --> 00:05:50.899 Because this story began in the dark days of the judges. 00:05:51.699 --> 00:05:56.800 And what we know about the days of the judges is that everybody was doing just whatever they wanted to do. 00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:00.519 So there was moral and spiritual, religious chaos. 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:04.099 And in the days of the judges were told that there was no king. 00:06:04.100 --> 00:06:10.060 So the hope at the end of the judges is that God would provide a king as the answer to the darkness. 00:06:10.300 --> 00:06:12.020 And how does Ruth end? 00:06:12.820 --> 00:06:17.860 Ruth ends with a family line that leads us to King David. 00:06:18.600 --> 00:06:25.360 So the hope in the story of Ruth comes first of all in that God provides a redeemer, this man called Boaz. 00:06:26.280 --> 00:06:31.580 But he also does that so as to provide for a king called David. 00:06:31.579 --> 00:06:38.139 And so we take the whole story of Ruth in view, especially when we come to chapter 4 here. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:42.839 And we see again how this helps to highlight for us God's redeeming love. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:48.639 That this is much more than a happily ever after for Naomi or for Israel. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:56.839 That through Jesus, the redeemer, who is also God's king, there can be good news for each one of us. 00:06:56.839 --> 00:07:07.599 There is hope extended to a world that is lost in sin, that is knowing much hope, brokenness and confusion, just like the judges. 00:07:09.159 --> 00:07:13.679 We can find hope in the sending, in the promise of Jesus. 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:17.799 So let's look at this story together for a little while. 00:07:17.919 --> 00:07:23.319 Looking first of all at this first scene, which takes place in the courtroom. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:31.500 So we can see a family rescue that is taking place in the first 12 verses here in the courtroom in Bethlehem. 00:07:32.639 --> 00:07:37.480 And I guess we, as a culture, we enjoy a good courtroom drama. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:43.199 We have some classics, the 12 Magnum Ends, Kill a Mockingbird, we have our John Grissoms, we like. 00:07:43.199 --> 00:07:45.000 Courtroom dramas. 00:07:45.599 --> 00:07:49.219 This one takes place in Bethlehem. 00:07:49.920 --> 00:07:52.620 And it takes place at the city gates. 00:07:53.519 --> 00:07:55.539 So let's dive into this. 00:07:55.939 --> 00:08:01.439 And let's see, first of all, the preparation for the courtroom. 00:08:02.039 --> 00:08:06.800 We see in verse 1, if you have your Bibles, Boaz goes up to the town gate. 00:08:06.800 --> 00:08:10.860 And the town gate in that day was the courtroom of his day. 00:08:10.939 --> 00:08:13.280 That's where community business happened. 00:08:13.460 --> 00:08:17.199 So he deliberately goes to the town gate. 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:20.939 And then we see, again, God's guiding hand. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:28.480 Boaz is just sat down, just as the guardian redeemer he had mentioned came along. 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:40.560 So just as we've seen all throughout the book of Ruth, God is guiding action so that Boaz might serve as redeemer. 00:08:41.060 --> 00:08:43.180 So what does Boaz say? 00:08:43.820 --> 00:08:47.399 He says, come over here, my friend, and sit down. 00:08:47.420 --> 00:08:50.060 And that's not, let's sit down for a cozy chat. 00:08:50.159 --> 00:08:56.080 This is sit down, let's transact some legal business here. 00:08:56.080 --> 00:09:04.920 And we see that because the next thing that Boaz does, verse 2, is he calls 10 of the elders of the town to sit. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:12.580 So they act, in that sense that we think about that, during the act as witnesses to all that's about to unfold. 00:09:14.139 --> 00:09:15.620 So the preparation has been made. 00:09:15.720 --> 00:09:18.460 And now in verses 3 to 8, we can see it here. 00:09:19.040 --> 00:09:22.460 We've got a report of what happens in the court. 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:27.879 And it's very much driven by the words of Boaz. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:34.200 And so he says to his friends, here's the situation. 00:09:35.060 --> 00:09:36.540 There is Naomi. 00:09:37.120 --> 00:09:38.519 She's part of your family. 00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:40.340 She is in poverty. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:43.920 She's needing to sell the family land. 00:09:44.759 --> 00:09:49.500 You're in the legal position to buy it, to act as her protector. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:51.539 Are you willing? 00:09:52.960 --> 00:10:00.240 So this unnamed actor, and I think it's deliberately unnamed because he serves as a contrast to Boaz. 00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:04.240 He's thinking, okay, I'm being asked to care for an old lady. 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:07.600 And when she dies, I will receive her land. 00:10:07.700 --> 00:10:08.840 And I can add it to my inheritance. 00:10:09.100 --> 00:10:12.279 So he says, yes, I am willing. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:20.500 And at that stage, Boaz turns to him and says, well, there's one more complicated factor. 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:26.559 When you buy the land, you also will inherit a new wife, Ruth. 00:10:26.699 --> 00:10:35.079 And you have to raise a family with her in order to keep that land, to keep the family line of Elimelech going. 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:44.120 And at that stage, this unnamed guardian or kinsman redeemer said, no, no, thank you. 00:10:44.160 --> 00:10:45.160 I can't do that. 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:49.160 It seems like perhaps the cost was too high. 00:10:49.900 --> 00:10:54.780 I can mean the financial cost was too high to care for Naomi, to care for Lou. 00:10:55.780 --> 00:10:59.720 Perhaps he certainly thought that there was a risk of his estate being weakened. 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:06.240 Boaz also deliberately draws attention to the fact that Ruth is from Moab. 00:11:06.340 --> 00:11:14.259 Perhaps he felt there was a risk to his status to take to his own home someone who is from outside of Israel. 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:21.680 But either way, he says to Boaz, I am not willing to be the redeemer. 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:22.860 You do. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:28.600 And then we come to that unusual bit in verse 7 and verse 8. 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:35.320 We find that legal practice of the sandal swap. 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:38.620 Legal practices, I guess, adapt over time. 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:41.500 We discover that even here in the book of Ruth. 00:11:41.620 --> 00:11:44.480 This idea of taking off your sandal and giving it to the other party. 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:49.820 Say, here's a transfer that's now taken place and being formalized. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:54.540 They didn't do that in the time of writing anymore. 00:11:54.539 --> 00:12:01.759 But with that sandal being taken and handed over, the deal is now sealed. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:07.919 There is an agreement that Boaz is going to function as the kinsman redeemer. 00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:13.240 He is going to pay the price to secure the land for Naomi. 00:12:13.779 --> 00:12:19.279 He's going to commit to Ruth and to raising a family with her. 00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:23.240 And that takes us to Boaz's response in verses 9 and 10. 00:12:24.259 --> 00:12:25.159 And what does he do? 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:29.480 He asks the elders and all the people who were gathered to be witnesses. 00:12:30.059 --> 00:12:32.579 To be witnesses to those two realities. 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:36.059 The one who will act as the kinsman redeemer to secure the family land. 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:39.600 But also that he's going to take Ruth as his wife. 00:12:40.459 --> 00:12:42.620 To preserve Maraul's family name. 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:46.940 And then we get verses 11 and 12. 00:12:47.419 --> 00:12:50.019 The reaction in the courtroom. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:55.279 Where they announce that they are willing to be witnesses. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:13:00.139 And then what we see is that they seek blessing from Boaz. 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:08.259 One of the wonderful features of Boaz is that in every scene he is regarded as honorable. 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:12.419 He is presented to us as a man of faith. 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:18.299 And so this crowd, the elders and others, they seek this blessing from Boaz. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:20.279 And it's got some significant features. 00:13:21.700 --> 00:13:26.059 And so they want that Ruth, this Moabite foreigner, 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:32.860 would have as significant a part in the story of Israel as Rachel and Leah. 00:13:32.860 --> 00:13:39.360 And they're mothers of the first twelve. 00:13:39.740 --> 00:13:42.419 And they became the twelve tribes of Israel. 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:46.919 And may the Lord make the women who's coming into your home like Rachel and Leah. 00:13:47.039 --> 00:13:48.860 And together build up the family of Israel. 00:13:49.899 --> 00:13:54.700 They seek a blessing and a legacy of faith on Boaz. 00:13:54.800 --> 00:13:59.639 May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:03.480 And then in verse twelve. 00:14:05.080 --> 00:14:05.819 It says, 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:08.120 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young man, 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:10.480 may your family, a bit like that, of Perez, 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:13.120 whom Tamar bore to Judah. 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.480 And this is interesting. 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:17.580 This is another one of those Old Testament legal details. 00:14:18.699 --> 00:14:20.120 Tamar, this woman Tamar, 00:14:20.439 --> 00:14:22.080 is the other famous, 00:14:22.699 --> 00:14:26.500 it's called a leperate marriage in the Old Testament. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:30.779 And so where there is a widow who dies without children, 00:14:30.899 --> 00:14:33.159 and it's the responsibility of a family member, 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:33.700 a brother, 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:36.620 to raise a family for the dead man. 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:38.059 Tamar, 00:14:38.440 --> 00:14:39.419 Genesis thirty-eight, 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:41.960 is the other famous story. 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:43.940 And there's some parallels, 00:14:44.059 --> 00:14:45.879 and then some significant differences. 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:50.659 But we get to verse twelve, 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:53.279 and we get to the end of this courtroom scene. 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:56.379 And what we discover is that Boaz, 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:58.460 the hero in our story, 00:14:58.980 --> 00:14:59.820 he has, 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:00.700 and that's it, 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:01.960 won his case, 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:04.820 and there's honour that's given to him. 00:15:05.159 --> 00:15:07.899 And we can imagine the courtroom breaking into cheers, 00:15:08.019 --> 00:15:08.360 perhaps. 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:12.860 And they ask for these wonderfully large blessings 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.700 to come to Boaz. 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:16.600 But little did they know 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:20.960 how God would answer so far above and beyond their expectations. 00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:25.480 That God's plans for this family in Bethlehem 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:28.600 would include the future king of Israel, 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:30.000 the king after God's own heart. 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:31.240 Little did they know 00:15:31.240 --> 00:15:36.580 that Ruth would be in the family line of the Lord Jesus. 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:39.220 Little did they imagine 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:41.620 how God was going to use this little family 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:45.400 to demonstrate God's covenant faithfulness 00:15:45.400 --> 00:15:47.360 far beyond Bethlehem 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:50.460 to all peoples everywhere. 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.580 Now before we leave the courtroom, 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:56.780 maybe a couple of lessons to draw. 00:15:56.900 --> 00:15:57.560 First of all, 00:15:58.040 --> 00:15:59.700 thinking about Boaz. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:02.660 And to think about Boaz 00:16:02.660 --> 00:16:04.900 as an everyday hero of faith. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:06.379 You know, 00:16:06.439 --> 00:16:07.059 we think about, 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:10.120 maybe we think about our Sunday school heroes. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:13.120 They're usually known for very courageous, 00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:14.259 brave acts. 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:15.159 Maybe in battle, 00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:17.120 we think of our Gideons 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.720 and our Davids even. 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:20.799 But here is Boaz, 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:21.980 and he's just a wonderful, 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:23.779 upstanding man of faith. 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:26.539 He is a model employer 00:16:26.539 --> 00:16:28.419 who seeks God's blessing 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:30.059 on those who work in his fields. 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:32.559 He protects and cares 00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:34.179 for those who are vulnerable 00:16:34.179 --> 00:16:35.159 as they work. 00:16:35.239 --> 00:16:36.539 He shows mercy 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:38.299 to an outsider. 00:16:38.479 --> 00:16:40.079 He extends hospitality. 00:16:40.299 --> 00:16:42.159 We see him absolutely committed 00:16:42.159 --> 00:16:44.619 to this work of 00:16:44.619 --> 00:16:46.299 being a redeemer 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:47.979 for Naomi and Ruth 00:16:47.979 --> 00:16:49.099 and honoring Ruth 00:16:49.099 --> 00:16:50.819 for her covenant loyalty 00:16:50.820 --> 00:16:53.440 in the dark days. 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:54.840 In the dark days of the judges, 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:55.340 boy, 00:16:55.420 --> 00:16:56.220 that shines bright 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:56.920 for his faith. 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:01.220 And isn't that a wonderful 00:17:01.220 --> 00:17:03.040 call to us 00:17:03.040 --> 00:17:04.080 as the people have gotten 00:17:04.080 --> 00:17:05.940 an encouragement to us? 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:09.160 To be faithful 00:17:09.160 --> 00:17:10.680 in the everyday 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:11.559 stuff of life. 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:13.160 So much of this 00:17:13.160 --> 00:17:14.640 isn't spectacular 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.420 in that sense, 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:16.160 but called 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:17.440 to be faithful 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:19.040 to honor God 00:17:19.040 --> 00:17:20.019 in what 00:17:20.019 --> 00:17:21.040 we're given 00:17:21.040 --> 00:17:21.779 to do. 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:23.680 And do you know 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.540 we do that 00:17:24.540 --> 00:17:25.900 understanding 00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:26.960 that God 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:28.080 has his plans 00:17:28.080 --> 00:17:28.960 for how he will 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:29.580 use them. 00:17:30.300 --> 00:17:30.960 Now, we don't know 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.800 what those plans are, 00:17:31.840 --> 00:17:33.160 but God does. 00:17:33.380 --> 00:17:34.420 What does he call us to do? 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:35.040 He calls us 00:17:35.040 --> 00:17:35.960 to be faithful 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:37.360 in the everyday 00:17:37.360 --> 00:17:38.320 stuff of life. 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:40.340 Knowing that that's 00:17:40.340 --> 00:17:41.820 how he is able 00:17:41.820 --> 00:17:42.920 to work 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:44.360 in and through 00:17:44.360 --> 00:17:45.100 us. 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:48.799 Let's also think 00:17:48.799 --> 00:17:49.899 about the sacrifice 00:17:49.899 --> 00:17:50.559 of Boaz. 00:17:50.699 --> 00:17:51.839 Because we meet 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:52.819 Boaz in chapter 2 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:53.639 and never once 00:17:53.639 --> 00:17:54.659 do we find Boaz 00:17:54.659 --> 00:17:55.480 asking what's in it 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:55.879 for me. 00:17:57.859 --> 00:17:58.719 He is committed 00:17:58.719 --> 00:17:59.219 to serve, 00:17:59.339 --> 00:17:59.639 to honor, 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.240 to love. 00:18:00.859 --> 00:18:01.359 Never thinking 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:01.980 about the cost 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.439 to himself. 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.099 Or the things 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:03.399 are affected 00:18:03.399 --> 00:18:03.759 because he's 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:04.399 willing to pay. 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.419 And he stands 00:18:06.419 --> 00:18:08.179 in stark contrast 00:18:08.179 --> 00:18:08.799 to this guy 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.359 who was supposed 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.000 to act as the 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.759 guardian redeemer. 00:18:11.379 --> 00:18:11.839 I would say, 00:18:11.919 --> 00:18:12.639 no, that risk 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.159 is too high, 00:18:13.219 --> 00:18:14.159 that cost is too high 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:15.060 I'm unwilling to pay. 00:18:15.160 --> 00:18:15.660 I'm unwilling 00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:17.620 to care for 00:18:17.620 --> 00:18:18.740 this old lady. 00:18:18.820 --> 00:18:19.240 I'm unwilling 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:20.060 to extend 00:18:20.060 --> 00:18:20.800 her family life. 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:24.279 I wonder 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:25.700 if we recognize 00:18:25.700 --> 00:18:26.960 something of that 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:27.460 dependency 00:18:27.460 --> 00:18:28.380 in our own 00:18:28.380 --> 00:18:29.500 hearts and lives. 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.180 Perhaps 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:32.160 to be asking, 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:32.920 well, what's in it 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:33.540 for me when it 00:18:33.540 --> 00:18:34.120 comes to 00:18:34.120 --> 00:18:35.920 serving the church? 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:38.320 what's the cost 00:18:38.320 --> 00:18:39.279 going to be? 00:18:40.019 --> 00:18:40.820 Is this going 00:18:40.820 --> 00:18:41.840 to be too much 00:18:41.840 --> 00:18:42.580 of an inconvenience 00:18:42.580 --> 00:18:43.320 for me and my 00:18:43.320 --> 00:18:44.160 family for the 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:44.640 things that I 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:45.380 want to do? 00:18:47.300 --> 00:18:48.300 I think Boaz 00:18:48.300 --> 00:18:48.920 stands as a 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:50.259 wonderful reminder 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.440 of that call 00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:52.920 that we have 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:53.980 knowing how God 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:54.680 has been so 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:55.340 kind to us 00:18:55.340 --> 00:18:56.500 and served us 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:57.860 that he calls 00:18:57.860 --> 00:18:58.720 us to serve 00:18:58.720 --> 00:18:59.220 others, 00:18:59.340 --> 00:18:59.960 to care for 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.340 others, 00:19:00.820 --> 00:19:01.560 to have a heart 00:19:01.560 --> 00:19:02.320 for those who 00:19:02.320 --> 00:19:03.900 are needy. 00:19:03.900 --> 00:19:05.100 so we don't 00:19:05.100 --> 00:19:05.519 want to be like 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:05.700 that, 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:06.880 but we want 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:08.560 to be like 00:19:08.560 --> 00:19:09.120 Boaz. 00:19:12.040 --> 00:19:12.759 But then to 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:13.160 think about 00:19:13.160 --> 00:19:13.900 the way 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:15.540 that Boaz's 00:19:15.540 --> 00:19:16.120 story goes 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:16.640 and we find 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.500 him in this 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:19.060 courtroom scene 00:19:19.060 --> 00:19:19.620 taking the 00:19:19.620 --> 00:19:20.320 initiative to 00:19:20.320 --> 00:19:21.340 function as 00:19:21.340 --> 00:19:22.280 the redeemer, 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:23.920 that also helps 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.440 us to think 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:24.780 about the 00:19:24.780 --> 00:19:26.320 gospel and 00:19:26.320 --> 00:19:26.720 it helps us 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.100 think about 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:28.759 God's amazing 00:19:28.759 --> 00:19:29.800 grace. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:31.200 Because we 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.780 find legal 00:19:32.780 --> 00:19:33.560 language being 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:34.079 used at the 00:19:34.079 --> 00:19:34.379 gospel, 00:19:34.539 --> 00:19:35.619 we find the 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:37.240 idea of the 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:37.859 judge and a 00:19:37.859 --> 00:19:38.480 judgment being 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:39.579 used in the 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:40.579 storyline of the 00:19:40.579 --> 00:19:40.879 Bible. 00:19:41.220 --> 00:19:41.700 And what we 00:19:41.700 --> 00:19:42.639 need to understand 00:19:42.639 --> 00:19:43.319 as people is 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.059 that our place 00:19:44.059 --> 00:19:44.639 in God's 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.599 courtroom by 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.480 nature, 00:19:47.919 --> 00:19:49.619 our standing 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.799 in the drama 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.480 of human history, 00:19:51.579 --> 00:19:52.000 where do we 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.759 find ourselves 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:53.759 in God's 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:54.139 courtroom? 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:54.619 We would 00:19:54.619 --> 00:19:55.440 find ourselves 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.200 by nature 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:57.299 in the 00:19:57.299 --> 00:19:57.599 dog, 00:19:58.720 --> 00:20:00.019 standing before 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:00.559 God the 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.419 judge guilty 00:20:01.419 --> 00:20:02.779 as charged. 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:05.879 guilty of 00:20:05.879 --> 00:20:07.220 pride, 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:08.179 that we 00:20:08.179 --> 00:20:08.799 live without 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:09.299 God, 00:20:10.139 --> 00:20:11.179 guilty of 00:20:11.179 --> 00:20:12.059 idolatry, 00:20:12.159 --> 00:20:12.419 where we 00:20:12.419 --> 00:20:13.200 would make 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.000 other things 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:14.799 to be as 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.599 important and 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.220 more important 00:20:16.220 --> 00:20:16.940 to us than 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.359 God, 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.460 guilty of 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.059 rebellion, 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:20.619 where we 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:22.039 ignore God 00:20:22.039 --> 00:20:22.720 as king and 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.139 turn our 00:20:23.139 --> 00:20:23.779 back on his 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.159 law. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.839 All of those 00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:26.700 realities the 00:20:26.700 --> 00:20:27.579 Bible calls 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:28.339 sin, so we 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:28.839 would stand 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:29.339 in the dog 00:20:29.339 --> 00:20:29.980 guilty as 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:30.559 charged and 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:30.839 we would 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.379 have no 00:20:31.379 --> 00:20:32.959 case for 00:20:32.959 --> 00:20:33.579 the defense. 00:20:35.379 --> 00:20:35.679 As the 00:20:35.679 --> 00:20:36.099 Bible says, 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:36.740 every mouth 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:37.019 will be 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:37.419 silenced 00:20:37.419 --> 00:20:38.119 before God 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:38.699 the righteous 00:20:38.699 --> 00:20:39.179 judge. 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:39.799 That's us 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.899 by nature 00:20:40.899 --> 00:20:41.779 without God's 00:20:41.779 --> 00:20:42.559 intervention. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.659 And then we 00:20:45.659 --> 00:20:46.500 need to see 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.419 how Boaz 00:20:47.419 --> 00:20:48.240 points us 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:48.679 to the 00:20:48.679 --> 00:20:49.139 coming of 00:20:49.139 --> 00:20:49.419 Jesus, 00:20:49.639 --> 00:20:50.720 because into 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:51.699 this courtroom 00:20:51.699 --> 00:20:52.859 drama steps 00:20:52.859 --> 00:20:53.939 Jesus, and 00:20:53.939 --> 00:20:54.500 Jesus is 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:54.980 willing to 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.019 become our 00:20:56.019 --> 00:20:56.839 legal 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:58.019 representative. 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.839 He is the 00:20:58.839 --> 00:21:00.579 judge, but 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:01.079 he enters 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:01.759 the dog and 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:02.359 he takes 00:21:02.359 --> 00:21:03.480 our place 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:03.900 and he 00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:05.160 takes our 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:05.900 punishment. 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:07.319 That there 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:08.000 on the cross 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:08.960 the judge is 00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:10.039 judged for 00:21:10.039 --> 00:21:10.660 us. 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:11.359 He is 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:12.039 condemned so 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.539 that we 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.319 might be 00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:14.119 forgiven and 00:21:14.119 --> 00:21:14.940 set free to 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:15.740 enjoy peace 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.859 with God. 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.059 That faith in 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.660 Jesus means 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.519 that we receive 00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:21.480 the declaration 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.819 over us that 00:21:22.819 --> 00:21:23.160 we are 00:21:23.160 --> 00:21:23.980 righteous, that 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.599 we are not 00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:24.920 condemned. 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:28.420 Jesus, the 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:28.819 judge who 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:29.279 has taken 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:29.879 our place, 00:21:30.319 --> 00:21:30.980 he is ready 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.839 to honour 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:33.079 us and to 00:21:33.079 --> 00:21:33.819 take us 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:35.619 home to 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:36.019 where he 00:21:36.019 --> 00:21:36.480 is. 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:38.160 And so 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:38.920 great is 00:21:38.920 --> 00:21:39.480 his love 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.139 for us, a 00:21:40.139 --> 00:21:41.019 great love 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.519 that far 00:21:41.519 --> 00:21:42.420 exceeds that 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.639 even of 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:44.299 Boaz. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.339 The story 00:21:47.339 --> 00:21:48.599 of Ruth 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:48.960 and the 00:21:48.960 --> 00:21:49.359 story of 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:50.319 Boaz, it 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:51.059 also reminds 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:51.420 us about 00:21:51.420 --> 00:21:52.000 how wide 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.500 God's 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.359 grace is. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.000 Because in 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:55.299 God's 00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:55.799 kingdom we 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:56.539 discover there 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:57.440 is grace 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:57.940 and there 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:58.240 is a 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:59.059 welcome for 00:21:59.059 --> 00:21:59.440 Ruth. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:00.720 Yes, she 00:22:00.720 --> 00:22:01.379 is from 00:22:01.379 --> 00:22:02.079 Moab and 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:03.039 yes, she 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.740 was serving 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.599 other gods 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.039 but now 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:05.339 she has 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:05.759 come to 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.359 faith in 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:06.700 the one 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.259 true God 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.940 and there 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:08.519 is grace 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.240 for her. 00:22:10.879 --> 00:22:11.259 And in 00:22:11.259 --> 00:22:11.519 God's 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.180 wisdom and 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:12.460 God's 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.519 mercy, she 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:13.819 is in 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:14.659 the family 00:22:14.659 --> 00:22:15.180 tree of 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:15.500 Jesus. 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:19.899 How is 00:22:19.899 --> 00:22:20.819 Jesus known 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:22.940 when he 00:22:22.940 --> 00:22:24.259 came to 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.200 live among 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:25.619 us? 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.599 He was 00:22:26.599 --> 00:22:27.019 known as 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:27.519 the friend 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:28.079 of sinners. 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:30.460 Some people 00:22:30.460 --> 00:22:31.099 hated him 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:31.619 for that. 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:33.640 Religious 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:34.140 people should 00:22:34.140 --> 00:22:34.579 just stay 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.180 with religious 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:35.599 types. 00:22:37.180 --> 00:22:38.720 And Jesus 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:39.160 would just 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:39.700 come for the 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:40.019 good. 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:40.720 God would 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:41.099 just want to 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:41.359 say that 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:41.859 that wasn't 00:22:41.859 --> 00:22:42.180 Jesus' 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:42.640 pattern. 00:22:44.579 --> 00:22:44.920 Others 00:22:44.920 --> 00:22:45.599 loved him 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.019 for the fact 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:46.240 he was 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:46.640 friend of 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:46.879 sinners, 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:47.319 especially 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:47.779 those that 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.359 everybody else 00:22:48.359 --> 00:22:49.160 despised. 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:50.539 Those that 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:50.940 were on the 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:51.579 margins, they 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.379 flocked to 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:52.980 Jesus because 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:53.320 they knew 00:22:53.320 --> 00:22:53.520 they were 00:22:53.520 --> 00:22:54.180 by mercy 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:54.900 and grace. 00:22:56.760 --> 00:22:57.400 Yes, they 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:57.560 would be 00:22:57.560 --> 00:22:58.340 confronted about 00:22:58.340 --> 00:22:58.920 their sin, but 00:22:58.920 --> 00:22:59.440 they would also 00:22:59.440 --> 00:22:59.820 have the 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:00.500 prospect of 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.320 forgiveness and 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:02.080 life of God 00:23:02.080 --> 00:23:02.780 through him. 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:04.580 And what we 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:04.980 see in the 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:05.640 gospels is 00:23:05.640 --> 00:23:06.280 his deliberate 00:23:06.280 --> 00:23:07.000 kindness to 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:07.820 the least and 00:23:07.820 --> 00:23:08.520 to the most 00:23:08.520 --> 00:23:09.680 unlikely. 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:10.840 And it's 00:23:10.840 --> 00:23:11.260 what we see 00:23:11.260 --> 00:23:11.660 all through 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:11.980 the Bible, 00:23:12.060 --> 00:23:12.420 it's what we 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:12.840 see in the 00:23:12.840 --> 00:23:13.520 story of 00:23:13.520 --> 00:23:13.920 grace. 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:17.420 And so as 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:17.760 we think 00:23:17.760 --> 00:23:18.140 about that, 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:18.600 if that's 00:23:18.600 --> 00:23:18.920 God's 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:19.500 pattern in the 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:20.100 Old Testament, 00:23:21.600 --> 00:23:22.160 that plan 00:23:22.160 --> 00:23:22.600 right from 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:23.000 the beginning 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.580 to extend 00:23:23.580 --> 00:23:24.180 his blessing 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.580 to all 00:23:24.580 --> 00:23:25.019 the nations, 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:26.720 and if that 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:26.980 was the 00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:27.540 pattern of 00:23:27.540 --> 00:23:27.900 Jesus, 00:23:28.060 --> 00:23:32.120 it makes 00:23:32.120 --> 00:23:32.460 us ask 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:32.960 some practical 00:23:32.960 --> 00:23:33.600 questions of 00:23:33.600 --> 00:23:33.980 ourselves. 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:34.620 Who is my 00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.640 welcome, 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:36.759 brothers? 00:23:38.300 --> 00:23:39.200 How is the 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:40.019 mercy and 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:40.759 kindness of 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:42.300 God expressed 00:23:42.300 --> 00:23:44.060 by me to 00:23:44.060 --> 00:23:44.880 others? 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:47.000 What is our 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:48.180 attitude to 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:48.660 the poor? 00:23:50.080 --> 00:23:50.600 What is our 00:23:50.600 --> 00:23:51.300 attitude? 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.659 to those who 00:23:52.659 --> 00:23:53.139 come from 00:23:53.139 --> 00:23:53.839 other nations 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.899 to live 00:23:54.899 --> 00:23:55.419 among us 00:23:55.419 --> 00:23:55.879 and to 00:23:55.879 --> 00:23:56.619 worship 00:23:56.619 --> 00:23:57.759 with us? 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.240 Where we 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:01.539 be as 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:03.279 broad as 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:03.839 our King, 00:24:04.799 --> 00:24:05.740 as loving 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:07.019 as King 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.419 Jesus. 00:24:10.119 --> 00:24:10.700 Well, 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.220 let's move 00:24:11.220 --> 00:24:12.000 from the 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:14.180 courtroom to 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:14.579 where our 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:15.319 story closes 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:15.680 in the 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.480 family home 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.500 of Boaz 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:18.740 and Ruth. 00:24:18.740 --> 00:24:20.579 I hear the 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.180 focus isn't 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:22.120 just on the 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:22.940 rescue of 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.940 this family, 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.120 the focus is 00:24:25.120 --> 00:24:25.759 now on the 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.799 royal family 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:27.359 line. 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:29.400 In a sense, 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:30.059 we might 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:30.779 expect 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:32.960 chapter 4, 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:33.660 verse 13, 00:24:33.740 --> 00:24:34.140 to be where 00:24:34.140 --> 00:24:34.599 the story 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.059 would end. 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.620 This is the 00:24:35.620 --> 00:24:36.519 happy ending 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:37.160 we expect. 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:37.599 We've been 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:38.720 looking forward 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.279 to seeing 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:40.059 Boaz and 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:40.700 Ruth be 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.039 married, 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:41.380 and then 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:41.900 nine months 00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:42.339 later, 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:42.640 as the 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:43.200 drama moves 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.359 on, 00:24:43.359 --> 00:24:44.000 a son is 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:44.440 born. 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:44.960 If this 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.500 was dizzy, 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.079 you'd hear the 00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:46.640 big song, 00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:46.880 to be 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:47.080 incredibly 00:24:47.080 --> 00:24:47.540 credited. 00:24:47.800 --> 00:24:48.200 That's not 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:48.540 where we 00:24:48.540 --> 00:24:48.820 finish. 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:51.060 Rather, 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:51.420 what we 00:24:51.420 --> 00:24:52.520 see is the 00:24:52.520 --> 00:24:53.140 director of 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:53.700 this story 00:24:53.700 --> 00:24:54.800 having this 00:24:54.800 --> 00:24:55.820 wide-angle 00:24:55.820 --> 00:24:56.740 lens on 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.259 joy, 00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:58.840 so that 00:24:58.840 --> 00:24:59.560 we also 00:24:59.560 --> 00:25:00.840 find joy, 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:01.800 verse 17, 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:02.259 in the fact 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:02.680 that Naomi 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.280 has a 00:25:03.280 --> 00:25:03.540 son. 00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:05.060 So we're 00:25:05.060 --> 00:25:05.480 back to 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:05.980 thinking about 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:06.320 God's 00:25:06.320 --> 00:25:06.900 provision for 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:07.360 Naomi. 00:25:08.340 --> 00:25:08.880 And then 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.160 in verse 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:09.920 17 and 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:10.820 verse 22, 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:12.620 we're left 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:12.860 with the 00:25:12.860 --> 00:25:13.180 good news 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:13.480 that the 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.040 nation has 00:25:14.040 --> 00:25:14.500 a king. 00:25:15.040 --> 00:25:15.500 Obey was 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:15.900 the father 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:16.380 of Jesse, 00:25:16.380 --> 00:25:16.880 and Jesse, 00:25:17.020 --> 00:25:17.440 the father 00:25:17.440 --> 00:25:17.860 of the 00:25:17.860 --> 00:25:18.000 king. 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:21.760 Verse 13 00:25:21.760 --> 00:25:22.180 is also 00:25:22.180 --> 00:25:22.680 significant. 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.180 Because it's 00:25:24.180 --> 00:25:24.540 only the 00:25:24.540 --> 00:25:25.100 second time 00:25:25.100 --> 00:25:25.360 in the 00:25:25.360 --> 00:25:25.880 story where 00:25:25.880 --> 00:25:26.820 God is 00:25:26.820 --> 00:25:28.000 named as 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:28.480 an actor. 00:25:28.660 --> 00:25:29.300 We see 00:25:29.300 --> 00:25:30.640 him directing, 00:25:30.800 --> 00:25:31.180 as it were, 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.760 behind the 00:25:31.760 --> 00:25:32.020 scenes, 00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:32.720 guiding in 00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:33.320 providence, 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.660 but here we 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:35.660 see the 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.760 Lord enabled 00:25:36.760 --> 00:25:38.220 Ruth to 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:38.760 conceive. 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.720 In chapter 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:42.080 1 and 00:25:42.080 --> 00:25:42.980 verse 6, 00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:45.420 the Lord 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:45.940 had come to 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.480 aid of his 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.000 people by 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:47.500 providing 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:48.120 food. 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.640 And now 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:50.539 the Lord 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.320 has come 00:25:51.320 --> 00:25:52.480 and provided 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.240 a child 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:54.539 for Ruth 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.440 and for 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:56.000 Boaz. 00:25:57.580 --> 00:25:58.340 She had 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:58.860 been married 00:25:58.860 --> 00:25:59.480 for 10 00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:00.200 years to 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:00.660 Madeline, 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:01.039 and no 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:02.320 child ever 00:26:02.320 --> 00:26:02.640 here, 00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:03.420 by God's 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.100 grace, 00:26:04.860 --> 00:26:05.299 she is 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:05.820 able to 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:06.360 conceive. 00:26:07.820 --> 00:26:08.320 And again, 00:26:08.400 --> 00:26:09.100 to highlight 00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:09.880 God's glory 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:10.340 and God's 00:26:10.340 --> 00:26:10.539 grace, 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.380 we find this 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:12.500 theme throughout 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.259 the story of 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:13.700 the Bible. 00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:15.000 Women who 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:15.400 are unable 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:15.920 to have 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:16.420 children, 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:17.299 they're enabled 00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:18.420 by the 00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:19.000 grace of 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:19.819 God to 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.359 conceive. 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:20.920 We find 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:22.220 it back 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:22.519 with the 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:22.940 story of 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.480 Abraham and 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:23.879 Sarah, 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.279 we find 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:24.519 it with 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:25.180 Rebecca and 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:25.660 with Rachel, 00:26:25.779 --> 00:26:26.240 we find it 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:26.740 with Hannah 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:27.420 and we find 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:27.980 it with 00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:28.599 Ruth. 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.079 Whenever 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:32.839 there is 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:34.079 an act of 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:35.379 God to 00:26:35.379 --> 00:26:36.220 enable someone 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:36.940 to conceive 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:37.779 and give 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.379 birth to a 00:26:38.379 --> 00:26:38.619 child, 00:26:38.720 --> 00:26:38.960 we know 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:39.319 that God 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:39.599 is going 00:26:39.599 --> 00:26:40.099 to use 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.819 that child 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.259 for his 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.219 own purpose. 00:26:43.659 --> 00:26:44.019 And that 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:45.139 prepares us 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:46.399 for the 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:47.939 beginning of 00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:48.779 the New 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.299 Testament 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:50.299 for the 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:51.199 greatest 00:26:51.199 --> 00:26:52.299 miraculous 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.039 conception 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:55.819 when God 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:56.139 by the 00:26:56.139 --> 00:26:56.519 power of 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:56.879 the Holy 00:26:56.879 --> 00:26:57.439 Spirit 00:26:57.439 --> 00:26:58.539 would cause 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.279 Jesus to 00:26:59.279 --> 00:26:59.839 be conceived 00:26:59.839 --> 00:27:00.500 in the womb 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.099 of the 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:02.500 Virgin Mary, 00:27:03.000 --> 00:27:04.019 the great 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:04.539 Redeemer, 00:27:04.919 --> 00:27:05.459 the great 00:27:05.459 --> 00:27:06.519 King has 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:07.159 come. 00:27:07.160 --> 00:27:09.100 But back 00:27:09.100 --> 00:27:09.360 to our 00:27:09.360 --> 00:27:09.700 story, 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:10.660 verses 14 00:27:10.660 --> 00:27:11.380 to 17, 00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:11.740 what we 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.320 find is 00:27:12.320 --> 00:27:13.380 Naomi's 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:13.759 friends 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.300 gathering 00:27:14.300 --> 00:27:14.640 in the 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.400 family home 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.040 and it's 00:27:16.040 --> 00:27:16.420 very much 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:17.300 her story 00:27:17.300 --> 00:27:18.180 that's in 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:18.300 view, 00:27:18.360 --> 00:27:18.600 we would 00:27:18.600 --> 00:27:18.860 probably 00:27:18.860 --> 00:27:19.279 expect 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:19.779 Boaz and 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:20.120 Ruth to 00:27:20.120 --> 00:27:20.320 be in 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:20.480 view, 00:27:20.600 --> 00:27:21.400 but the 00:27:21.400 --> 00:27:22.180 focus is 00:27:22.180 --> 00:27:22.920 on Naomi. 00:27:23.600 --> 00:27:24.040 Naomi 00:27:24.040 --> 00:27:24.640 who left 00:27:24.640 --> 00:27:25.340 many years 00:27:25.340 --> 00:27:25.880 before with 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.300 a husband 00:27:26.300 --> 00:27:26.759 and two 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:27.140 sons. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:28.660 Naomi 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.140 who came 00:27:29.140 --> 00:27:29.779 back with 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:30.400 Ruth to 00:27:30.400 --> 00:27:31.019 Bethlehem 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.920 and she 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.440 came back 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:32.960 bitter, 00:27:33.940 --> 00:27:34.620 came back 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:35.240 empty, 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:36.700 came back 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:37.160 feeling the 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:37.680 Lord's hand 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:38.319 was against 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.660 her. 00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:40.559 Now her 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.100 friends are 00:27:41.100 --> 00:27:41.340 saying, 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:42.080 praise thee 00:27:42.080 --> 00:27:42.420 to the 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:43.640 Lord who 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:44.039 this day 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:44.340 has not 00:27:44.340 --> 00:27:44.779 left you 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:45.160 without a 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:45.460 guardian 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:45.920 redeemer. 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.019 They can 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.480 see just 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:48.160 as Naomi 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.880 can see 00:27:48.880 --> 00:27:49.799 God's 00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:50.299 gracious 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:51.480 hand at 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:52.120 work in 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:52.819 her life. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:55.720 Now in 00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.220 chapter 2 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.860 and 3 the 00:27:56.860 --> 00:27:57.580 focus of 00:27:57.580 --> 00:27:58.240 the guardian 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:58.960 redeemer was 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.480 Boaz, 00:27:59.559 --> 00:27:59.960 but did you 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:01.460 notice as we 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.240 read chapter 4 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:02.559 how it 00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.240 switched? 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:04.960 None of the 00:28:04.960 --> 00:28:05.279 guardian 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:06.100 redeemer in 00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:06.619 Naomi's 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:06.899 like, 00:28:07.439 --> 00:28:08.119 it is this 00:28:08.119 --> 00:28:08.919 little child 00:28:08.919 --> 00:28:09.639 who has 00:28:09.639 --> 00:28:10.599 been born, 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:11.459 little 00:28:11.459 --> 00:28:12.000 Obeg. 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.319 And why 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:12.719 is he the 00:28:12.719 --> 00:28:13.159 kinsman 00:28:13.159 --> 00:28:13.619 redeemer? 00:28:14.959 --> 00:28:15.859 Because for 00:28:15.859 --> 00:28:16.699 this elderly 00:28:16.699 --> 00:28:17.240 widow, 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:19.000 having a 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:19.779 son in 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:20.379 her family 00:28:20.379 --> 00:28:21.219 was for 00:28:21.219 --> 00:28:21.659 her a 00:28:21.659 --> 00:28:22.059 source of 00:28:22.059 --> 00:28:22.639 security. 00:28:23.939 --> 00:28:24.339 Obeg, 00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:24.659 when he 00:28:24.659 --> 00:28:25.179 grows up, 00:28:25.219 --> 00:28:25.439 will be 00:28:25.439 --> 00:28:25.799 able to 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.339 work to 00:28:26.339 --> 00:28:27.179 provide for 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:28.019 Naomi and 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.019 for Ruth. 00:28:29.319 --> 00:28:30.359 And through 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:31.159 Obeg, 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.839 the family 00:28:31.839 --> 00:28:32.759 land will 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.519 be killed. 00:28:33.519 --> 00:28:35.839 So we 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:36.059 have this 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:36.379 wonderful 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:37.139 story where 00:28:37.139 --> 00:28:38.519 Naomi is 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:39.779 really moved 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.539 and motivated 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.299 towards, 00:28:41.420 --> 00:28:41.700 at the 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.000 beginning, 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:43.279 finding a 00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:43.740 place of 00:28:43.740 --> 00:28:44.180 rest, 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:44.839 a home, 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:45.720 and security 00:28:45.720 --> 00:28:46.519 for Ruth. 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:47.660 First of all 00:28:47.660 --> 00:28:48.319 telling her to 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.299 go back to 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:49.900 her own land 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.299 and her own 00:28:50.299 --> 00:28:50.599 people, 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.119 and then to 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:52.700 seek that 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:54.160 rest from 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:54.779 Boaz. 00:28:56.279 --> 00:28:56.839 And God 00:28:56.839 --> 00:28:57.759 provides for 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:58.900 Ruth through 00:28:58.900 --> 00:28:59.259 Boaz, 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:00.000 but also has 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.839 provided for 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.460 Naomi. 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.680 His kindness 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.319 is so much 00:29:03.319 --> 00:29:04.440 wider than 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.500 Naomi could 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:06.420 anticipate. 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:08.500 And then we 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.120 look at the 00:29:09.120 --> 00:29:10.600 request and 00:29:10.600 --> 00:29:11.700 the prayer of 00:29:11.700 --> 00:29:13.000 blessing from 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.640 Naomi's 00:29:13.640 --> 00:29:13.940 bride. 00:29:14.340 --> 00:29:15.440 Verse 14, 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:16.900 may he, 00:29:17.019 --> 00:29:17.559 may this 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:18.980 child, 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:19.640 Obeg, 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:20.100 may he 00:29:20.100 --> 00:29:21.680 become famous 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.880 throughout 00:29:22.880 --> 00:29:23.740 Israel. 00:29:25.620 --> 00:29:26.220 And again, 00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:26.799 God's going to 00:29:26.799 --> 00:29:27.259 answer that 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:27.860 prayer above 00:29:27.860 --> 00:29:28.460 and beyond. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.500 They're asking 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.400 as Obeg 00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:31.039 becomes the 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:31.759 grandfather 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.319 in the 00:29:32.319 --> 00:29:32.819 fullness of 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:34.019 time of 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:35.539 King David. 00:29:37.579 --> 00:29:38.319 Just as 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:39.000 a, in a 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:39.700 sense, as 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.579 a by-the-by, 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:43.319 God 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:44.319 encourages 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:46.159 our 00:29:46.159 --> 00:29:47.059 dependent 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:47.799 prayers, 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:49.299 and God 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:50.619 encourages us 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:51.920 to pray 00:29:51.920 --> 00:29:52.639 big. 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.759 Because our 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.720 God is 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:56.299 powerful, 00:29:56.920 --> 00:29:57.359 and our 00:29:57.359 --> 00:29:58.279 God is 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:58.879 generous, 00:29:58.880 --> 00:30:00.140 and we 00:30:00.140 --> 00:30:00.600 will never 00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:01.660 out-ask 00:30:01.660 --> 00:30:02.480 our God. 00:30:03.300 --> 00:30:03.880 And so, 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:05.360 stories like 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:05.760 this, and 00:30:05.760 --> 00:30:06.200 prayers like 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:06.720 this, as we 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.180 see their 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:07.640 fulfillment, 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:08.900 encourage us, 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:09.480 should encourage 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:10.140 us to pray 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:10.680 and to keep 00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:12.460 praying for 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:13.000 God's kingdom 00:30:13.000 --> 00:30:13.640 to come and 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.360 his will to be 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:15.720 done in our 00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:16.400 church, in our 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:17.020 city, in our 00:30:17.020 --> 00:30:17.980 families, in our 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.980 world. 00:30:21.160 --> 00:30:21.560 And then 00:30:21.560 --> 00:30:22.280 verse 15, 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:24.240 notice the 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.520 praise that 00:30:25.520 --> 00:30:26.320 Ruth has 00:30:26.320 --> 00:30:26.500 given. 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:26.819 If you're 00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:27.259 a doctor 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:27.759 in law, 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.339 who loves 00:30:28.339 --> 00:30:29.200 you, and 00:30:29.200 --> 00:30:29.400 who's 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:30.000 better to 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:30.319 you than 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.980 seven sons 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:31.339 is given 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:31.680 birth. 00:30:31.759 --> 00:30:32.140 And again, 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:32.619 what's in 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:33.359 view here, 00:30:33.859 --> 00:30:34.539 it is the 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:35.900 covenant love, 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:37.119 the faithfulness, 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:38.000 the loyalty, 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:39.019 the love in 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.880 action of 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.059 Ruth. 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:40.480 The whole 00:30:40.480 --> 00:30:41.480 book is 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:42.059 full of 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:42.420 covenant 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:43.180 faithfulness, 00:30:43.279 --> 00:30:43.720 from Ruth, 00:30:43.880 --> 00:30:44.579 from Boaz, 00:30:44.900 --> 00:30:45.519 and ultimately 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:46.259 from God 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.279 himself. 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:50.039 Verse 17, 00:30:50.160 --> 00:30:51.000 we come to 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:51.720 a naming 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:52.380 ceremony. 00:30:52.380 --> 00:30:52.600 name. 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:55.000 The women 00:30:55.000 --> 00:30:55.700 living there 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:55.940 said, 00:30:56.020 --> 00:30:56.780 Naomi has 00:30:56.780 --> 00:30:57.320 a son, 00:30:57.840 --> 00:30:58.180 and they 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:59.200 named him 00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:00.560 Obeg. 00:31:00.620 --> 00:31:00.820 And the 00:31:00.820 --> 00:31:01.540 name Obeg 00:31:01.540 --> 00:31:02.500 means he 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:03.600 serves. 00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:05.400 And so the 00:31:05.400 --> 00:31:06.200 natural question 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:06.980 to ask is, 00:31:07.260 --> 00:31:07.920 who is it 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.920 that Obeg 00:31:08.920 --> 00:31:09.520 serves? 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:11.580 And there 00:31:11.580 --> 00:31:11.920 are two 00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:12.420 ways, I 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:12.700 think, 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:14.360 the story 00:31:14.360 --> 00:31:14.700 of Ruth 00:31:14.700 --> 00:31:15.260 invites us 00:31:15.260 --> 00:31:15.760 to answer. 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:16.260 First of 00:31:16.260 --> 00:31:16.500 all, 00:31:16.820 --> 00:31:17.320 Obeg 00:31:17.320 --> 00:31:18.720 serves God, 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:19.340 and serves 00:31:19.340 --> 00:31:20.660 God's purposes, 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:21.340 because he 00:31:21.340 --> 00:31:22.300 becomes God's 00:31:22.300 --> 00:31:23.680 agent to 00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.200 remove that 00:31:24.200 --> 00:31:24.960 bitterness and 00:31:24.960 --> 00:31:25.580 that emptiness 00:31:25.580 --> 00:31:26.320 from Naomi, 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.620 providing a 00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:28.220 future and a 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:29.019 security for 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:29.380 her. 00:31:30.340 --> 00:31:30.900 And so he 00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:31.460 serves God, 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:31.940 but he also 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.840 serves Naomi 00:31:32.840 --> 00:31:33.720 by functioning 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.759 as that 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.259 redeemer, 00:31:36.340 --> 00:31:37.259 by being that 00:31:37.259 --> 00:31:37.680 source of 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:38.380 security and 00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:38.800 rest. 00:31:40.840 --> 00:31:41.160 And so 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:41.420 what do we 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:42.080 would expect? 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:43.019 Wow, okay, 00:31:43.080 --> 00:31:44.000 so here's Ruth 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:44.580 and she's got a 00:31:44.580 --> 00:31:45.300 child, and Naomi 00:31:45.300 --> 00:31:46.200 has a son, 00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:47.080 and she's got 00:31:47.080 --> 00:31:47.580 this kinsman, 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:48.000 and we would 00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:48.440 expect a 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:48.880 happy life 00:31:48.880 --> 00:31:49.640 after here. 00:31:50.660 --> 00:31:51.100 But we're 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:51.680 still not 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.060 done. 00:31:53.440 --> 00:31:53.880 And we're 00:31:53.880 --> 00:31:54.440 not done 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:56.140 because the 00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:57.380 author of 00:31:57.380 --> 00:31:57.860 the book of 00:31:57.860 --> 00:31:59.120 Ruth has 00:31:59.120 --> 00:31:59.620 taken us 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.000 all the way 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:00.300 from the 00:32:00.300 --> 00:32:00.900 dark days 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:01.220 of the 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:03.100 judges to 00:32:03.100 --> 00:32:03.580 the wonderful 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:04.259 kindness of 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:05.460 God in 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:06.519 giving the 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:07.040 king after 00:32:07.040 --> 00:32:07.519 God's own 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:07.840 heart, 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.840 King David. 00:32:09.040 --> 00:32:09.640 And so the 00:32:09.640 --> 00:32:10.420 true happily 00:32:10.420 --> 00:32:11.000 ever after 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:11.800 doesn't come 00:32:11.800 --> 00:32:12.940 until we move 00:32:12.940 --> 00:32:14.100 beyond God 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:14.860 providing the 00:32:14.860 --> 00:32:15.440 redeemer at 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:15.900 the time of 00:32:15.900 --> 00:32:16.320 the judges 00:32:16.320 --> 00:32:17.000 to providing 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:17.820 the king 00:32:17.820 --> 00:32:19.700 through David 00:32:19.700 --> 00:32:20.220 and through 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:21.779 this royal 00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:23.019 family. 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.480 And so we 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:26.480 finish with 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.580 a genealogy. 00:32:28.360 --> 00:32:29.120 That's never 00:32:29.120 --> 00:32:29.660 how we would 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:30.539 expect a great 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.700 love story to 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.180 finish. 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.660 But it's so 00:32:33.660 --> 00:32:34.559 important to the 00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:35.160 people of God 00:32:35.160 --> 00:32:36.460 to see God's 00:32:36.460 --> 00:32:37.640 faithfulness working 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:38.140 through the 00:32:38.140 --> 00:32:38.819 generations, 00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:39.600 working through 00:32:39.600 --> 00:32:40.519 Ruth and Boaz 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.539 to take us 00:32:41.539 --> 00:32:42.100 to David. 00:32:42.099 --> 00:32:42.379 David. 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:44.799 When Matthew 00:32:44.799 --> 00:32:45.299 came to 00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:45.759 write his 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.240 gospel, 00:32:46.899 --> 00:32:47.339 that's when 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:47.879 he started 00:32:47.879 --> 00:32:48.980 with a 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.919 genealogy, 00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:51.859 taking us 00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.859 through this 00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:55.139 family to 00:32:55.139 --> 00:32:55.500 the coming 00:32:55.500 --> 00:32:56.079 of Jesus. 00:32:57.179 --> 00:32:57.759 In the 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.899 dark times 00:32:58.899 --> 00:33:00.199 in which 00:33:00.199 --> 00:33:01.199 Jesus came 00:33:01.199 --> 00:33:02.639 to a world 00:33:02.639 --> 00:33:03.939 lost without 00:33:03.939 --> 00:33:04.699 God, 00:33:06.099 --> 00:33:07.259 that genealogy 00:33:07.259 --> 00:33:08.759 reminds the 00:33:08.759 --> 00:33:09.339 world that 00:33:09.339 --> 00:33:10.019 God is 00:33:10.019 --> 00:33:10.500 faithful, 00:33:10.500 --> 00:33:11.099 that God 00:33:11.099 --> 00:33:12.220 is working 00:33:12.220 --> 00:33:12.779 out his 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.259 covenant 00:33:13.259 --> 00:33:13.799 purposes, 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:14.819 showing covenant 00:33:14.819 --> 00:33:15.539 faithfulness, 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.180 working out 00:33:16.180 --> 00:33:17.099 his plan. 00:33:20.519 --> 00:33:21.059 And so we 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:21.579 leave the 00:33:21.579 --> 00:33:22.319 wonderful book 00:33:22.319 --> 00:33:22.779 of Ruth 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:23.460 behind, 00:33:24.900 --> 00:33:26.000 having celebrated 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.599 in every 00:33:26.599 --> 00:33:28.059 chapter God's 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:28.740 covenant love, 00:33:28.900 --> 00:33:29.460 God's 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:31.259 redeeming love. 00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:33.579 chapter 4 00:33:33.579 --> 00:33:34.400 finished with 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:34.960 a wedding 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:36.359 and with 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:36.940 a family 00:33:36.940 --> 00:33:37.619 tree. 00:33:39.400 --> 00:33:39.819 And with 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:41.119 the covenant 00:33:41.119 --> 00:33:41.980 commitment of 00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:42.539 Ruth and 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:42.980 Boaz, 00:33:43.400 --> 00:33:43.740 with them 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.720 coming together 00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:45.779 and with 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:46.579 Obed being 00:33:46.579 --> 00:33:47.000 born. 00:33:48.460 --> 00:33:48.839 When we 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:49.200 think about 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:50.359 our wedding 00:33:50.359 --> 00:33:51.079 services, 00:33:52.579 --> 00:33:52.879 and we 00:33:52.879 --> 00:33:54.559 have a 00:33:54.559 --> 00:33:55.359 husband and 00:33:55.359 --> 00:33:55.900 a wife 00:33:55.900 --> 00:33:57.440 coming to 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:58.559 make vows, 00:33:59.700 --> 00:34:00.160 with four 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:00.700 family, 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:02.140 with four 00:34:02.140 --> 00:34:02.540 friends, 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:02.820 with four 00:34:02.820 --> 00:34:03.100 children, 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:03.380 with four 00:34:03.380 --> 00:34:03.920 God, 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:07.800 committing for 00:34:07.800 --> 00:34:08.320 richer and 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:08.800 for poorer, 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:09.700 for sickness 00:34:09.700 --> 00:34:10.360 and in 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:10.680 health, 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.980 and better 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:12.579 and for 00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:13.099 worse till 00:34:13.099 --> 00:34:14.260 death do 00:34:14.260 --> 00:34:15.300 us part. 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:16.340 It's a 00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:16.820 covenant 00:34:16.820 --> 00:34:17.780 relationship, 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.000 binding, 00:34:19.619 --> 00:34:20.280 lifelong, 00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:21.300 covenant 00:34:21.300 --> 00:34:21.920 love. 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:23.659 Now when we 00:34:23.659 --> 00:34:24.079 think about 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:24.680 Boaz and 00:34:24.680 --> 00:34:25.180 Ruth, we 00:34:25.180 --> 00:34:25.840 learn what 00:34:25.840 --> 00:34:26.139 covenant 00:34:26.139 --> 00:34:26.780 love looks 00:34:26.780 --> 00:34:26.960 like. 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.300 It looks 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:28.079 like active 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:28.639 service, 00:34:28.760 --> 00:34:29.039 it looks 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.139 like sacrifice, 00:34:30.139 --> 00:34:31.759 for the 00:34:31.759 --> 00:34:32.299 other. 00:34:32.940 --> 00:34:33.420 It looks 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.199 like devotion 00:34:34.199 --> 00:34:34.759 and hard 00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:35.279 work and 00:34:35.279 --> 00:34:35.879 generosity 00:34:35.879 --> 00:34:37.000 and hospitality. 00:34:39.099 --> 00:34:39.500 And one 00:34:39.500 --> 00:34:39.900 of the things 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:40.139 that we're 00:34:40.139 --> 00:34:40.739 laying with in 00:34:40.739 --> 00:34:41.119 the book of 00:34:41.119 --> 00:34:41.440 Ruth is 00:34:41.440 --> 00:34:42.000 these wonderful 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:42.879 figures to 00:34:42.879 --> 00:34:44.139 admire and 00:34:44.139 --> 00:34:44.839 to aspire 00:34:44.839 --> 00:34:45.619 towards. 00:34:46.619 --> 00:34:47.159 In our 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:47.579 marriages, 00:34:47.739 --> 00:34:47.940 in our 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:48.359 families, 00:34:48.460 --> 00:34:48.679 in our 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:49.099 friendships, 00:34:49.279 --> 00:34:49.460 to be 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:49.859 showing this 00:34:49.859 --> 00:34:50.559 love and 00:34:50.559 --> 00:34:51.119 loyalty, 00:34:51.299 --> 00:34:52.279 this active 00:34:52.279 --> 00:34:52.659 loving 00:34:52.659 --> 00:34:53.299 service. 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.440 But we 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:56.799 don't want to 00:34:56.799 --> 00:34:57.359 stop just 00:34:57.360 --> 00:34:57.660 for the 00:34:57.660 --> 00:34:57.940 human 00:34:57.940 --> 00:34:58.480 actors. 00:34:58.480 --> 00:35:00.240 And we 00:35:00.240 --> 00:35:00.579 need to 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.680 see God 00:35:01.680 --> 00:35:02.240 and his 00:35:02.240 --> 00:35:02.559 covenant 00:35:02.559 --> 00:35:03.039 faith 00:35:03.039 --> 00:35:03.539 with him. 00:35:04.320 --> 00:35:04.680 That he 00:35:04.680 --> 00:35:05.380 is committed 00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:07.019 to loving 00:35:07.019 --> 00:35:07.380 and to 00:35:07.380 --> 00:35:08.340 saving sinful, 00:35:08.900 --> 00:35:09.559 rebellious 00:35:09.559 --> 00:35:09.920 people. 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:11.140 So committed 00:35:11.140 --> 00:35:11.480 that he 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:12.019 will work 00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:12.980 his plans 00:35:12.980 --> 00:35:13.740 through history 00:35:13.740 --> 00:35:14.860 to give us 00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:15.820 a redeemer 00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:16.780 who is a 00:35:16.780 --> 00:35:17.140 king, 00:35:17.640 --> 00:35:18.079 whose name 00:35:18.079 --> 00:35:18.700 is Jesus. 00:35:19.820 --> 00:35:20.660 Jesus who 00:35:20.660 --> 00:35:21.120 came to 00:35:21.120 --> 00:35:22.000 establish the 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:22.740 new covenant 00:35:22.740 --> 00:35:23.780 with his 00:35:23.780 --> 00:35:25.039 church by 00:35:25.039 --> 00:35:25.579 giving his 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:26.460 own body 00:35:26.460 --> 00:35:27.539 and blood 00:35:27.539 --> 00:35:28.840 for us. 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:31.179 Do we 00:35:31.179 --> 00:35:32.259 know this 00:35:32.259 --> 00:35:32.599 love? 00:35:33.579 --> 00:35:33.960 Do we 00:35:33.960 --> 00:35:35.219 rest in 00:35:35.219 --> 00:35:36.259 the covenant 00:35:36.259 --> 00:35:37.579 love of 00:35:37.579 --> 00:35:38.079 God? 00:35:38.820 --> 00:35:39.259 Do we 00:35:39.259 --> 00:35:40.139 all know 00:35:40.139 --> 00:35:40.820 this love 00:35:40.820 --> 00:35:42.159 for ourselves? 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:43.800 Let's pray 00:35:43.800 --> 00:35:44.599 together. 00:35:46.099 --> 00:35:47.059 Lord God, 00:35:47.219 --> 00:35:47.759 thank you 00:35:47.759 --> 00:35:48.900 for this 00:35:48.900 --> 00:35:50.019 wonderful story 00:35:50.019 --> 00:35:51.000 that we've 00:35:51.000 --> 00:35:51.739 been able to 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:52.739 reflect on 00:35:52.739 --> 00:35:53.900 for the last 00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.619 few weeks. 00:35:55.039 --> 00:35:55.639 We thank 00:35:55.639 --> 00:35:56.259 you for 00:35:56.259 --> 00:35:57.300 the many 00:35:57.300 --> 00:35:58.259 pictures of 00:35:58.259 --> 00:35:58.739 covenant 00:35:58.739 --> 00:35:59.719 love and 00:35:59.719 --> 00:36:00.759 faithfulness 00:36:00.759 --> 00:36:02.199 we see in 00:36:02.199 --> 00:36:02.739 the human 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.519 actors. 00:36:04.820 --> 00:36:05.380 We thank 00:36:05.380 --> 00:36:05.900 you too 00:36:05.900 --> 00:36:06.300 for the 00:36:06.300 --> 00:36:06.699 covenant 00:36:06.699 --> 00:36:07.460 faithfulness 00:36:07.460 --> 00:36:07.920 we see 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:08.719 from you, 00:36:09.300 --> 00:36:09.860 our God. 00:36:10.500 --> 00:36:11.139 Thank you 00:36:11.139 --> 00:36:12.460 for your 00:36:12.460 --> 00:36:13.239 work of 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:14.059 providence 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:14.960 in guiding 00:36:14.960 --> 00:36:16.539 and directing 00:36:16.539 --> 00:36:17.980 so that a 00:36:17.980 --> 00:36:18.800 redeemer was 00:36:18.800 --> 00:36:19.219 found, 00:36:19.400 --> 00:36:20.179 so a king 00:36:20.179 --> 00:36:21.079 would come, 00:36:21.779 --> 00:36:22.400 ultimately 00:36:22.400 --> 00:36:22.900 so that 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:23.739 King Jesus, 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:24.779 our great 00:36:24.779 --> 00:36:25.319 redeemer, 00:36:25.319 --> 00:36:26.219 would come. 00:36:27.019 --> 00:36:27.459 Lord, 00:36:27.539 --> 00:36:28.199 help us to 00:36:28.199 --> 00:36:29.139 enjoy his 00:36:29.139 --> 00:36:30.879 love and 00:36:30.879 --> 00:36:31.859 give us the 00:36:31.859 --> 00:36:32.500 help we 00:36:32.500 --> 00:36:33.959 need to 00:36:33.959 --> 00:36:35.799 reflect that 00:36:35.799 --> 00:36:36.319 love, to 00:36:36.319 --> 00:36:37.419 demonstrate that 00:36:37.419 --> 00:36:39.139 love to 00:36:39.139 --> 00:36:40.239 one another. 00:36:40.379 --> 00:36:40.979 Lord, as we 00:36:40.979 --> 00:36:42.239 go into a 00:36:42.239 --> 00:36:43.039 new week, 00:36:43.739 --> 00:36:44.519 we thank you 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:44.899 that if we 00:36:44.899 --> 00:36:45.859 have faith in 00:36:45.859 --> 00:36:46.639 Jesus, we 00:36:46.639 --> 00:36:47.459 know that you 00:36:47.459 --> 00:36:49.239 go with us, 00:36:49.959 --> 00:36:50.619 that you are 00:36:50.619 --> 00:36:51.259 absolutely 00:36:51.259 --> 00:36:52.799 committed to 00:36:52.799 --> 00:36:53.719 our welfare, 00:36:54.299 --> 00:36:55.179 come what 00:36:55.179 --> 00:36:55.440 may. 00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:56.519 And so we 00:36:56.519 --> 00:36:57.000 ask that we 00:36:57.000 --> 00:36:57.619 would trust 00:36:57.619 --> 00:36:58.839 you and 00:36:58.839 --> 00:36:59.639 worship you. 00:37:00.119 --> 00:37:00.699 In Jesus' 00:37:00.940 --> 00:37:01.279 name we 00:37:01.279 --> 00:37:01.599 pray. 00:37:02.199 --> 00:37:02.579 Amen. 00:37:06.359 --> 00:37:07.139 Now we 00:37:07.139 --> 00:37:08.299 will close 00:37:08.299 --> 00:37:10.480 singing from 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:13.559 Psalm 147, 00:37:14.059 --> 00:37:14.619 the first 00:37:14.619 --> 00:37:15.380 seven verses. 00:37:15.839 --> 00:37:16.400 Let's stand 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:16.900 to sing. 00:37:16.900 --> 00:37:17.900 tonight. 00:37:22.539 --> 00:37:22.619 Thank you. 00:37:26.680 --> 00:37:28.119 Thank you. 00:37:28.180 --> 00:37:30.599 Thank you. 00:37:30.960 --> 00:37:31.119 Thank you. 00:37:31.340 --> 00:37:31.820 Thank you.