WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.919 Have you ever had the feeling that you're being watched? 00:00:05.240 --> 00:00:11.599 I've noticed that it's impossible to go around London without seeing CCTV cameras everywhere. 00:00:13.200 --> 00:00:15.700 ! You're telling us that our actions are being recorded. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:18.580 But that's not really what I'm referring to. 00:00:19.080 --> 00:00:24.240 I'm really referring to that feeling that someone specifically is watching you. 00:00:26.300 --> 00:00:28.620 That feeling sometimes hits us at odd times. 00:00:29.300 --> 00:00:32.560 It might be late at night when we're walking home alone. 00:00:33.579 --> 00:00:35.359 Or it could be while we're sitting at a desk. 00:00:36.120 --> 00:00:37.600 Or maybe in a library. 00:00:38.660 --> 00:00:41.560 Or maybe it's in a restaurant when you find yourself talking too loudly. 00:00:42.579 --> 00:00:44.539 And suddenly you realize that you're not being paranoid. 00:00:44.679 --> 00:00:46.060 That people really are watching you. 00:00:48.100 --> 00:00:51.020 This is especially noticeable when you're traveling overseas. 00:00:52.200 --> 00:00:53.340 You look different. 00:00:54.140 --> 00:00:55.460 Your clothes are different. 00:00:56.680 --> 00:00:58.240 Even your mannerisms are different. 00:00:59.619 --> 00:01:01.539 And even if you get all of that right. 00:01:01.839 --> 00:01:03.559 All you have to do is open your mouth. 00:01:04.079 --> 00:01:05.879 And everyone knows you're not from around here. 00:01:07.879 --> 00:01:08.939 Yeah, I'm one. 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:12.719 Sometimes they look at you with curiosity. 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:15.000 Sometimes they look at you with suspicion. 00:01:17.319 --> 00:01:19.340 Have you ever had somebody new show up at work? 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:21.060 Or at school? 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:22.459 Or in the neighborhood? 00:01:22.459 --> 00:01:26.539 Do you find yourself watching them? 00:01:28.219 --> 00:01:29.699 Seeing what they're like? 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:30.919 Sizing them up? 00:01:32.599 --> 00:01:35.179 Do you wait to approach them because they're different? 00:01:35.180 --> 00:01:39.280 Do you remember being that new person? 00:01:41.740 --> 00:01:42.560 That stranger? 00:01:43.320 --> 00:01:44.980 When someone comes up and welcomes you? 00:01:46.740 --> 00:01:48.940 Do you remember arriving at an unfamiliar airport? 00:01:48.939 --> 00:01:53.299 Coming out of customs and immigration to see someone you know waiting for you? 00:01:54.899 --> 00:01:58.879 Or visit a new church and have someone greet you and say that they're glad that you came? 00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:04.479 The fact is that all of us are being watched all the time. 00:02:05.339 --> 00:02:08.180 The question really, though, is what does that reveal about who we are? 00:02:08.659 --> 00:02:09.439 What do they see? 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:12.659 Today we return to the story of Ruth. 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:14.319 A young widow. 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:15.819 A Moabite. 00:02:16.560 --> 00:02:17.240 An outsider. 00:02:17.719 --> 00:02:20.199 Who's come to Bethlehem with Naomi, her mother-in-law. 00:02:21.479 --> 00:02:23.159 It's the time of the barley harvest. 00:02:23.740 --> 00:02:24.919 Grain in the house of bread. 00:02:26.039 --> 00:02:27.280 But Naomi is empty. 00:02:28.020 --> 00:02:29.259 Physically and spiritually. 00:02:30.479 --> 00:02:32.099 And Ruth has gone out to glean. 00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:35.520 To gather grain that's been dropped by the reapers. 00:02:36.360 --> 00:02:38.639 So that she and Naomi can eat. 00:02:39.439 --> 00:02:43.020 Hoping to find a friendly or at least a tolerant landowner. 00:02:43.740 --> 00:02:45.759 In whose sight I might find favor, she said. 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:48.939 Today we find Ruth in the field gleaning. 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:50.020 A stranger. 00:02:50.439 --> 00:02:50.819 A foreigner. 00:02:51.400 --> 00:02:52.060 An outsider. 00:02:52.740 --> 00:02:55.819 But one who's declared her allegiance to the new land. 00:02:56.520 --> 00:02:57.500 The promised land. 00:02:58.419 --> 00:02:59.539 To a new people. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:00.620 The people of God. 00:03:02.079 --> 00:03:03.240 And to their God. 00:03:03.780 --> 00:03:04.659 The God of Israel. 00:03:06.860 --> 00:03:08.060 And she's being watched. 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:11.340 But as we get into today's text. 00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:12.900 We'll do some watching as well. 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:14.800 We will watch Ruth. 00:03:14.859 --> 00:03:15.719 And we'll watch Boaz. 00:03:15.819 --> 00:03:17.240 We'll see what kind of people they are. 00:03:18.159 --> 00:03:19.659 We'll see how their character. 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:22.219 Reflects God's covenant care for his people. 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:24.859 And today we'll see Ruth. 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:27.259 Using three W words. 00:03:28.439 --> 00:03:28.840 Watch. 00:03:29.659 --> 00:03:30.219 Welcome. 00:03:30.819 --> 00:03:31.479 And wings. 00:03:31.479 --> 00:03:33.799 First. 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:35.199 Under watching eyes. 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:37.519 We're told that Boaz comes to the fields. 00:03:37.639 --> 00:03:38.539 To check on the harvest. 00:03:39.500 --> 00:03:40.620 The first thing he does. 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:42.399 Is greet and bless his reapers. 00:03:44.159 --> 00:03:45.379 May the Lord be with you. 00:03:45.399 --> 00:03:45.819 He says. 00:03:45.979 --> 00:03:46.659 And they reply. 00:03:47.179 --> 00:03:48.379 May the Lord bless you. 00:03:49.159 --> 00:03:50.099 Now we might at first. 00:03:50.299 --> 00:03:51.339 Just discard this verse. 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:53.379 Simply seeing it as a formality. 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:55.159 A polite greeting. 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:57.319 But the text really shows. 00:03:57.400 --> 00:03:58.479 That this greeting is heartfelt. 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:00.939 A caring for those that are in his field. 00:04:02.219 --> 00:04:04.519 It goes beyond just a casual relationship. 00:04:05.159 --> 00:04:06.680 But a reflection of his character. 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:09.439 It's worthwhile noting. 00:04:09.819 --> 00:04:10.740 That he doesn't just arrive. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:11.599 And immediately go. 00:04:11.740 --> 00:04:12.659 To meet with his foreman. 00:04:13.500 --> 00:04:14.719 He shows his consideration. 00:04:14.719 --> 00:04:15.819 For all of his workers. 00:04:16.540 --> 00:04:17.839 A lesson that any of us. 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:19.019 Who are in a leadership position. 00:04:19.540 --> 00:04:20.319 Should take to heart. 00:04:21.120 --> 00:04:22.659 But as Boaz greets his workers. 00:04:22.800 --> 00:04:23.939 He also surveys the field. 00:04:25.080 --> 00:04:26.160 Now he knows his reapers. 00:04:26.760 --> 00:04:27.860 He knows his field. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:29.780 But he sees something else. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:32.680 He takes note of a woman gleaning. 00:04:33.660 --> 00:04:35.080 And here he questions his foreman. 00:04:35.860 --> 00:04:37.100 To whom does she belong? 00:04:37.900 --> 00:04:39.220 Obviously she's not one of his. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:43.020 Now no one is totally alone. 00:04:44.100 --> 00:04:45.260 Especially in that time. 00:04:45.520 --> 00:04:46.080 In that age. 00:04:46.120 --> 00:04:46.660 In that culture. 00:04:47.600 --> 00:04:48.960 Everyone belongs to someone. 00:04:49.080 --> 00:04:49.400 Somewhere. 00:04:50.280 --> 00:04:51.080 Especially a woman. 00:04:51.079 --> 00:04:53.439 But she's alone in this field. 00:04:53.519 --> 00:04:55.099 And I believe this concerns Boaz. 00:04:56.319 --> 00:04:57.439 Where does she belong? 00:04:57.919 --> 00:04:59.120 Where are her protectors? 00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:01.779 But notice here. 00:05:01.839 --> 00:05:03.279 That the foreman has been watching as well. 00:05:03.860 --> 00:05:04.740 And he has a ready answer. 00:05:05.319 --> 00:05:06.899 She is the young Moabite woman. 00:05:07.019 --> 00:05:08.039 Who came back with Naomi. 00:05:08.159 --> 00:05:09.259 From the country of Moab. 00:05:10.860 --> 00:05:11.759 To the foreman. 00:05:12.219 --> 00:05:13.539 Ruth is still an outsider. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:16.000 He would surely know her name. 00:05:17.099 --> 00:05:18.199 But he doesn't use it. 00:05:18.199 --> 00:05:18.680 Instead. 00:05:19.579 --> 00:05:20.539 In his description. 00:05:20.719 --> 00:05:21.779 He points to her status. 00:05:22.639 --> 00:05:23.360 To him. 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:24.539 She is a foreigner. 00:05:25.259 --> 00:05:26.219 That young woman. 00:05:26.740 --> 00:05:27.779 That young Moabite woman. 00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:29.719 From the country of Moab. 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:31.279 A nameless person. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:32.120 A non-person. 00:05:33.519 --> 00:05:34.899 Permitted under the Mosaic law. 00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:35.360 To glean. 00:05:35.819 --> 00:05:36.759 But little more than that. 00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:39.680 The foreman seems almost embarrassed. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:40.180 At first. 00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:41.419 To have someone. 00:05:41.539 --> 00:05:42.480 Especially a Moabite. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:43.219 There in the fields. 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:45.120 Almost as if she. 00:05:45.219 --> 00:05:45.959 He would really rather. 00:05:45.959 --> 00:05:47.019 That she not be there at all. 00:05:48.799 --> 00:05:50.699 But despite his opinions. 00:05:51.279 --> 00:05:51.939 May we even say. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:52.639 His prejudices. 00:05:53.159 --> 00:05:54.099 About Moabites. 00:05:54.199 --> 00:05:54.959 And about Moab. 00:05:55.339 --> 00:05:56.219 He grants her. 00:05:56.319 --> 00:05:57.539 At least some grudging respect. 00:05:59.120 --> 00:05:59.519 First. 00:05:59.680 --> 00:06:00.799 She sought permission. 00:06:02.339 --> 00:06:03.379 Please let me glean. 00:06:03.479 --> 00:06:04.539 And gather among the sheaves. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:05.259 After the reapers. 00:06:05.859 --> 00:06:06.799 She says in Ruth 2. 00:06:06.799 --> 00:06:07.079 7. 00:06:08.099 --> 00:06:08.399 Yes. 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:09.759 According to the Mosaic law. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:10.919 She has a right to be there. 00:06:11.399 --> 00:06:12.599 But she doesn't presume. 00:06:13.240 --> 00:06:14.299 She asks first. 00:06:14.300 --> 00:06:15.980 Secondly. 00:06:17.360 --> 00:06:18.400 She's been working steadily. 00:06:19.340 --> 00:06:19.960 And the foreman. 00:06:20.079 --> 00:06:21.139 Has obviously noticed this. 00:06:22.340 --> 00:06:23.040 He says. 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:23.900 So she came. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:25.000 And has continued. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:25.960 From early morning. 00:06:26.020 --> 00:06:26.580 Until now. 00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:27.780 Except for a short rest. 00:06:29.819 --> 00:06:30.000 Ruth. 00:06:30.199 --> 00:06:31.000 Ruth has been working. 00:06:31.100 --> 00:06:31.819 For several hours. 00:06:32.699 --> 00:06:33.420 And anyone. 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:34.280 Who's pulled weeds. 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:34.740 In a garden. 00:06:34.840 --> 00:06:35.879 Especially a large garden. 00:06:36.620 --> 00:06:37.900 Knows what she must be feeling. 00:06:37.960 --> 00:06:38.519 At that point. 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:40.220 Bent over. 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:43.019 Reaching for the ground. 00:06:43.019 --> 00:06:45.099 The pain in her legs. 00:06:45.299 --> 00:06:46.079 And her lower back. 00:06:46.419 --> 00:06:47.479 The tightness in her shoulders. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:50.439 Cleaning would be back breaking work. 00:06:53.479 --> 00:06:54.719 Now this conversation. 00:06:54.719 --> 00:06:55.659 Between Boaz. 00:06:55.799 --> 00:06:56.519 And the foreman. 00:06:56.639 --> 00:06:57.519 Is included in the story. 00:06:57.599 --> 00:06:58.099 For a reason. 00:06:58.579 --> 00:06:59.019 And I believe. 00:06:59.139 --> 00:07:00.120 That reason is. 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:01.399 To show a contrast. 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:02.839 Between how the foreman. 00:07:02.959 --> 00:07:03.740 Saw Ruth. 00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:04.839 And how Boaz. 00:07:04.919 --> 00:07:05.399 Saw Ruth. 00:07:06.099 --> 00:07:06.879 The foreman. 00:07:06.979 --> 00:07:07.500 Treated Ruth. 00:07:07.859 --> 00:07:08.339 Respectfully. 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:09.699 In strict accordance. 00:07:09.799 --> 00:07:10.620 With the Mosaic law. 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:12.379 Boaz. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:13.079 On the other hand. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:14.079 Treats Ruth. 00:07:14.139 --> 00:07:14.660 With kindness. 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:16.600 Showing the steadfast love. 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:17.120 Of the Lord. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:19.120 Now Boaz. 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:20.199 Is certainly aware of Ruth. 00:07:20.899 --> 00:07:21.939 At least by reputation. 00:07:23.420 --> 00:07:24.420 People have been watching. 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:24.699 Ruth. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:25.480 Since she returned. 00:07:25.980 --> 00:07:26.379 Again. 00:07:26.519 --> 00:07:27.120 An outsider. 00:07:27.620 --> 00:07:28.280 From a suspect. 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:28.899 Nation. 00:07:29.519 --> 00:07:29.980 A suspect. 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:30.620 Ethnicity. 00:07:32.040 --> 00:07:33.120 Who followed her mother. 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:33.840 Back to Israel. 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:34.860 Her mother-in-law. 00:07:34.939 --> 00:07:35.500 Back to Israel. 00:07:37.459 --> 00:07:38.319 And it's likely. 00:07:38.439 --> 00:07:38.780 That people. 00:07:38.899 --> 00:07:39.180 By now. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:40.199 Have heard of her proclamation. 00:07:40.199 --> 00:07:41.019 That she gave. 00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:42.560 In chapter one. 00:07:43.199 --> 00:07:43.900 Where you go. 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:44.540 I will go. 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:45.939 And where you lodge. 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:46.780 I will lodge. 00:07:47.280 --> 00:07:47.920 Your people. 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:48.780 Will be my people. 00:07:49.280 --> 00:07:50.000 And your God. 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:50.540 My God. 00:07:51.199 --> 00:07:52.360 And where you die. 00:07:52.540 --> 00:07:53.199 I will die. 00:07:53.199 --> 00:07:53.860 And there. 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:54.680 I will be buried. 00:07:55.860 --> 00:07:56.379 A profession. 00:07:56.639 --> 00:07:57.040 Such as that. 00:07:57.139 --> 00:07:58.040 Is truly profound. 00:07:58.980 --> 00:07:59.420 Recognizing. 00:07:59.519 --> 00:08:00.500 The one true God. 00:08:00.660 --> 00:08:01.220 As her God. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:02.780 Committing her life. 00:08:02.840 --> 00:08:03.259 To him. 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:05.040 And to his people. 00:08:06.420 --> 00:08:07.660 This is as significant. 00:08:07.660 --> 00:08:08.420 As a Muslim. 00:08:08.420 --> 00:08:09.180 Coming to Jesus. 00:08:09.699 --> 00:08:10.500 Or for that matter. 00:08:10.600 --> 00:08:11.120 A celebrity. 00:08:11.280 --> 00:08:12.160 Or a famous athlete. 00:08:12.600 --> 00:08:13.280 Proclaiming faith. 00:08:13.340 --> 00:08:13.780 In Christ. 00:08:14.600 --> 00:08:15.420 And what do people. 00:08:15.620 --> 00:08:16.480 Do when that happens. 00:08:17.160 --> 00:08:17.900 Well they watch. 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:20.000 Is this profession. 00:08:20.140 --> 00:08:20.379 Real. 00:08:21.160 --> 00:08:21.960 Is it sincere. 00:08:24.200 --> 00:08:25.280 Has this person's. 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:25.939 Life changed. 00:08:27.259 --> 00:08:28.200 Is their life. 00:08:28.259 --> 00:08:28.939 Now consistent. 00:08:29.160 --> 00:08:30.000 With that proclamation. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:32.820 Corinthians 5. 00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:33.200 17. 00:08:33.360 --> 00:08:33.600 Says. 00:08:33.700 --> 00:08:33.980 Therefore. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:34.539 If anyone. 00:08:34.680 --> 00:08:35.259 Is in Christ. 00:08:35.580 --> 00:08:36.560 He is a new creation. 00:08:36.559 --> 00:08:37.659 The old. 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:38.439 Has passed away. 00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:38.799 Behold. 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:39.139 The new. 00:08:39.239 --> 00:08:39.619 Has come. 00:08:40.859 --> 00:08:41.579 And Jesus. 00:08:41.699 --> 00:08:42.479 In John 13. 00:08:42.739 --> 00:08:42.939 Says. 00:08:43.059 --> 00:08:43.479 By this. 00:08:43.579 --> 00:08:44.059 All people. 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:44.500 Will know. 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:45.739 That you are my disciples. 00:08:46.059 --> 00:08:46.759 If you have love. 00:08:46.819 --> 00:08:47.379 For one another. 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:49.959 But that love. 00:08:50.119 --> 00:08:50.359 Really. 00:08:50.479 --> 00:08:51.479 Was not a new commandment. 00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:52.759 For Jesus. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:53.279 Quoted. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:54.819 Leviticus 19. 00:08:55.319 --> 00:08:55.939 When he said. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:56.859 You shall love your neighbor. 00:08:56.939 --> 00:08:57.439 As yourself. 00:08:58.299 --> 00:08:58.500 Ah. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:08:59.319 But then there's the question. 00:08:59.439 --> 00:08:59.739 Remember. 00:09:00.299 --> 00:09:01.139 Who is my neighbor? 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:04.600 Not surprisingly. 00:09:04.759 --> 00:09:05.519 In a small village. 00:09:05.699 --> 00:09:06.699 Everyone knows everyone. 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:08.980 And everyone knows. 00:09:09.080 --> 00:09:10.059 About everyone. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:13.759 Naomi would have talked about Ruth. 00:09:15.259 --> 00:09:17.159 The women would have talked among themselves. 00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:19.220 And even the men. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:20.879 As dense as we tend to be. 00:09:21.580 --> 00:09:22.879 Would have heard about Ruth. 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:24.879 But Boaz. 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:25.779 Astute. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:27.080 And compassionate. 00:09:27.259 --> 00:09:28.000 Picks up on this. 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:30.639 He's heard of Ruth's profession. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:32.399 Her profession of faith. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:34.319 He's heard of her actions. 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:36.580 And now he sees something of her character. 00:09:38.039 --> 00:09:39.159 He calls her over. 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.120 And Boaz welcomes her. 00:09:41.919 --> 00:09:43.259 He tells her to stay in his field. 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:46.019 He tells her to stay close to the women reapers. 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:46.720 As they harvest. 00:09:47.779 --> 00:09:48.220 Close. 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:50.080 So that she doesn't wander off. 00:09:50.179 --> 00:09:51.639 Accidentally into someone else's field. 00:09:52.500 --> 00:09:54.279 He tells her of his personal protection. 00:09:55.059 --> 00:09:56.580 That he's warned off the young lads. 00:09:57.819 --> 00:09:59.939 And he tells her to drink from his water vessels. 00:10:00.940 --> 00:10:02.560 Ruth falls on her face in gratitude. 00:10:03.640 --> 00:10:04.120 She asks. 00:10:04.220 --> 00:10:04.660 Why me? 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:07.120 Why should you have noticed me? 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:08.780 I'm a no one. 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:09.940 A foreigner. 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:10.580 A stranger. 00:10:11.260 --> 00:10:11.880 An outsider. 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:14.520 But Boaz doesn't see her that way. 00:10:15.580 --> 00:10:16.980 In verses 11 and 12. 00:10:17.100 --> 00:10:17.520 He says. 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.580 All that you have done for your mother-in-law. 00:10:19.660 --> 00:10:20.720 Since the death of your husband. 00:10:20.800 --> 00:10:21.960 Has been fully told to me. 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:25.320 How you left your father and mother. 00:10:25.920 --> 00:10:26.780 And your native land. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:28.820 And came to a people that you did not know before. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.139 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:35.160 And a full reward be given to you by the Lord. 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:36.340 The God of Israel. 00:10:36.860 --> 00:10:37.960 Under whose wings. 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:39.680 You have come to take refuge. 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:42.879 Boaz welcomes Ruth. 00:10:43.060 --> 00:10:43.960 In the name of the Lord. 00:10:43.960 --> 00:10:47.080 But not only do his words welcome her. 00:10:47.580 --> 00:10:48.680 But his actions also. 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:51.780 He demonstrates the covenantal. 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:53.139 Steadfast love of the Lord. 00:10:53.680 --> 00:10:54.379 That chesed. 00:10:54.780 --> 00:10:55.800 That loving kindness. 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:57.639 That Naomi prayed for. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:10:59.280 Before them in Ruth 1.8. 00:10:59.820 --> 00:11:01.920 That the Lord might deal kindly with them. 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:04.720 And in response to this. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:06.379 Ruth fell on her face before Boaz. 00:11:06.820 --> 00:11:08.080 Wasn't this the kindness. 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:10.320 That she said she was looking for. 00:11:10.600 --> 00:11:10.860 When. 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:12.580 Earlier in the chapter. 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:13.740 She said that she would glean. 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:14.620 After him. 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:15.379 In whose sight. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.279 I might find favor. 00:11:18.080 --> 00:11:19.279 It's also possible. 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:21.639 That these were the first kind words. 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:22.320 That she had heard. 00:11:22.419 --> 00:11:23.600 Since arriving in Bethlehem. 00:11:25.000 --> 00:11:25.919 Naomi certainly. 00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:27.360 Had been rather curt with her. 00:11:28.679 --> 00:11:30.039 The third W today. 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:30.799 Is wings. 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:33.440 Remember. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:34.720 Boaz prayed. 00:11:35.059 --> 00:11:35.980 May the Lord repay you. 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:36.800 For what you have done. 00:11:37.379 --> 00:11:38.220 And a full reward. 00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:39.340 Given to you by the Lord. 00:11:39.420 --> 00:11:40.200 The God of Israel. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:41.800 Under whose wings. 00:11:41.899 --> 00:11:43.120 You have come to take refuge. 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:45.639 Under his wings. 00:11:46.700 --> 00:11:47.940 In God's promised land. 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:49.240 The land of rest. 00:11:49.300 --> 00:11:50.080 Among God's people. 00:11:51.600 --> 00:11:52.580 He points out. 00:11:52.680 --> 00:11:53.899 That Ruth is not a stranger. 00:11:54.340 --> 00:11:55.159 Not a foreigner. 00:11:55.879 --> 00:11:56.779 By her profession. 00:11:56.899 --> 00:11:57.700 By her faith. 00:11:58.240 --> 00:11:59.220 She has come under the wing. 00:11:59.220 --> 00:11:59.700 Of Yahweh. 00:12:00.159 --> 00:12:00.980 The God of Israel. 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:02.180 In fact. 00:12:02.300 --> 00:12:03.800 Boaz personally takes on. 00:12:04.200 --> 00:12:05.340 That same task. 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:06.060 Taking Ruth. 00:12:06.060 --> 00:12:06.800 Under his wing. 00:12:08.700 --> 00:12:10.379 Boaz does this in three ways. 00:12:11.160 --> 00:12:12.019 Three ways. 00:12:12.160 --> 00:12:13.160 That mirror God's covenant. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:13.879 Relationship. 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:14.580 With his own people. 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:16.840 Firstly. 00:12:17.399 --> 00:12:18.680 He provides a place. 00:12:18.780 --> 00:12:19.480 In his land. 00:12:20.480 --> 00:12:21.960 Do not go to the other fields. 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:22.800 But lean here. 00:12:23.259 --> 00:12:24.280 After the women reapers. 00:12:24.780 --> 00:12:26.019 Stay in my fields. 00:12:26.680 --> 00:12:28.019 Where you will be safe. 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:29.680 Where I can watch over you. 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:31.719 Where Ruth can benefit. 00:12:31.719 --> 00:12:32.779 From his generosity. 00:12:34.339 --> 00:12:35.979 Do we welcome the stranger. 00:12:36.659 --> 00:12:37.339 The outsider. 00:12:37.699 --> 00:12:38.120 The seekers. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:38.939 Into our churches. 00:12:39.319 --> 00:12:39.879 Into our neighborhoods. 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.579 That same way. 00:12:41.299 --> 00:12:43.120 Do we show God's steadfast love. 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:44.559 To those that we meet. 00:12:44.959 --> 00:12:45.399 Especially. 00:12:45.979 --> 00:12:47.519 Those who God has called to himself. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:47.620 Love. 00:12:50.240 --> 00:12:50.759 Secondly. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:52.379 Boaz provides protection. 00:12:52.379 --> 00:12:53.139 In his land. 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:54.799 He instructs his boys. 00:12:54.899 --> 00:12:55.299 His youth. 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:56.500 To leave her alone. 00:12:57.679 --> 00:12:58.699 Protection from harassment. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:01.199 Protection from harsh treatment. 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:03.899 Protection from the other landowners. 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:06.879 Protection from far worse. 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.439 Peace and rest. 00:13:09.440 --> 00:13:11.600 And even protection from the heat. 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:12.100 And the sun. 00:13:12.660 --> 00:13:13.560 Telling her to drink. 00:13:13.660 --> 00:13:14.080 The water. 00:13:14.340 --> 00:13:15.240 That his boys have drawn. 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:17.640 Now that is a true gift. 00:13:18.040 --> 00:13:19.360 In a dry and thirsty land. 00:13:21.020 --> 00:13:21.500 Thirdly. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:23.200 Boaz provides a place. 00:13:23.260 --> 00:13:23.780 At his table. 00:13:25.400 --> 00:13:26.940 Think here of Psalm 23. 00:13:27.780 --> 00:13:28.920 Thou hast prepared a table. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:29.440 Before me. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.540 In the presence of mine enemies. 00:13:31.920 --> 00:13:33.200 More than just the water. 00:13:33.300 --> 00:13:34.500 Drawn by his boys. 00:13:34.900 --> 00:13:35.800 Boaz invites her. 00:13:35.880 --> 00:13:36.320 To join him. 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:37.120 For a real meal. 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:39.799 Now would this have been scandalous? 00:13:40.560 --> 00:13:41.639 A Moabite woman. 00:13:42.340 --> 00:13:42.940 At a meal. 00:13:43.080 --> 00:13:44.200 With a pillar of the society. 00:13:46.060 --> 00:13:47.159 Recall the reaction. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.139 When Jesus ate. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:48.940 With tax collectors. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:49.639 And sinners. 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:50.759 In Matthew 9. 00:13:52.659 --> 00:13:54.659 But Boaz doesn't seem to care about that. 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.019 He offers her bread. 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:56.500 And wine. 00:13:57.159 --> 00:13:57.560 Food. 00:13:57.799 --> 00:13:58.440 That he's procured. 00:13:58.519 --> 00:13:59.279 For his own workers. 00:13:59.580 --> 00:14:00.399 Out of his own pocket. 00:14:01.539 --> 00:14:02.759 And roasted grain. 00:14:03.480 --> 00:14:04.680 So much grain. 00:14:05.060 --> 00:14:05.879 That she ate. 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:06.740 Until she was full. 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:08.539 So much grain. 00:14:08.659 --> 00:14:09.480 That she had leftovers. 00:14:10.560 --> 00:14:11.639 That she could take home. 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.080 For Naomi. 00:14:13.419 --> 00:14:14.600 Going on in. 00:14:15.060 --> 00:14:16.080 Psalm 23. 00:14:16.279 --> 00:14:17.159 My cup runneth over. 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:20.399 Here we see Boaz. 00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:20.960 Demonstrating. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:21.919 In his own life. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:23.279 That steadfast love. 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:24.039 Of God the Father. 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:26.279 Providing for his beloved children. 00:14:27.139 --> 00:14:28.320 We see his generosity. 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:28.820 To Ruth. 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:30.940 More than just giving Ruth. 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:31.460 An opportunity. 00:14:31.659 --> 00:14:32.120 To glean. 00:14:33.100 --> 00:14:33.480 Boaz. 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:34.440 Instructs his reapers. 00:14:34.560 --> 00:14:35.440 To put grain out. 00:14:35.440 --> 00:14:36.660 To pull it out. 00:14:36.660 --> 00:14:37.360 Of the sheaths. 00:14:37.360 --> 00:14:38.340 To be sloppy. 00:14:38.340 --> 00:14:39.200 In their gathering. 00:14:39.820 --> 00:14:40.820 To leave extra. 00:14:40.820 --> 00:14:41.320 For Ruth. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.880 We see in Boaz. 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:43.400 A model. 00:14:43.780 --> 00:14:44.180 A type. 00:14:44.760 --> 00:14:45.400 Of a father. 00:14:46.020 --> 00:14:47.700 One who watches over his children. 00:14:48.540 --> 00:14:49.680 Not looking for reasons. 00:14:49.680 --> 00:14:50.280 To punish. 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:51.020 Or condemn. 00:14:51.700 --> 00:14:53.040 But seeking an opportunity. 00:14:53.040 --> 00:14:53.740 To bless them. 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:56.620 His generosity. 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:57.399 Becomes apparent. 00:14:57.500 --> 00:14:57.960 That evening. 00:14:58.720 --> 00:14:59.399 As Ruth. 00:14:59.460 --> 00:15:00.180 Finishes her gleaning. 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:00.680 For the day. 00:15:00.820 --> 00:15:01.519 And she beats out. 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:03.700 The grain. 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:04.500 That she's gleaned. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:05.399 You know. 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:05.899 Her work. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:06.500 Wasn't finished. 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:07.580 Once she had gathered up. 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:08.600 The gleanings. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:10.299 Grain. 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:10.980 Such as barley. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.259 Is surrounded. 00:15:12.419 --> 00:15:13.879 By an inedible hull. 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:15.340 That hull. 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:16.120 Must be separated. 00:15:16.279 --> 00:15:16.759 From the grain. 00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:18.200 And that's done. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:18.799 By beating it. 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:19.340 With a stick. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:19.899 Or a rod. 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:21.299 So that the hull. 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:21.820 Or the chap. 00:15:21.899 --> 00:15:22.560 Might be separated. 00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:24.799 After all that work. 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:27.000 The gathering. 00:15:27.579 --> 00:15:28.079 The beating. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:29.159 The separating. 00:15:29.979 --> 00:15:31.199 Ruth had about an ephah. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:32.239 Of barley. 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:33.799 Now what. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:34.539 You may ask. 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:35.399 Is an ephah. 00:15:37.679 --> 00:15:39.179 Well most sources list that. 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:39.919 As about 22. 00:15:41.159 --> 00:15:41.679 Liters. 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:43.799 Or about 15 kilos. 00:15:45.939 --> 00:15:46.719 That's about. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:47.959 The amount that you would have. 00:15:48.039 --> 00:15:48.779 If you got one of those. 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:49.779 Oversized. 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:51.239 Bags of pet food. 00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:55.199 That would be quite a load. 00:15:55.239 --> 00:15:56.399 To have to drag back to town. 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:58.199 After a hard day's work. 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:58.699 In the fields. 00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:00.539 It would also be enough food. 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:01.439 For the two of them. 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:02.719 To live on. 00:16:02.839 --> 00:16:03.599 For almost a month. 00:16:04.699 --> 00:16:05.739 Talk about abundance. 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:06.859 Talk about being full. 00:16:09.059 --> 00:16:10.279 Naomi had come back empty. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.119 You can imagine. 00:16:13.179 --> 00:16:14.119 Naomi surprised them. 00:16:14.299 --> 00:16:15.199 When Ruth dropped that. 00:16:15.259 --> 00:16:15.719 In front of her. 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:17.299 Where on earth. 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:17.959 Have you been? 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:18.519 She asked. 00:16:19.979 --> 00:16:20.500 It's here. 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:20.960 I think that. 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:21.559 Naomi's heart. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.320 Begins to soften. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:24.340 Rather than the bitterness. 00:16:24.340 --> 00:16:25.080 That she had. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:26.779 Naomi begins to see hope. 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.600 Rather than emptiness. 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:30.279 She begins to see. 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:31.360 God's provision for her. 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:32.860 She blesses. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:33.679 That unknown man. 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:34.440 Who let Ruth. 00:16:34.559 --> 00:16:35.440 Glean in his field. 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:37.720 And here again. 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:38.759 Now we see the author. 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:39.960 Of the story. 00:16:40.039 --> 00:16:40.720 Coming to the front. 00:16:41.919 --> 00:16:42.700 We know. 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.899 Who took Ruth. 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:44.399 Under wing. 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:45.740 But Naomi doesn't. 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:47.080 We know. 00:16:47.179 --> 00:16:48.039 Who Boaz is. 00:16:48.039 --> 00:16:49.559 And we know his relationship. 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:50.179 To Naomi. 00:16:50.879 --> 00:16:51.799 But Ruth doesn't. 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.699 We have a hint here. 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.079 Of things that might be going on. 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.899 And where the story might be going. 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.819 But neither Ruth. 00:16:58.939 --> 00:16:59.419 Nor Naomi. 00:16:59.559 --> 00:16:59.779 Know. 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:00.939 That full story. 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:03.360 Then Ruth spills the beans. 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:04.440 Or in this case. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:04.839 The barley. 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:06.740 Boaz. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.159 The kinsman. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:08.940 Of the Lamelech. 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:10.039 A redeemer. 00:17:11.039 --> 00:17:12.659 And Naomi sees God's hand. 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:15.519 May he. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:16.080 Boaz. 00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:16.700 Be blessed. 00:17:16.900 --> 00:17:17.519 By the Lord. 00:17:17.600 --> 00:17:18.140 Whose kindness. 00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:19.460 Whose loving kindness. 00:17:19.580 --> 00:17:20.200 Whose chesed. 00:17:20.640 --> 00:17:21.920 Has not forsaken the living. 00:17:22.100 --> 00:17:22.740 Or the dead. 00:17:23.860 --> 00:17:24.800 It's interesting here. 00:17:24.900 --> 00:17:25.480 That in the Hebrew. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.140 The living. 00:17:26.540 --> 00:17:27.220 Is in the plural. 00:17:28.380 --> 00:17:29.200 Naomi is referring. 00:17:29.320 --> 00:17:30.019 Both to herself. 00:17:30.140 --> 00:17:30.820 And to Ruth. 00:17:31.060 --> 00:17:31.720 As the living. 00:17:33.180 --> 00:17:34.360 Naomi sees herself. 00:17:34.519 --> 00:17:34.960 And Ruth. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:36.220 In that covenantal love. 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:36.680 Of God. 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:39.160 Now maybe. 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:39.880 Naomi is beginning. 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.480 To plan. 00:17:41.140 --> 00:17:41.720 To plot. 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.700 Maybe she's beginning. 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.259 To think about. 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:43.600 Taking. 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:44.740 Matters. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.600 Into her own hands. 00:17:46.079 --> 00:17:46.500 The way she. 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:46.980 And Elimelech. 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:47.799 Did when they left. 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:48.339 Israel. 00:17:48.819 --> 00:17:49.460 For Moab. 00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:50.140 During the time. 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:50.600 Of the famine. 00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:52.440 But Ruth interrupts. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:53.579 Besides. 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.319 He said to me. 00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:55.539 You shall keep close. 00:17:55.600 --> 00:17:56.360 By my young men. 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:57.539 Until they have finished. 00:17:57.640 --> 00:17:58.339 All my harvest. 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:00.079 It's interesting here. 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:00.640 That Boaz. 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:01.360 Has said. 00:18:01.420 --> 00:18:02.420 Stay with my young women. 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.000 But Ruth. 00:18:04.079 --> 00:18:04.700 May have been thinking. 00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:05.579 About taking matters. 00:18:05.640 --> 00:18:06.400 Into her own hands. 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:06.680 Too. 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.120 Thinking about. 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:08.799 Finding a husband. 00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.019 From some of those men. 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:13.420 That Naomi says to Ruth. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.140 Her daughter-in-law. 00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:14.880 It is good. 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.339 My daughter. 00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:15.980 That you go out. 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.700 With his young women. 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:18.279 Less than another field. 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:19.100 You be assaulted. 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.860 Now the question here is. 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:21.559 What's the emphasis. 00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:24.380 When Naomi says that. 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:25.600 Is it. 00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:27.059 It's good that you stay. 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:27.919 With his. 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:28.939 Young women. 00:18:29.719 --> 00:18:30.799 Or is she saying. 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:32.039 It is good that you stay. 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:33.159 With his young women. 00:18:35.719 --> 00:18:36.599 Is it the latter. 00:18:37.099 --> 00:18:38.059 Or is it both. 00:18:39.399 --> 00:18:40.599 It's important that you stay. 00:18:40.699 --> 00:18:41.319 With his. 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.099 In his fields. 00:18:42.939 --> 00:18:43.919 And it's important. 00:18:44.419 --> 00:18:45.319 From the perspective. 00:18:45.319 --> 00:18:46.139 Of reputation. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.519 That you stay. 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.000 With the women. 00:18:49.639 --> 00:18:50.679 But Ruth obeys. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.699 She stays with Boaz's young reaper. 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.480 Or women reapers. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:55.160 Through the barley harvest. 00:18:55.579 --> 00:18:56.620 And then through the wheat harvest. 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.440 Leaning in the fields. 00:18:58.579 --> 00:19:00.220 For possibly as long as four months. 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:02.539 This wasn't just an overnight thing. 00:19:03.900 --> 00:19:05.299 But God is clearly at work. 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:07.440 He's led Naomi to a near kinsman. 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:08.079 I'm sorry. 00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:09.559 He's led Ruth to a near kinsman. 00:19:09.900 --> 00:19:10.819 Who has given her welcome. 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:13.059 And who has taken her under his wing. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:16.140 Ruth and Naomi are no longer empty. 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.140 Their physical needs. 00:19:17.140 --> 00:19:18.299 Are being taken care of. 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:22.099 And Naomi begins to see. 00:19:22.220 --> 00:19:23.000 That God is faithful. 00:19:23.399 --> 00:19:24.879 That his steadfast love. 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:25.680 Endures forever. 00:19:26.159 --> 00:19:27.619 And that he cares for them personally. 00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:30.139 But there is still more to the story. 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.680 Naomi's prayer for Ruth. 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.740 Is not fully fulfilled. 00:19:34.359 --> 00:19:35.099 That prayer that. 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.819 Ruth might find rest. 00:19:36.919 --> 00:19:37.720 In the house of a husband. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:40.779 We read in the final verse. 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:42.339 That Ruth is still living. 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:43.480 With her mother-in-law. 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:46.660 As chapter two closes then. 00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:48.420 The storyteller leaves us. 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:49.339 In suspense. 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:52.120 How will our loving God. 00:19:52.360 --> 00:19:53.440 Show his faithfulness. 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:54.200 And loving kindness. 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.700 To Ruth and to Naomi. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:58.120 And we'll see that begin to unwind. 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.200 In chapter three. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:01.980 But as I said at the beginning of this series. 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:04.200 Back a few weeks ago. 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:06.220 The story of Ruth. 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.319 Is but one scene. 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:09.400 In the biblical revelation. 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:11.099 Of the almighty loving God. 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:13.059 Who is redeeming the people for himself. 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.880 From every nation. 00:20:15.180 --> 00:20:15.579 Tribe. 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.500 And tongue. 00:20:17.920 --> 00:20:18.720 A loving God. 00:20:18.779 --> 00:20:19.500 Who sent his son. 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:20.539 To pay the debt. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.839 The debt. 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:22.880 That we cannot pay. 00:20:23.700 --> 00:20:24.779 And to give us rest. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.380 In his house. 00:20:26.920 --> 00:20:27.579 For eternity. 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.500 Let us pray.