WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.459 Well, if you've had the pleasure, or the pain, depending on your opinion, of watching Pride 00:00:07.459 --> 00:00:13.500 ! and Prejudice, that's the BBC version of course, there's one moment that people tend 00:00:13.500 --> 00:00:21.179 ! to remember, isn't it? When Lizzie Bennet sees Mr. Darcy having a swim in the lake at 00:00:21.179 --> 00:00:27.820 his mansion. Colin Firth does that kind of slow motion thing, doesn't he, where he rises up 00:00:27.820 --> 00:00:32.939 out of the water, and he's all wet, isn't he, and he's all rugged and good looking. And 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:40.679 it's that moment, isn't it, where romance blossoms, where we see Mr. Darcy appear in all of his 00:00:40.679 --> 00:00:45.900 Colin Firthiness, and things start to change, don't they, from that point onwards in the 00:00:45.900 --> 00:00:55.359 story. So it's the definitive moment where their relationship takes on a new energy. Well, as 00:00:55.359 --> 00:01:01.979 we've watched the romance unfold, between an unlikely couple, Ruth, the Moabite, the foreigner, 00:01:02.740 --> 00:01:10.219 and Boaz, he is the landowning, upstanding Jew, isn't he, through this, the redeeming figure 00:01:10.219 --> 00:01:18.460 that the Lord has provided her with has blessed Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth has 00:01:18.460 --> 00:01:24.680 been brought into some of the blessings of the covenant community through him. She's known 00:01:24.680 --> 00:01:30.600 the blessings of gleaming in the fields of Boaz and amongst his people, of knowing some 00:01:30.600 --> 00:01:39.040 level of satisfaction. From empty, in chapter 1, to full, in chapter 2. From famine, to feasting, 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:46.000 from sadness, to satisfaction. So it's been a great transformation in her life, hasn't it? 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:52.680 The Lord has moved in her life, and things have started to change radically. She has a 00:01:52.680 --> 00:02:01.340 new place, and a new people to live with, and a new purpose under the wings of the Lord. 00:02:03.299 --> 00:02:10.819 But as we get to chapter 3, there is a sense that the romance and the union with Ruth and 00:02:10.819 --> 00:02:18.439 Boaz is yet to be made definitive. There is yet to be a kind of Mr. Darcy moment. Have 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:25.159 a look at verse 1. Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, My daughter, should I not seek rest 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:32.939 for you, that it may be well with you? You see, despite the blessings that she's had of gleaming 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:38.539 in the fields of Boaz, Naomi knows that the quest of chapter 1, which was to find Ruth a husband, 00:02:39.139 --> 00:02:48.039 is yet to be reached. Ruth needs to find final rest and final security amongst God's people 00:02:48.039 --> 00:02:55.900 through a marriage. So according to the Levitical law, a widow amongst the assembly was entitled to 00:02:55.900 --> 00:03:03.439 marriage from a relative that she might bear children for her deceased husband. The relative 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:10.200 would redeem her from widowhood, and continue the memory of the dead brother. It was an entitlement 00:03:10.200 --> 00:03:18.240 for widows to be at rest in the community, to be secure there. And Naomi knows that Ruth, 00:03:18.340 --> 00:03:24.080 although she's part of the people in some way by now, isn't she? She's experienced many 00:03:24.080 --> 00:03:30.580 of the blessings of church life even. There needs to be something definitive. There needs 00:03:30.580 --> 00:03:38.840 to be a union between Ruth and a Redeemer. There needs to be a marriage, a matrimony, a union. 00:03:39.720 --> 00:03:46.400 Ruth needs to come in from the outsides of the field and be united finally to God's Redeemer. 00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:54.060 She needs to marry into God's people. She needs to marry this Christ-like figure that we've 00:03:54.060 --> 00:04:06.080 seen. What Ruth needs is security and rest. She needs closure, doesn't she, on her life. 00:04:07.640 --> 00:04:16.720 And if we lack assurance, I know I do sometimes, we need that, don't we? We need a final conclusion 00:04:16.720 --> 00:04:26.220 to guilt in our lives and separation from God. We need a guarantee of future blessings, not just for today. 00:04:26.580 --> 00:04:35.280 We need an assurance that our widowhood and our barrenness and emptiness and our foreignness 00:04:35.280 --> 00:04:43.120 and isolation from the covenant of God's people will conclusively and finally be dealt with once and for all. 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:52.620 where the scars of our old lives will decisively be wiped away and we will be new men and new women. 00:04:53.840 --> 00:05:05.100 And for that, Ruth and us need a marriage into God's people. In a sense, to get married to God, to belong to him totally. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:16.340 Totally secure, indefinitely, united with him. So God doesn't just forgive through Jesus Christ. 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:30.200 He marries us to Jesus Christ. He brings us to his home to share in his things, to live with him, to become one with him and all his people. 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:39.339 Paul says, we are fellow heirs with Christ. What's mine is yours, Jesus says to us. 00:05:40.759 --> 00:05:46.039 So as we look at this chapter, I think we see here the definitive moment in this relationship. 00:05:46.300 --> 00:05:52.800 Firstly, we see a definitive man. We see a definitive man. He is the right man for her. 00:05:52.800 --> 00:06:00.280 Now, when you imagine a Hollywood movie, love story, romance story, it's always the same kind of thing, isn't it? 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:05.800 They're always the same sorts of people. So you've got Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, 00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:13.180 or you've got Julia Roberts and George Clooney. They're always the most perfect-looking people, aren't they? 00:06:13.460 --> 00:06:15.699 They're young and good-looking and brilliant. 00:06:15.699 --> 00:06:24.000 And actually, as we've gone through Ruth, I think I've fallen into the trap of thinking that Ruth and Boaz must be like that. 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:27.920 It's a kind of romance, isn't it? The perfect Hollywood couple. 00:06:28.279 --> 00:06:32.659 But actually, from what we learn about them, that might not be true. 00:06:33.919 --> 00:06:37.339 We're never told, are we, that Ruth is an absolute stunner. 00:06:38.039 --> 00:06:41.199 We're told that about Abraham's wife, Moses' wife. 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:43.439 We're never told that about her. 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:48.019 We are told that she's strong enough to work all day in the hot sun, 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:53.259 to carry 22 litres of barley back from the field to the town in chapter 2. 00:06:53.480 --> 00:06:57.300 Now, I'm not saying that good-looking people don't work hard, don't get me wrong on that. 00:06:57.980 --> 00:07:01.879 But it hasn't been a major feature of the description of her, has it? 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:07.779 And Boaz himself is past his prime. 00:07:07.779 --> 00:07:16.619 Verse 10, he says, thank you for coming to me, Ruth, and not going to the young men, whether rich or poor. 00:07:17.619 --> 00:07:19.119 Maybe he's past his prime. 00:07:19.419 --> 00:07:22.879 So I don't think they're necessarily the typical Hollywood couple. 00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:27.079 But what features strongly between them is character, isn't it? 00:07:28.099 --> 00:07:28.699 Character. 00:07:29.259 --> 00:07:30.599 Ruth is a hard worker. 00:07:31.799 --> 00:07:32.779 She is humble. 00:07:33.419 --> 00:07:34.879 She is loyal to her mother. 00:07:34.879 --> 00:07:37.199 And Boaz is godly. 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:39.120 He is honest. 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:40.819 And generous. 00:07:41.779 --> 00:07:43.079 He is a provider. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:46.159 He shows mercy to outsiders, doesn't he? 00:07:46.279 --> 00:07:47.360 He loves people. 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:50.279 He's a people person, isn't he, in chapter 2. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:53.339 As he comes into the fields, his workers are happy. 00:07:54.300 --> 00:07:57.639 And he pronounces God's blessing upon them. 00:07:58.920 --> 00:08:02.379 He is the picture of a godly male character. 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:06.060 He has Christ-like character, doesn't he? 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:11.659 So the attraction for Ruth doesn't just come from outward appearance. 00:08:11.779 --> 00:08:13.240 It comes from character. 00:08:14.600 --> 00:08:15.839 He is the right man. 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:18.659 The definitively godly man. 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:22.120 God's redeemer is perfect in character. 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:26.680 And isn't that what we see in Jesus Christ? 00:08:27.500 --> 00:08:29.959 And in nobody else like him. 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:34.379 God's redeemer, Jesus, he is perfectly just. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:36.159 And merciful. 00:08:36.799 --> 00:08:37.580 And honest. 00:08:38.500 --> 00:08:39.240 And true. 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:42.740 And altogether beautiful in character. 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:44.379 If you read the gospels. 00:08:45.779 --> 00:08:46.700 Definitively so. 00:08:46.700 --> 00:08:50.520 It's what attracts us to him, isn't it? 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:51.660 His character. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:54.860 But actually there's more here. 00:08:56.060 --> 00:08:57.140 For Naomi. 00:08:58.200 --> 00:08:59.020 Net for Ruth. 00:08:59.140 --> 00:09:02.720 Naomi's reason for thinking of Boaz as a marriage partner. 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:04.720 Is there in verse 2, isn't it? 00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:05.379 If you look there. 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:07.820 Is not Boaz our relative? 00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:11.080 With whose young women you were. 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:13.180 In chapter 2, verse 1. 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:16.360 We're told he is a worthy man. 00:09:17.280 --> 00:09:19.780 But he is from the clan of Elimelech. 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:24.300 That is Ruth's deceased husband's clan, isn't it? 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:26.639 Boaz is the right man for her. 00:09:27.320 --> 00:09:28.460 Because as a relative. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:30.780 He can act as a redeemer. 00:09:30.920 --> 00:09:32.660 He is one of her kinsmen. 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:35.960 So he can fulfil the Levitical law. 00:09:36.660 --> 00:09:38.400 To marry Ruth and give her children. 00:09:38.400 --> 00:09:40.340 To give her ultimate rest. 00:09:40.340 --> 00:09:41.759 And security. 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:46.000 Because of his nearness of kin. 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:48.519 He is the perfect man. 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:50.560 To redeem her life. 00:09:51.379 --> 00:09:53.920 To fulfil the law of redemption. 00:09:55.560 --> 00:09:57.740 His eligibility for her. 00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:01.980 Comes from him sharing in the family likeness. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:04.879 Of being from the right clan. 00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:07.940 There can now be a marriage. 00:10:08.460 --> 00:10:09.820 Between Ruth and Boaz. 00:10:10.340 --> 00:10:13.440 In the beginning. 00:10:14.080 --> 00:10:16.000 John the Apostle writes. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:17.420 Was the word. 00:10:18.420 --> 00:10:20.300 And the word was with God. 00:10:21.300 --> 00:10:22.759 And the word was God. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:26.000 And the word became flesh. 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:29.160 And dwelt among us. 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:32.399 The incarnation. 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:32.439 The incarnation. 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:34.480 Of the son of God. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:36.959 In the man Jesus Christ. 00:10:37.679 --> 00:10:40.579 Is where God takes on human flesh. 00:10:41.439 --> 00:10:42.899 And he becomes a man. 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:46.740 He becomes part of humanity. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:50.159 He becomes our kinsman. 00:10:51.199 --> 00:10:53.379 A blood and flesh relative. 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:54.759 Hebrews 2. 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:54.759 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:54.840 Hebrews 2. 00:10:54.840 --> 00:10:57.539 He partook of flesh and blood. 00:10:58.340 --> 00:11:01.100 Being made like his brothers in every respect. 00:11:02.759 --> 00:11:04.620 Through the incarnation. 00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:08.159 God leaps across the cosmos. 00:11:08.159 --> 00:11:08.539 God. 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:10.480 For a union. 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:12.139 With us. 00:11:13.819 --> 00:11:16.000 God doesn't just find a way of forgiving us. 00:11:16.199 --> 00:11:17.339 By sending us his son. 00:11:17.419 --> 00:11:18.519 He does that doesn't he. 00:11:19.459 --> 00:11:22.079 But he finds a way of uniting us. 00:11:22.839 --> 00:11:23.579 To him. 00:11:24.699 --> 00:11:26.279 The creator of the human race. 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:28.240 Becomes a member of the human race. 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:31.080 If I can put it bluntly. 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:33.419 To make himself compatible with us. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:35.680 To become eligible. 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:37.480 For us. 00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:39.200 To redeem us. 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:41.700 To bear human sin. 00:11:42.580 --> 00:11:45.259 To ascend and be a human representative. 00:11:45.580 --> 00:11:46.519 In the courts of heaven. 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:47.700 That humans. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:50.139 Can be part of his body. 00:11:50.259 --> 00:11:50.899 The church. 00:11:51.680 --> 00:11:52.860 He becomes eligible. 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:55.299 For union with us. 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:57.700 So Christ. 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:58.740 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:58.860 --> 00:12:00.820 Is the definitively right man. 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:03.780 In his perfectly godly character. 00:12:04.160 --> 00:12:06.200 That we should want to be with him. 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:09.440 And he is right in his humanity. 00:12:10.580 --> 00:12:12.640 In his relationship to us. 00:12:13.040 --> 00:12:14.200 Flesh and blood. 00:12:15.280 --> 00:12:16.379 Skin and bone. 00:12:17.460 --> 00:12:18.540 One of our relatives. 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:21.920 He is our only redeemer. 00:12:24.300 --> 00:12:25.840 Now if you think of Naomi. 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:26.960 Through this book. 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:28.840 She has been a great support. 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:29.460 Hasn't she. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:30.120 For Ruth. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:33.019 She has given her some great advice. 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:33.560 So do you remember. 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:34.920 At the end of chapter 2. 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:35.480 Last week. 00:12:35.560 --> 00:12:36.780 She advised her. 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:39.300 To stick near Boaz's young women. 00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:41.080 And not near the young men. 00:12:41.340 --> 00:12:42.460 She has been great for her. 00:12:42.820 --> 00:12:43.519 She has led her. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:44.639 To the people of God. 00:12:45.700 --> 00:12:46.560 You can imagine. 00:12:46.660 --> 00:12:46.980 Can't you. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:47.820 The closeness. 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:49.320 That they must feel together. 00:12:49.800 --> 00:12:51.160 Ruth has been treating her. 00:12:51.159 --> 00:12:52.899 As her own daughter. 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:54.319 The bond is strong. 00:12:54.779 --> 00:12:56.539 Ruth has shown a humble reliance. 00:12:56.539 --> 00:12:57.360 Upon her mother. 00:12:58.759 --> 00:12:59.740 And you can imagine that. 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:00.100 Can't you. 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:02.719 As an older Christian. 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:05.079 Loves a younger Christian. 00:13:05.179 --> 00:13:06.039 Or an outsider. 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:07.159 Draws them in. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:08.360 It's a great thing to see. 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:09.560 But. 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:11.259 Naomi knows the limits. 00:13:11.259 --> 00:13:12.940 Of the role she has. 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:14.259 With Ruth. 00:13:15.800 --> 00:13:17.159 Her priority. 00:13:18.220 --> 00:13:20.240 Is to get her into contact. 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:21.100 With this man. 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:23.300 The definitive. 00:13:24.019 --> 00:13:25.200 Kinsman redeemer. 00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:28.620 True and final rest. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:29.860 And redemption for Ruth. 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:31.240 Cannot come ultimately. 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:32.560 From Naomi herself. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:34.639 Not forever. 00:13:34.639 --> 00:13:37.939 It must come from the man himself. 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:40.279 The redemption rests on a relationship. 00:13:40.279 --> 00:13:41.240 With one person. 00:13:41.299 --> 00:13:42.439 And one person only. 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.439 The kinsman redeemer. 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.419 He is the definitive man. 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:48.500 The only man. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:49.899 Who can bring her security. 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:50.879 Not Naomi. 00:13:51.799 --> 00:13:52.600 But Thoaz. 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:55.340 None of us. 00:13:55.419 --> 00:13:55.879 Can we. 00:13:56.480 --> 00:13:59.159 Can ride into a union with God. 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:01.779 On the backs of other Christians. 00:14:01.779 --> 00:14:04.939 While we can love. 00:14:05.199 --> 00:14:06.639 And rely on one another. 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:07.079 Can't we. 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.339 We can build each other up. 00:14:09.439 --> 00:14:11.259 There is only one name. 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:12.839 One name under heaven. 00:14:12.919 --> 00:14:14.299 By which we can be saved. 00:14:15.620 --> 00:14:16.639 Not the minister. 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:18.959 Not the mother. 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:21.259 Not the mentor. 00:14:22.199 --> 00:14:23.240 Not the messenger. 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.240 But the man. 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:27.319 The man himself. 00:14:27.559 --> 00:14:28.339 Only him. 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:29.259 Ultimately. 00:14:30.480 --> 00:14:31.639 He is the right man. 00:14:32.339 --> 00:14:33.439 With the right character. 00:14:34.279 --> 00:14:35.379 Of the right kin. 00:14:36.299 --> 00:14:37.399 Jesus the redeemer. 00:14:38.199 --> 00:14:40.019 So the definitive moment for Ruth. 00:14:40.100 --> 00:14:42.259 Is to be joined with this definitive man. 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.639 And so it is for us. 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:45.459 To know Jesus. 00:14:45.600 --> 00:14:46.799 And be united to him. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.799 That's where we are. 00:14:48.360 --> 00:14:49.519 Definitively changed. 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:50.500 Forever. 00:14:50.699 --> 00:14:52.720 That is the Miss Darcy moment. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:54.279 To meet him. 00:14:54.339 --> 00:14:55.539 He is the definitive man. 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:56.720 Secondly though. 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:58.819 In this definitive moment. 00:14:58.819 --> 00:14:59.639 In the relationship. 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:02.919 It comes at a definitive place. 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:05.080 A definitive place. 00:15:10.519 --> 00:15:11.080 So. 00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:12.600 For Lizzie Bennett. 00:15:13.419 --> 00:15:14.319 It was the lake. 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:14.840 Wasn't it? 00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:16.279 At Mr. Darcy's house. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.980 That changed her mind. 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:19.840 For Kate and Leonardo. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:21.759 It was at the front of the Titanic. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:22.519 Wasn't it? 00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:23.159 In that moment. 00:15:23.159 --> 00:15:24.939 And then for Romeo and Juliet. 00:15:25.179 --> 00:15:26.000 It was the balcony. 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:26.799 Places. 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:29.299 That stick in their memories. 00:15:29.799 --> 00:15:31.980 Full of significance in the relationship. 00:15:32.719 --> 00:15:35.120 Places loaded with meaning in the relationship. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:37.719 And in Ruth and Boaz's courtship. 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:40.000 There is such a place here in chapter 3. 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:42.039 Just have a look at verse 3 and 4. 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:43.639 Naomi says to Ruth. 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:45.579 Wash therefore and anoint yourself. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:48.719 Put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor. 00:15:49.059 --> 00:15:52.459 Don't make yourself known to the man until he's finished eating and drinking. 00:15:52.939 --> 00:15:53.819 When he lies down. 00:15:53.939 --> 00:15:55.839 Observe the place where he lies. 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:58.719 Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.779 And he will tell you what to do. 00:16:02.839 --> 00:16:05.259 Naomi tells Ruth to go and meet him. 00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:06.179 In verse 3. 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:13.059 That is the place isn't it? 00:16:13.099 --> 00:16:14.679 Where this encounter happens. 00:16:15.359 --> 00:16:17.899 That's the place that they will probably remember. 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:18.939 20 years old. 00:16:19.339 --> 00:16:21.599 He falls asleep after a long day's work. 00:16:21.739 --> 00:16:23.000 Probably at the end of the harvest. 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:24.219 Verse 6. 00:16:24.319 --> 00:16:26.639 Ruth goes down to the threshing floor. 00:16:27.559 --> 00:16:29.939 And he goes to sleep at the bottom of the barley pile. 00:16:29.939 --> 00:16:31.079 The work is done. 00:16:31.159 --> 00:16:33.579 He's probably been to the harvest festival party. 00:16:33.659 --> 00:16:34.019 Hasn't he? 00:16:34.199 --> 00:16:35.139 He's in a good mood. 00:16:35.219 --> 00:16:35.779 He's merry. 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:37.559 They say. 00:16:37.879 --> 00:16:38.259 Don't they? 00:16:38.339 --> 00:16:41.019 That the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:43.039 It's an opportune time. 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.839 But it's the place. 00:16:45.439 --> 00:16:47.199 That we need to take note of. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:50.559 Because the threshing floor. 00:16:51.459 --> 00:16:53.319 Was not the only place. 00:16:53.519 --> 00:16:56.539 That was not only significant for Ruth and Boaz. 00:16:57.339 --> 00:17:01.059 The threshing floor was a place of significance for the dealings of God. 00:17:01.459 --> 00:17:02.379 With his people. 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:04.779 So that the threshing floor. 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:09.279 Was the place where the grains would have been separated from the chaff. 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:09.779 Isn't it? 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:12.920 Where the inside of the wheat would have been kept. 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:15.619 And the outside was thrown away. 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.240 And burnt as fuel. 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:20.120 And the whole economy of Judah. 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:22.259 Was built on agriculture. 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:22.700 Wasn't it? 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:25.759 So the threshing floor was literally the bedrock. 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.380 Of their society. 00:17:28.180 --> 00:17:29.279 Of their provision. 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:32.900 It was a place where distinctions are made. 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.259 And judgments are given. 00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:37.680 Of dividing things between the fruit. 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:40.539 And the waste product that is thrown away. 00:17:40.539 --> 00:17:43.279 And it's that image that God has used. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.639 In the Old Testament. 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:47.099 To demonstrate his work amongst his people. 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:50.139 Of his refining judgment amongst them. 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:53.500 Of refining them and making them the people that he wants them to be. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:55.039 It is a place of judgment. 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:57.019 And of separation. 00:17:57.500 --> 00:17:58.159 And distinction. 00:17:58.160 --> 00:18:01.600 So 2 Samuel 24. 00:18:02.100 --> 00:18:03.060 King David. 00:18:03.840 --> 00:18:04.279 Sins. 00:18:05.120 --> 00:18:07.779 By taking a census of the armies on his day. 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:08.779 You can read it later. 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:11.680 And we're told that it displeases the Lord. 00:18:12.140 --> 00:18:14.259 And God sends a judgment on the land. 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:17.240 And we read there in 2 Samuel. 00:18:17.380 --> 00:18:20.060 That the angel of the Lord was at the threshing floor. 00:18:21.060 --> 00:18:23.180 As judgment was about to come on the land. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.340 As a place of judgment. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:27.079 When Gideon. 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:28.419 In the book of Judges. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:29.699 Is called by God. 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:31.799 He initially refuses God's command. 00:18:31.939 --> 00:18:32.299 Doesn't he? 00:18:33.139 --> 00:18:34.319 And what was he doing? 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:36.459 He was treading out the grain. 00:18:37.799 --> 00:18:38.959 Threshing out the grain. 00:18:40.119 --> 00:18:41.500 The threshing floor. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:45.539 Is the setting whereby Gideon's rescue of God's people. 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:46.939 Is about to be set. 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:48.179 So it's a place of rescue. 00:18:49.939 --> 00:18:51.459 Then think of the New Testament. 00:18:51.459 --> 00:18:53.839 With the final action of Jesus' judgment. 00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:56.779 Where the wheat is sifted from the weeds. 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:57.919 By Jesus himself. 00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:59.399 John the Baptist says. 00:18:59.480 --> 00:18:59.819 Doesn't he? 00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:00.699 Matthew 3. 00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:03.279 His winnowing fork is in his hand. 00:19:03.699 --> 00:19:05.839 He will clear his threshing floor. 00:19:06.699 --> 00:19:08.000 And gather his wheat. 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.439 Into the barn. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:11.319 But the chaff he will burn. 00:19:11.679 --> 00:19:13.379 With unquenchable fire. 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:15.339 You see the threshing floor. 00:19:15.879 --> 00:19:16.500 In the Bible. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:18.279 Is a place where God deals. 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:19.919 Definitively with people. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:22.940 It is where he sifts them out. 00:19:23.560 --> 00:19:25.340 For a final resolution. 00:19:25.560 --> 00:19:27.060 For destruction or for rescue. 00:19:29.060 --> 00:19:30.840 And so it's no coincidence. 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:34.200 That Ruth must meet Boaz. 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:36.420 At the threshing floor. 00:19:36.420 --> 00:19:39.900 It's a decisive place. 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:42.060 It's where God. 00:19:42.460 --> 00:19:43.740 Brings people in. 00:19:44.800 --> 00:19:46.140 Or he throws them out. 00:19:47.820 --> 00:19:49.180 Now all of this. 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:51.060 Comes to a head in our minds. 00:19:51.060 --> 00:19:52.380 When we're reminded. 00:19:52.620 --> 00:19:53.880 That the threshing floor. 00:19:54.060 --> 00:19:54.740 In Jerusalem. 00:19:55.400 --> 00:19:57.140 David's capital city. 00:19:57.700 --> 00:19:59.200 Becomes the same site. 00:19:59.340 --> 00:20:00.279 Of the temple. 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:01.900 In Jerusalem. 00:20:01.900 --> 00:20:05.480 2 Chronicles chapter 3. 00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:08.620 Solomon began to build. 00:20:08.740 --> 00:20:09.600 The house of the Lord. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.420 In Jerusalem. 00:20:10.860 --> 00:20:12.040 On Mount Moriah. 00:20:12.800 --> 00:20:13.580 Where the Lord. 00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:14.259 Had appeared. 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.580 To David his father. 00:20:16.060 --> 00:20:16.840 At the place. 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:18.120 That David had appointed. 00:20:18.580 --> 00:20:20.100 On the threshing floor. 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:21.800 Of Ornan the Jebusite. 00:20:22.780 --> 00:20:23.700 He began to build. 00:20:23.780 --> 00:20:24.519 In the second month. 00:20:24.540 --> 00:20:25.300 Of the fourth year. 00:20:25.380 --> 00:20:25.940 Of his reign. 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.840 The threshing floor. 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.680 Becomes the place. 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:30.500 Of the temple. 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:33.180 Where decisive judgment. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:34.519 Is made over the people. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:36.339 Where sacrifice is made. 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:38.900 Where wrongs are put right. 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:41.400 Where sin is punished. 00:20:42.579 --> 00:20:44.940 There is a definitive place. 00:20:45.380 --> 00:20:47.019 Set amongst God's people. 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:48.180 Where sin is dealt. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.099 With. 00:20:49.640 --> 00:20:50.079 Definitely. 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.539 A place where. 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:54.000 You and I can go. 00:20:54.839 --> 00:20:55.940 As an outsider. 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:58.880 And be welcomed in. 00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:01.920 But. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:03.700 You must go there. 00:21:04.840 --> 00:21:06.440 You must go there. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:09.180 To the threshing floor. 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.920 You must go to the temple. 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:15.260 That is what the people are taught. 00:21:16.840 --> 00:21:18.220 The mountain of the Lord. 00:21:18.320 --> 00:21:18.860 In Jerusalem. 00:21:19.040 --> 00:21:20.300 Where the temple stood. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:20.760 Well. 00:21:21.620 --> 00:21:22.180 We know. 00:21:22.280 --> 00:21:22.660 Don't we. 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:23.300 That it becomes. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:24.600 The Mount of Calvary. 00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:27.699 The definitive place. 00:21:27.699 --> 00:21:29.539 Of threshing. 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.359 And judgment. 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:33.399 And sacrifice. 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:35.559 Is the cross of the Lord Jesus. 00:21:36.559 --> 00:21:37.980 Where Jesus. 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:39.359 Is sifted. 00:21:40.159 --> 00:21:41.679 He is threshed. 00:21:41.679 --> 00:21:42.319 Like wheat. 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:45.039 Where he is crushed. 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:47.119 Under the millstone. 00:21:47.339 --> 00:21:48.599 Of decisive judgment. 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:52.519 And it's only at that place. 00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:54.639 The cross of Calvary. 00:21:55.579 --> 00:21:57.099 Where we can find rest. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:22:00.939 Where we can find a final resolution. 00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:04.319 Where we can receive closure. 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:08.459 Any unresolved issues tonight. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:12.159 Things that you've yet to deal with. 00:22:12.159 --> 00:22:13.159 In your conscience. 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.599 Inconclusiveness. 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:18.319 Perhaps lack of assurance. 00:22:19.219 --> 00:22:20.500 Lack of assurance. 00:22:20.639 --> 00:22:21.779 Of future security. 00:22:21.939 --> 00:22:22.980 And blessing in the Lord. 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:25.240 It is good to be around church. 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:25.519 Isn't it? 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.599 It's good to glean. 00:22:28.219 --> 00:22:30.279 But maybe you want something final. 00:22:31.179 --> 00:22:32.059 Something solid. 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.219 Well. 00:22:34.500 --> 00:22:36.199 There is a threshing floor. 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:39.299 That we must come to. 00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:41.819 Where things are set right. 00:22:42.699 --> 00:22:43.879 A threshing floor. 00:22:44.379 --> 00:22:45.459 Where things are final. 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:47.939 And no more is said about it. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:51.000 The definitive place. 00:22:51.879 --> 00:22:53.459 Of the cross of the Lord Jesus. 00:22:55.099 --> 00:22:57.059 Where he is crushed. 00:22:57.919 --> 00:22:59.379 For our iniquities. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.419 And with a lack of assurance. 00:23:02.599 --> 00:23:03.719 Ruth must have felt that. 00:23:03.779 --> 00:23:04.399 Mustn't she? 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:07.519 Kind of on the edge of God's people. 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:08.819 Ruth must have felt that. 00:23:09.119 --> 00:23:12.000 Her instruction was simply to go to the right man. 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:14.339 To the right place. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:17.159 And find resolution there. 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:19.939 He's the definitive man. 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:21.939 At the definitive place. 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:22.559 And lastly. 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:24.799 It's a definitive request. 00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:26.980 It's a definitive request. 00:23:27.119 --> 00:23:29.599 Now as far as marriage proposals go. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.539 With Ruth and Boaz. 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:33.639 This has to be one of the riskiest ever. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.159 Doesn't it? 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:35.160 For one thing. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:36.080 It is Ruth. 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:38.940 Who takes the initiative to Boaz. 00:23:39.560 --> 00:23:40.680 Which was pretty bold. 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:41.120 Wasn't it? 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:42.519 It was unheard of. 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.500 And we get the sense. 00:23:44.620 --> 00:23:45.880 That as she dresses up. 00:23:46.019 --> 00:23:47.460 And goes out to meet him there. 00:23:47.580 --> 00:23:49.980 That there's a lot that could go wrong here. 00:23:49.980 --> 00:23:54.740 So she's setting herself up for huge rejection. 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:57.620 So she goes at night. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:24:01.579 So there could have been major questions about her integrity. 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:03.500 Going to see him at night. 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:04.460 Couldn't there? 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:06.059 About the nature of her visit. 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:08.579 It's a very risky and bold move. 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.139 Move. 00:24:10.059 --> 00:24:12.639 But Ruth knows that now is the time. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:15.859 She won't get another chance like this. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:19.220 And she needs a definitive answer. 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:22.480 She wants things to be settled. 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:24.399 Once and for all. 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:27.099 There is no time to postpone the meeting. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:30.220 She has to go to the threshing floor. 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:32.439 And make her request now. 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:34.460 To make her petition. 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:36.679 Have a look at verse 8 and 9. 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:39.039 At midnight the man was startled. 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:39.980 And turned over. 00:24:40.080 --> 00:24:41.660 And behold a woman lay at his feet. 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.740 He said who are you? 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:45.039 And she said I am Ruth your servant. 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:47.019 Spread your wings over your servant. 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:49.000 For you are a redeemer. 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:52.720 Now I hope we get a sense of the shock of that there. 00:24:53.560 --> 00:24:55.100 This request she makes. 00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:57.920 Is a very bold and forward thing to say. 00:24:58.420 --> 00:25:01.000 She asks him to spread his wings. 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:02.640 Over her. 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:05.580 Now the same word for wings there. 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:08.899 Can also be used for clothing. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:09.919 For a garment. 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:12.240 It's a very clever use of language. 00:25:12.659 --> 00:25:17.599 And that alludes to the image of a man clothing his wife to be. 00:25:18.419 --> 00:25:20.299 Of covering her in his garments. 00:25:21.579 --> 00:25:22.579 So to put it simply. 00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:24.699 This is a proposition of marriage isn't it? 00:25:25.699 --> 00:25:27.919 She says for you are a redeemer. 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:29.559 That is clearly on her mind. 00:25:29.679 --> 00:25:31.139 She makes that obvious to him. 00:25:31.399 --> 00:25:32.599 It's a bold move. 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:35.579 So she goes to the right man at the right place. 00:25:35.679 --> 00:25:36.759 The place of decision. 00:25:37.399 --> 00:25:38.139 And of judgment. 00:25:39.219 --> 00:25:40.240 But the petition. 00:25:41.299 --> 00:25:44.139 Comes with a whole attitude of humility. 00:25:45.399 --> 00:25:46.579 And submissiveness. 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:50.459 Now Ruth doesn't just blast her way in. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:50.919 Does she? 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:53.099 And demand marriage. 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:55.939 In a kind of February the 14th clause. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:59.160 She follows her mother's advice. 00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.680 And she is humble. 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:04.420 There is this odd thing isn't there. 00:26:04.460 --> 00:26:06.259 With her uncovering his feet. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:08.840 And lying down next to them for the night. 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:11.680 Now I'm not sure of the entire significance of that yet. 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:13.960 But from other times we see that in the Bible. 00:26:14.100 --> 00:26:15.920 We know it's a sign of reverence. 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.480 Don't we? 00:26:17.400 --> 00:26:18.400 And of submission. 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:20.000 And humility. 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:23.420 Think of some of the other examples we've got in the Bible. 00:26:23.420 --> 00:26:25.480 So Mary in the Gospels. 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:27.620 Constantly comes to Jesus. 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.539 And falls at his feet. 00:26:30.539 --> 00:26:32.019 At the death of Lazarus. 00:26:32.300 --> 00:26:33.980 She comes and falls at his feet. 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:36.920 She sits at his feet. 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:38.620 And listens to his teaching. 00:26:39.360 --> 00:26:40.940 Weeps on his feet. 00:26:41.820 --> 00:26:43.800 And wipes the tears with her hair. 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:45.460 So it's a bold move. 00:26:45.560 --> 00:26:47.340 And yet it's a humble petition. 00:26:48.380 --> 00:26:49.900 For marriage from Ruth. 00:26:49.900 --> 00:26:56.780 She has to shake off any sense of shame. 00:26:56.780 --> 00:26:57.380 Doesn't she? 00:26:58.500 --> 00:27:00.420 She has to forget herself. 00:27:01.540 --> 00:27:03.860 And lie down at the feet of Boaz. 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:07.000 And then she must wait. 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:09.640 She must wait for him. 00:27:10.460 --> 00:27:12.140 To make the next move. 00:27:13.320 --> 00:27:14.740 She goes to the right man. 00:27:14.840 --> 00:27:16.100 She goes to the right place. 00:27:16.099 --> 00:27:18.199 But when she gets there. 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:20.980 She must let him serve her. 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:24.259 She has to throw herself. 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:26.319 On his kindness. 00:27:26.859 --> 00:27:27.519 At that point. 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:30.659 She is undeserving. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:33.899 And she must wait on him. 00:27:35.699 --> 00:27:36.980 To come to Jesus. 00:27:37.799 --> 00:27:38.879 At the cross. 00:27:39.179 --> 00:27:40.539 And to be joined to him. 00:27:40.539 --> 00:27:43.899 Is the definitive and final way. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:45.059 That God blesses. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.740 Us his people. 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.759 But we come. 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:48.279 Don't we? 00:27:48.359 --> 00:27:49.139 In submission. 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:52.000 And humility before him. 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:53.740 We know our need. 00:27:54.779 --> 00:27:56.500 And we come to his feet. 00:27:57.759 --> 00:28:00.539 Waiting for him to serve us there. 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:03.720 Now isn't it lovely. 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:06.319 The way that Boaz responds to her. 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:08.500 As he wakes up in verse 11. 00:28:08.599 --> 00:28:09.099 Have a look. 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:11.119 Now my daughter. 00:28:11.399 --> 00:28:12.319 Do not fear. 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:14.699 I will do for you. 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:16.619 All that you ask. 00:28:18.179 --> 00:28:18.740 You know. 00:28:18.879 --> 00:28:20.139 It could feel risky. 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:20.639 Couldn't it? 00:28:20.679 --> 00:28:21.679 It could feel risky. 00:28:21.679 --> 00:28:22.199 For you. 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:22.679 Tonight. 00:28:23.939 --> 00:28:25.459 To humble yourself. 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:27.959 To forget yourself. 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.879 To come to Jesus. 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:32.240 To the cross. 00:28:32.419 --> 00:28:33.599 And throw yourself. 00:28:33.699 --> 00:28:34.480 On his mercy. 00:28:35.519 --> 00:28:37.019 It could feel risky. 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:39.220 But. 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.319 But he says to you. 00:28:40.379 --> 00:28:41.400 As he says to Ruth. 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.759 Now my daughter. 00:28:42.980 --> 00:28:43.839 Do not fear. 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.859 Do not fear. 00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:47.960 The Lord Jesus. 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.879 Will never. 00:28:49.740 --> 00:28:50.759 Turn you away. 00:28:51.879 --> 00:28:52.319 John. 00:28:52.460 --> 00:28:53.160 Chapter 6. 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:55.139 All that the Father gives me. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.420 Will come to me. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.460 And whoever comes to me. 00:28:59.099 --> 00:29:00.599 I will never cast out. 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:03.419 I will never cast you out. 00:29:05.419 --> 00:29:06.059 Now as we. 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.799 As we close. 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.099 I think it's important to see. 00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:10.959 The details about. 00:29:11.199 --> 00:29:12.959 The issue of Boaz's answer here. 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.859 And there's a lot more to this chapter. 00:29:15.019 --> 00:29:16.179 We haven't got time for it all. 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:17.000 But he initially. 00:29:17.619 --> 00:29:18.539 Welcomes the idea. 00:29:18.619 --> 00:29:19.159 Doesn't he? 00:29:19.900 --> 00:29:21.680 But there's a potential hurdle. 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:24.140 In verse 11 to 14. 00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:25.320 My daughter. 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:26.000 Don't fear. 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:27.759 I will do for you all that you ask. 00:29:27.880 --> 00:29:29.259 For all my fellow townsmen. 00:29:29.320 --> 00:29:30.620 Know that you're a worthy woman. 00:29:31.300 --> 00:29:33.100 And it's true that I am a redeemer. 00:29:33.100 --> 00:29:33.460 Yet. 00:29:33.660 --> 00:29:35.420 There is a redeemer nearer than I. 00:29:36.300 --> 00:29:37.320 Remain tonight. 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:37.960 And in the morning. 00:29:38.140 --> 00:29:39.180 If he will redeem you. 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:39.500 Good. 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:40.820 Let him do it. 00:29:41.300 --> 00:29:42.680 If he's not willing to redeem you. 00:29:42.779 --> 00:29:43.759 Then as the Lord lives. 00:29:43.860 --> 00:29:44.900 I will redeem you. 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:46.120 Lie down. 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:47.019 Until the morning. 00:29:48.719 --> 00:29:50.939 So she lay at his feet. 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.599 Until the morning. 00:29:51.959 --> 00:29:52.639 But arose. 00:29:52.719 --> 00:29:54.379 Before one could recognise her. 00:29:57.619 --> 00:29:58.539 It turns out. 00:29:58.599 --> 00:29:58.859 Doesn't it. 00:29:58.859 --> 00:30:01.000 That Ruth has another relative. 00:30:01.959 --> 00:30:03.679 That can also redeem her. 00:30:05.159 --> 00:30:06.679 But rather than a problem. 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:09.259 Actually we see Boaz's determination. 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:12.579 To get the marriage sorted. 00:30:13.339 --> 00:30:14.519 As soon as possible. 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:17.779 Ruth will have redemption. 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:19.579 One way or another. 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:22.920 Either through the other relative. 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.579 Or through Boaz himself. 00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:28.680 So Boaz gives her six measures of barley. 00:30:29.039 --> 00:30:30.879 Presumably to avoid rumours. 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:32.079 About the meeting. 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:33.799 And she heads back into town. 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:35.539 And we're left with this conversation. 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:36.779 Between Naomi and Ruth. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:37.200 Aren't we? 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:38.500 In verse 17. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:40.059 These six measures of barley. 00:30:40.200 --> 00:30:40.779 He gave to me. 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:41.379 He said to me. 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:43.019 You must not go back empty handed. 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.940 To your mother-in-law. 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:44.880 She replied. 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:45.960 Wait my daughter. 00:30:46.640 --> 00:30:48.680 Until you learn how the matter turns out. 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:50.200 For the man will not rest. 00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:53.160 He will settle the matter. 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:54.080 Today. 00:30:54.340 --> 00:30:56.100 You see despite the delay. 00:30:57.180 --> 00:31:00.080 And despite the potential problem here. 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.539 There will be a conclusion. 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:03.180 Won't there? 00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:04.000 The man will not rest. 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:06.160 The man will not rest. 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:08.680 But will settle the matter. 00:31:09.440 --> 00:31:09.759 Today. 00:31:10.600 --> 00:31:11.259 Says Navy. 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:14.160 And the barley he gives to her. 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:15.539 Is a sign of a pledge. 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:17.620 That that is true. 00:31:18.660 --> 00:31:20.560 That he will not turn her away. 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.820 He will redeem her. 00:31:22.920 --> 00:31:23.700 One way or another. 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.759 He will settle it. 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:27.799 It's an odd break in the narrative. 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:28.160 Isn't it? 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:28.960 There is a delay. 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:30.279 There is a period of waiting. 00:31:30.539 --> 00:31:31.180 And perhaps. 00:31:31.559 --> 00:31:32.039 With that. 00:31:32.140 --> 00:31:33.460 We feel a bit disappointed. 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:34.640 But actually. 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.859 It's so relevant to us. 00:31:35.859 --> 00:31:36.339 Isn't it? 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:39.700 Because as we await. 00:31:40.379 --> 00:31:42.640 The appearance of our Redeemer again. 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.660 And our Saviour. 00:31:43.660 --> 00:31:45.500 This is a great chapter. 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.680 On assurance. 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:52.320 We realise that there is one definitive man. 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:53.420 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:31:53.600 --> 00:31:55.400 One definitive place. 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:57.880 At the threshing floor. 00:31:58.019 --> 00:31:58.680 The cross. 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:01.360 And one definitive way. 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:03.180 That we can approach him. 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:06.040 To throw ourselves upon him. 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:06.740 And his mercy. 00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:10.779 But then it is our Redeemer. 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:12.640 Who pledges. 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:15.620 To complete the work of redemption. 00:32:16.800 --> 00:32:17.860 He will settle it. 00:32:18.820 --> 00:32:20.120 He will settle it. 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:22.400 What we have desired. 00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:24.560 And we have hoped for in him. 00:32:25.640 --> 00:32:27.040 He will make a reality. 00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:29.380 He will make it a certainty. 00:32:29.380 --> 00:32:30.320 He said to us. 00:32:30.560 --> 00:32:31.460 He says to us. 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:33.019 My daughter. 00:32:33.960 --> 00:32:34.980 Do not fear. 00:32:36.320 --> 00:32:37.440 I will do for you. 00:32:37.560 --> 00:32:39.420 All that you wish. 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.779 Let's pray.