WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.459 I want to start by asking, does anyone in here love a good story or is it just me? 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:12.859 A lot of us love a good story or maybe a movie or a good book that we can dive into or maybe 00:00:12.859 --> 00:00:13.519 all of them. 00:00:13.820 --> 00:00:18.600 Maybe we like stories, maybe we like movies, maybe we like books and we just enjoy all of 00:00:18.600 --> 00:00:20.540 those different aspects. 00:00:20.540 --> 00:00:27.720 But as you think about it, what makes a story good or what makes a book worth reading or 00:00:27.720 --> 00:00:30.660 what makes a movie just capture our attention? 00:00:30.660 --> 00:00:34.679 I think there's some elements that draw us in to make a good story. 00:00:35.100 --> 00:00:39.519 Stories that draw us in typically have good character development, right? 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:44.640 They build up the characters, you get to know them, you feel like you have a relationship 00:00:44.640 --> 00:00:48.280 with them, you feel like you have known them for quite some time. 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:52.140 There's typically a conflict or a problem that arises. 00:00:53.000 --> 00:00:54.200 And then a resolution. 00:00:54.200 --> 00:01:02.260 Maybe there's an unlikely love story that develops throughout the movie or story and a solution 00:01:02.260 --> 00:01:03.480 or a conclusion. 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:08.840 But if a story is really good, it doesn't stop with the ending of the movie, right? 00:01:09.299 --> 00:01:16.020 It leads you on and it helps you look forward to the story continuing, to the story having 00:01:16.020 --> 00:01:19.719 a place and a greater story that is to come. 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:26.480 And so if you like these elements, then you're going to enjoy the next six weeks, Evan, six 00:01:26.480 --> 00:01:32.939 weeks you're going to enjoy as we look at the book of Ruth and we make our way through 00:01:32.939 --> 00:01:33.340 it. 00:01:34.219 --> 00:01:40.299 However, as we study Ruth, I want to encourage you not to see it as some fictional fairy tale 00:01:40.299 --> 00:01:45.539 or a fable with a good moral to it that we can hopefully gain something from. 00:01:45.540 --> 00:01:53.000 But understand that this story is historical, that this story actually happened. 00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:57.120 It took place in real time and a real place. 00:01:57.680 --> 00:02:02.180 And so we want to see it as that and hopefully that will help us strengthen our faith in God. 00:02:02.300 --> 00:02:07.740 But understanding that this story is a part of a greater story. 00:02:08.420 --> 00:02:13.659 Now, Ruth is one of those books of the Bible that most of us are familiar with. 00:02:13.659 --> 00:02:17.639 I think most of us on at least a superficial level are familiar. 00:02:17.780 --> 00:02:20.319 We've at least heard of the book of Ruth. 00:02:20.740 --> 00:02:25.800 And many of us could hit the highlights and name the major characters that are in the book 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:26.359 of Ruth. 00:02:26.900 --> 00:02:33.060 But I think few of us have thought very deeply about what it can teach us, about what we can 00:02:33.060 --> 00:02:34.300 gain from this. 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:40.079 I feel like if we were to be asked a series of questions about the book of Ruth, many of 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:44.580 us would know the answers, but it would just be some of that information. 00:02:45.480 --> 00:02:52.020 And so as we prepare to study this book, I want to give you a few reasons of why it's 00:02:52.020 --> 00:02:59.520 important for us to study books like Ruth, to study books that really connect us with other 00:02:59.520 --> 00:03:00.080 books. 00:03:00.200 --> 00:03:04.020 And so to begin with, Ruth helps connect Scripture. 00:03:04.700 --> 00:03:06.500 It helps connect Scripture. 00:03:07.160 --> 00:03:08.980 The Bible is a story. 00:03:08.979 --> 00:03:13.539 It's a single story of God's redemption where Jesus is the hero. 00:03:14.019 --> 00:03:19.419 And all of these little stories like Ruth fit into the larger story. 00:03:19.739 --> 00:03:25.579 So we need to take time to see how the stories like Ruth pave the way for the coming Messiah. 00:03:26.419 --> 00:03:31.919 And it's my hope and prayer that as we work our way through the book of Ruth, that this will 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:33.399 be something that is very clear. 00:03:33.400 --> 00:03:39.540 It'll be something that we'll be able to very easily see how this plays into the greater 00:03:39.540 --> 00:03:40.120 story. 00:03:40.400 --> 00:03:45.400 It'll be something where we don't have to use our imagination, but it will be clear and 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:50.680 consistent as we work our way through that this story is a part of the greater story that 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:53.480 is pointing us towards Jesus. 00:03:53.479 --> 00:03:58.359 But also books like Ruth can encourage us. 00:03:58.359 --> 00:04:07.019 This book is very honest about challenges and difficulties and hardships that both Ruth 00:04:07.019 --> 00:04:10.319 and Naomi and others experience in this book. 00:04:10.439 --> 00:04:14.379 It's a great reminder that God is always there with us. 00:04:14.379 --> 00:04:19.100 You see, there are no miraculous events that happen in the book of Ruth. 00:04:19.500 --> 00:04:25.240 This isn't a book like Jonah where you'll see a great fish swallowing up someone and then 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:26.980 spitting them up on dry ground. 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:32.879 It's not a story like you see in the book of Exodus where God is providing manna each and 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:34.139 every day for people. 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:40.040 It's not a story like in Exodus again where you'll see a sea that is parted and people are 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:47.760 able to walk through on dry ground, but it is a story that is very real and open and honest 00:04:47.760 --> 00:04:54.240 about difficulties that they are experiencing, but also the fact that God is at work. 00:04:54.860 --> 00:04:58.680 And it's not, even if there's not a miracle that takes place, even if there's not a big 00:04:58.680 --> 00:05:04.460 dramatic event that takes place, God is still at work in the midst of that everyday ordinary 00:05:04.460 --> 00:05:07.420 life that has difficulties, that has hardships. 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:12.740 He's not pulled himself out of those situations, but he's right there in the middle of it. 00:05:12.840 --> 00:05:17.060 And what we get to see is that God not only is in the middle of it, but he's bringing, he's 00:05:17.060 --> 00:05:19.160 working in those situations. 00:05:20.080 --> 00:05:25.060 We also see that God is concerned with the nations from the book of Ruth. 00:05:25.720 --> 00:05:30.240 And we can be encouraged that he is still concerned and he commissions his children. 00:05:31.040 --> 00:05:36.800 The gospel is not just for Jewish people, but for the whole world, including Moabites like 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:37.660 Ruth. 00:05:38.300 --> 00:05:44.879 What is so encouraging is not only that God allowed Ruth to become part of his people, but 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:53.960 what is so powerful is he takes it a step further and uses her as a vital part of his plan of 00:05:53.960 --> 00:05:54.420 redemption. 00:05:55.620 --> 00:06:01.960 But finally, we study books like Ruth because of the models they provide for godly character 00:06:01.959 --> 00:06:02.620 as well. 00:06:03.299 --> 00:06:05.419 One commentator noted a few examples. 00:06:05.419 --> 00:06:10.779 He says, Ruth reminds us to be loyal, sincere, gracious, courageous, and devoted. 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:18.399 He said, Boaz gives us a model of manhood, justice pursuing and not passive, compassionate 00:06:18.399 --> 00:06:19.639 and not abusive. 00:06:20.319 --> 00:06:27.240 But in order for us to really get the most out of this book and many books like this in the 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:33.139 Old Testament, we have to understand the context and understand the background in which they 00:06:33.139 --> 00:06:34.019 take place. 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:40.620 You see, Ruth takes place at the same time that the book of Judges takes place. 00:06:41.139 --> 00:06:46.819 And Judges is the period of time from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the monarchy, 00:06:46.840 --> 00:06:49.960 to the beginning of King Saul coming onto the picture. 00:06:49.959 --> 00:06:56.039 And during this time, there was a famine in the land that was taking a toll. 00:06:56.399 --> 00:07:04.599 So much so that Elimelech and his wife Naomi decided to take their sons and sojourn in the 00:07:04.599 --> 00:07:05.879 land of Moab. 00:07:06.219 --> 00:07:11.639 Now, Moab is to the east of the Dead Sea and is in what would be considered modern day Jordan. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:15.759 And so during this time, tragedy strikes this family. 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:19.539 Moab starts with the death of the father, Elimelech. 00:07:19.959 --> 00:07:26.019 Then Naomi's sons marry Moabite women and tragedy strikes this family again as she witnesses 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:27.680 the death of her sons. 00:07:28.259 --> 00:07:33.219 And she begins to make her way back to Bethlehem with one of her widowed daughter-in-laws, Ruth. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:39.000 And then you quickly see a very unlikely love story that begins to unfold. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:46.980 And like many love stories, we like to see and celebrate two very unlikely people fall in love. 00:07:47.399 --> 00:07:52.740 You know, we love these stories of unlikely loves that take place. 00:07:53.100 --> 00:07:58.620 For example, if you look a lot of the Disney movies, you'll see a beautiful young girl and 00:07:58.620 --> 00:08:01.379 this monstrous beast fall in love in Beauty and the Beast. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:07.240 And you have a stepchild who's forgotten by everybody, falls in love with a prince and Cinderella. 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:14.459 Or possibly the sound of music where a failed nun and an army captain fall in love and they get 00:08:14.459 --> 00:08:14.800 married. 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:20.659 And so we love these stories of unlikely people coming together. 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:26.659 And one of the things that Tony Morita notes, he says, if you like these types of stories, 00:08:27.079 --> 00:08:28.899 he says, then welcome to Ruth. 00:08:28.899 --> 00:08:35.699 Here's two very unlikely people get together, an Israelite gentleman and a Moabite widow. 00:08:36.220 --> 00:08:43.980 And she ends up being one of the many times great grandmothers of Jesus, which makes this 00:08:43.980 --> 00:08:47.419 also an excellent lead in to Advent. 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:53.279 And so we're going to be looking at the story of Ruth all the way up to Advent. 00:08:53.279 --> 00:08:59.659 And so as we make our way to the coming of Jesus, we're going to end Ruth by looking at this 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:07.000 lineage and recognizing the significant role this Moabite widow played in the lineage of 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:07.360 Jesus. 00:09:07.559 --> 00:09:11.039 And so we're reminded and encouraged by all of these things. 00:09:11.559 --> 00:09:17.039 But one of the things that we also must realize is the setting that this takes place. 00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:23.159 Again, we said it was written at the setting is at the time of the judges, but it was written 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:29.480 probably well after that, given the lineage and given the reign there at the end of the 00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:29.839 book. 00:09:30.240 --> 00:09:36.419 And so what we see is that this was written after the judges, but it was written about a 00:09:36.419 --> 00:09:37.620 time during that. 00:09:37.620 --> 00:09:44.720 And so what you begin to see is this setting really giving us an idea of how to understand 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:45.759 the book of Ruth. 00:09:46.159 --> 00:09:50.080 What I found interesting is the placement of the book of Ruth in many texts. 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:57.379 For us in our Bibles and some other translations in Greek there, it takes place, it's set right, 00:09:57.620 --> 00:10:04.080 it's placed right in between Joshua and 1 Samuel, which makes a lot of sense chronologically. 00:10:04.080 --> 00:10:10.440 But when you take some of the Hebrew texts, you'll realize that the book of Ruth is typically 00:10:10.440 --> 00:10:13.580 in one of three locations in those Hebrew canons. 00:10:13.900 --> 00:10:18.020 Some of it actually place it at the beginning of Psalms. 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:25.720 And so the beginning of Psalms, we're reminded of this significant role that Ruth played in 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:29.259 the lineage of the great psalmist of Israel, King David himself. 00:10:29.259 --> 00:10:37.080 And then also some other canons placed it right after Song of Solomon, reminding us of the 00:10:37.080 --> 00:10:40.220 beautiful love story that takes place in the book of Ruth. 00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:47.639 But where most often you will find the book of Ruth placed in Hebrew canons is actually right 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:49.120 after Proverbs. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:52.419 And so what chapter does Proverbs end with? 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:55.019 Proverbs 31, correct? 00:10:55.019 --> 00:11:00.519 Proverbs 31 is the description of this virtuous woman. 00:11:01.199 --> 00:11:08.079 And so what you see are many of the characteristics that are listed as this virtuous woman are true 00:11:08.079 --> 00:11:09.620 in Ruth's life. 00:11:10.019 --> 00:11:14.519 And so as we look at all of these things, it's helpful for us to think about, but what is most 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:18.480 helpful is to place it during this time of the judges. 00:11:18.480 --> 00:11:25.180 And so as we look at the time of the judges, what we'll see is that judges describes what 00:11:25.180 --> 00:11:31.259 is happening to Israel on a larger scale, where it affects many different people. 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:38.180 And then in Ruth, you see what this time period, what happens to an individual family and how 00:11:38.180 --> 00:11:40.519 God continues to work in their life. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:46.340 And so when we look at the book of Judges, we'll be able to set the context for this. 00:11:46.340 --> 00:11:52.480 And so actually the first place that I want to read is not in Ruth, but I want to invite 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:58.220 us to look at Judges chapter 2, and we're going to read verses 10 through 13. 00:11:58.620 --> 00:12:04.080 And I believe this passage will help us tremendously set the stage. 00:12:04.660 --> 00:12:07.300 Listen to Judges chapter 2, verses 10 through 13. 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:08.300 It says this, 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:34.179 And they went after other gods from among the gods of the peoples who were around them and 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:38.179 bowed down to them, and they provoked the Lord to anger. 00:12:39.099 --> 00:12:41.719 So this is the setting for the book of Ruth. 00:12:42.219 --> 00:12:45.819 A time when people were not teaching their children the truth of God. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:51.379 When people were turning to other gods and turning their backs on the true God, and they 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:54.120 were rightfully experiencing the wrath of God. 00:12:54.459 --> 00:12:59.919 And it seems from this, and the promises that you'll find in Deuteronomy as well, that Israel 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:02.919 was experiencing a famine because of it. 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:09.079 And so as we work our way through the book of Ruth, we're going to move from scene to scene. 00:13:09.539 --> 00:13:16.179 And so the first scene I want us to look at, and we'll call it this, leaving Bethlehem or 00:13:16.179 --> 00:13:17.459 see the problem. 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:20.939 So leaving Bethlehem and seeing the problem. 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:24.139 And we're going to find this in verses 1 through 5. 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:28.600 And so if you have a copy of God's Word, or if you had an opportunity to pick up one of 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:34.279 these journals, I want to invite you to follow along as we read the first five verses to begin 00:13:34.279 --> 00:13:34.480 with. 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:35.360 It says this. 00:13:36.419 --> 00:13:36.819 It says, 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:41.919 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem 00:13:41.919 --> 00:13:45.439 and Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab. 00:13:45.819 --> 00:13:47.960 He and his wife and his two sons. 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:52.840 The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife was Naomi. 00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:56.780 The names of his two sons were Malon and Kilion. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:14:03.519 They were Ephrites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they went into the country of Moab and remained 00:14:03.519 --> 00:14:03.980 there. 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:10.320 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:12.519 These took Moabite wives. 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:15.560 The name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other, Ruth. 00:14:15.559 --> 00:14:22.199 They lived there about 10 years, and both Malon and Kilion died so that the woman was 00:14:22.199 --> 00:14:26.119 left without her two sons and her husband. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:32.899 And so what we see to begin with is there's a significant famine in Israel, and it's to 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:35.279 the point that it has reached Bethlehem. 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:40.539 And I say this is significant, that it's reached Bethlehem, because Bethlehem actually means 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:41.679 the house of bread. 00:14:42.079 --> 00:14:47.220 And so there is no bread in the house of bread because of this famine that is taking place. 00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:52.759 As I was thinking about that this week, my mind immediately went to a text I got from 00:14:52.759 --> 00:14:54.019 Josh not too long ago. 00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:59.759 If you have a youth or get those texts from him, you may have also received this text, 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:01.200 but it wasn't too long ago. 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:07.360 They were coming back from a trip where they spent overnight somewhere, and they were on 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:11.120 their way back, and we got a text saying, hey, we're going to be a little late. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:15.539 We stopped at Subway to get something to eat, and they were out of bread. 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:20.379 And I think if you're at Subway and you're out of bread, you should just lock the doors, 00:15:20.799 --> 00:15:23.299 because there's nothing else to serve, all right? 00:15:23.319 --> 00:15:25.240 I mean, all it is is sandwiches. 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:31.539 And so when I think about the significance of this famine, it's telling us that this famine 00:15:31.539 --> 00:15:33.720 has reached Bethlehem, the house of bread. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:37.060 There's no bread in the house of bread. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:41.120 And so Elimelech wanted to find a solution to this. 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:47.259 What you see here is a man, a father, a husband who is desperate. 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:50.019 He wants to provide for his family. 00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:54.840 There's a famine, and he wants to figure out a solution to his problem. 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:59.340 But the problem with his solution is that it goes against God's plan. 00:16:00.180 --> 00:16:05.159 The fact that Elimelech headed across the Jordan to Moab, east of the Dead Sea, suggests 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:11.440 that this was a localized famine for the nation of Israel, because where he's traveling to 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:13.259 is actually not very far away. 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:15.840 It's a place that you could walk to within a week. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:21.280 And so he's traveling to a land that's not too far away, and it lets us understand that 00:16:21.280 --> 00:16:25.860 this is a localized famine for the people of Israel. 00:16:26.680 --> 00:16:31.920 And according to Deuteronomy, if the people would repent, God would withdraw his anger 00:16:31.920 --> 00:16:33.240 and lift the famine. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:40.080 It seems, however, that Elimelech designed his own solution instead of calling on God for 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:44.420 mercy and repenting of his sins and the sins that plagued the nation. 00:16:44.419 --> 00:16:50.219 And so it's easy for us to look at this passage and condemn Elimelech, right? 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:56.679 Well, if you had just done what God had said, then there would be a solution to your problem. 00:16:56.959 --> 00:17:00.879 If you had just done what he had prescribed you to do, if you had taught this to your kids 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:04.259 and their kids, then you wouldn't have this problem that you're in. 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:09.700 But how often do we find ourselves in a similar situation? 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:15.860 You see, each of us have a problem that is bigger than a famine. 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:21.299 And I can say that with all confidence without even knowing how long this famine took place 00:17:21.299 --> 00:17:24.720 or how widespread this famine was. 00:17:25.120 --> 00:17:28.580 Because our problem that each of us have is a sin problem. 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:32.700 And that sin problem isn't just something that affects our today. 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:35.319 It's something that affects our eternity. 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:41.139 And so when we understand this, that we have a problem, then there must be a solution to it. 00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:45.759 And the bigger problem is that we all too often try to fix it on our own. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:49.059 We may recognize the fact that we are sinners. 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:53.980 But all of a sudden, we start trying to fix it on our own, just like Elimelech's trying to fix his problem. 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:56.460 We try to live a good enough life. 00:17:56.460 --> 00:18:01.480 Maybe if I just do enough good, maybe if I pray enough, if I come to church enough, if I give enough, 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:06.259 if I do enough of all of these things, maybe it will be enough one day. 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:14.640 But we all too often recognize that we have a problem, but we don't go to the right place for the solution. 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:22.680 You see, a lot of times if we were to understand our problem and respond to someone who asked if we know that we're going to heaven, 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:30.620 and if our response sounds something like, well, I hope so, I hope I've done enough good to maybe outweigh my bad, 00:18:31.279 --> 00:18:37.600 then that response is the response of someone who is trying to fix this problem on our own. 00:18:38.140 --> 00:18:41.960 That response is someone who's trying to do enough good. 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:48.519 If you say, are you going to heaven, and your response is, I hope so, I guess we'll see one day, 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:54.140 then that response is coming from someone who's trying to fix this problem on their own. 00:18:54.480 --> 00:19:01.340 They're trying to be good enough, do enough good, so that hopefully one day it might be enough. 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:08.500 Instead of resting in the promise of God that gives us salvation only found in Jesus, 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:14.220 the one who lived the life that you couldn't so that you could have a relationship with him. 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:17.420 You see, the gospel isn't morality. 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:25.900 It's not doing enough good, but it's resting in the fact that Jesus has lived the life that you couldn't live to give you hope. 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:27.519 Here's the good news. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:34.180 In Jesus, God gives us a righteousness that we cannot get on our own, 00:19:34.180 --> 00:19:38.400 and that this saving righteousness is received by faith. 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:41.900 It's not something you earn, but it's something that is given to you, 00:19:41.940 --> 00:19:45.440 and once you have it, it's not something that you can lose. 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:48.060 So the question becomes, what is your faith in? 00:19:48.560 --> 00:19:53.759 Is your faith in Christ, or is your faith in your works? 00:19:54.120 --> 00:19:59.220 Is your faith in the finished work of Christ, or is your faith in your works, 00:19:59.360 --> 00:20:01.880 hoping that one day it may be enough? 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:06.280 Because if it's in this, then it will never be enough. 00:20:06.540 --> 00:20:08.900 Only one has the power to save. 00:20:09.420 --> 00:20:13.020 So are you putting your hope in your works or in Christ's finished work on the cross? 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:18.560 And listen, no matter if you think that you have gone too far down this road, 00:20:18.820 --> 00:20:23.340 no matter if you think you're too far gone, that, you know what, I've just done too much, 00:20:23.820 --> 00:20:26.420 let me tell you that if you have breath in your lungs, 00:20:26.780 --> 00:20:30.100 it's not too late to give your life to Jesus. 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:35.439 And this brings us to the next scene in this beautiful story that we'll finish with, 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:39.319 and that is the journey home, or count the cost. 00:20:39.879 --> 00:20:43.279 And so we look at this journey home, and we count the cost. 00:20:43.939 --> 00:20:48.500 We're going to be looking at verses 6 through 18, but let's just start with verses 6 through 9. 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:50.500 It says this, 00:21:18.500 --> 00:21:37.900 At this point, Naomi has heard that things have improved in Israel. 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:42.900 She's heard that things have improved in Judah there, and she's wanting to return home. 00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:47.000 She decides to return home after she realizes the Lord has visited them. 00:21:47.340 --> 00:21:48.380 Things are improving. 00:21:49.820 --> 00:21:52.340 And so at some point along the way to Bethlehem, 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:57.180 whether it's a water break or a stop for a rest or maybe even a stop for the night, 00:21:57.600 --> 00:21:59.940 again, this is about a hundred-mile journey, 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:04.140 and so it would have taken, you know, five to seven days for them to walk. 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:08.200 And so somewhere along this journey, she sits them down and says, 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:10.920 Hey, you really need to return home. 00:22:11.320 --> 00:22:12.140 It's time for you. 00:22:12.200 --> 00:22:14.420 I appreciate what you've done for my sons. 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.920 I appreciate what you've done for me. 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:18.940 But now it's time for you to return home. 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:20.460 In verse 10, it says, 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.500 And they said to her, 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:24.259 No, we will not return with you. 00:22:24.580 --> 00:22:26.360 We will return with you to your people. 00:22:26.359 --> 00:22:28.039 But Naomi said, 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:29.779 Turn back, my daughters. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:31.839 Why will you go with me? 00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:36.000 Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 00:22:36.419 --> 00:22:37.919 Turn back, my daughters. 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:41.559 Go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:48.879 If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, 00:22:49.579 --> 00:22:51.899 would you therefore wait until they are grown? 00:22:52.639 --> 00:22:55.279 Would you therefore refrain from marrying? 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:56.940 No, my daughters. 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:04.180 For it is exceedingly bitter for me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me. 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:10.980 At first, neither Orpah nor Ruth want to turn back and leave their mother-in-law. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:13.379 But Naomi pleads with them. 00:23:13.819 --> 00:23:14.819 She encourages them. 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:18.500 She shares with them that it would be better for them to return home. 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:24.680 And what we see next is that she is partially successful in her pleading. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:26.839 Picking up in verse 14, it says, 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:30.220 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:34.579 And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:35.640 And she said, 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:40.000 See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. 00:23:40.520 --> 00:23:42.220 Return after your sister-in-law. 00:23:43.060 --> 00:23:44.060 But Ruth said, 00:23:44.620 --> 00:23:48.440 Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:50.160 For where you go, I will go. 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:52.380 And where you lodge, I will lodge. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:55.860 Your people shall be my people and your God my God. 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:58.680 Where you die, I will die. 00:23:58.740 --> 00:23:59.900 And there I will be buried. 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:02.259 May the Lord do so to me. 00:24:02.560 --> 00:24:06.640 And more also, if anything but death parts me from you. 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:12.340 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said, 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.519 No more. 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:17.920 Now this is one of the most famous passages in the first chapter of Ruth, right? 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:19.500 This is the part that we've all heard. 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.500 You know, where you go, I will go. 00:24:21.580 --> 00:24:22.759 Your people will be my people. 00:24:22.820 --> 00:24:27.400 And a lot of times, you know, that's just that love that you have when you first get married. 00:24:27.400 --> 00:24:29.880 That's kind of an affirmation of the vow. 00:24:30.280 --> 00:24:37.519 You know, when you first go to your newly wedded spouse's family and you meet all the people, 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:40.980 all the crazy aunts and uncles that go along with it, 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:44.300 and you get back in the car and in an act of love, you just go, 00:24:44.800 --> 00:24:47.100 Your people will be my people. 00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:51.300 But in all seriousness, when we get to this passage, 00:24:51.300 --> 00:24:57.300 we're reminded of the importance of the cost that is to following God. 00:24:58.040 --> 00:25:00.580 Naomi is telling them to count the cost. 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:07.019 You know, I've never been good at really counting the cost of certain things and saving my money. 00:25:07.120 --> 00:25:09.340 In fact, my parents used to always tell me, 00:25:09.600 --> 00:25:11.759 Well, that money's just burning a hole in your pocket. 00:25:12.100 --> 00:25:14.240 And it's something that they still tell me sometimes. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:21.120 But I can remember one time that I was really trying to save my money up for something. 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:24.519 I was young, probably six or seven years old. 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:29.199 And there was a tackle box that I saw that I really wanted. 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:34.920 This was a beautiful tackle box, and it came with a little bit of tackle in the box. 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:36.840 And I was like, I want this. 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:37.559 And it was $10. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:42.039 And to me, $10, it might as well have been $100. 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:45.839 And so I was like, I'm going to save my money up for this. 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:47.339 I'm going to work hard. 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:49.460 And I started saving and saving. 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:51.240 Just a little bit here and there. 00:25:51.339 --> 00:25:53.420 It took me a while to get up to a couple dollars. 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:58.060 And I'll never forget, I got to go over to my aunt and uncle's house, 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:59.580 my aunt Connie and Uncle Ray's house. 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:01.500 And I was helping them in the garden. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:05.380 And I was telling my cousin, Levi, who was a little bit older than me, 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:09.460 about this tackle box that I was trying to save up for. 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:11.840 Now, Levi, he was older. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:12.720 He had a job. 00:26:12.840 --> 00:26:15.180 $10 wasn't a big deal to him. 00:26:15.580 --> 00:26:17.820 And so he's like, well, I'll help you out with that. 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:20.840 And he had $10 in change in his room. 00:26:20.840 --> 00:26:22.320 And so we go to his room. 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:25.599 He starts counting out quarters and dimes and nickels. 00:26:25.659 --> 00:26:27.799 We are very quickly getting to $10. 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:30.720 And all of a sudden, my aunt walks in. 00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:31.839 She goes, well, what's going on? 00:26:32.159 --> 00:26:34.720 And I told her, I was like, I'm getting ready to buy a tackle box. 00:26:34.919 --> 00:26:36.939 I've been saving up for this tackle box. 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:41.200 Levi is helping me get to this goal overnight almost. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:43.419 I mean, just immediately, I could see the tackle box. 00:26:43.439 --> 00:26:44.679 I was ready to go fishing. 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:48.059 And then my aunt says, Levi, you can't do that. 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:49.799 I'm like, whoa, what? 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:52.500 Why can't he do this? 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:56.799 But she's like, he's not going to learn to save up. 00:26:56.839 --> 00:26:59.500 He's not going to understand the cost of this. 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:04.339 If there's not something involved, he's not going to understand the cost of this. 00:27:04.639 --> 00:27:07.299 At the moment, I did not appreciate that. 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:10.059 But that's something now that I can see. 00:27:10.159 --> 00:27:13.639 She was telling me very clearly that when we are going to follow up for something, 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:15.419 we've got to count the cost. 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:22.500 And so Ruth and Orpah are given a clear example of counting the cost of discipleship. 00:27:23.460 --> 00:27:25.259 Naomi lays it out for them. 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:27.820 She just says, I don't have anything to offer you. 00:27:28.300 --> 00:27:30.580 I have no other sons, none on the way. 00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:36.259 Even if I got married today, I conceived sons, and you waited nine months for them to be born, 00:27:36.519 --> 00:27:40.000 you still wouldn't want to wait for them to be old enough to get married. 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:43.300 She's telling him, I have no future to promise you. 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:49.279 It would be better for you to go home to your families, and so you could just start all over. 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:56.359 To me, this sounds very familiar to the times when Jesus told those wanting to follow him to count the cost. 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:59.680 He says, those who follow me won't have a place to lay their head. 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:03.980 You're going to need to sell everything you have, and then follow me. 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:05.759 Let the dead bury the dead. 00:28:05.839 --> 00:28:07.299 You need to follow me. 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:12.039 You know, it's easy to follow Jesus if it doesn't cost you anything. 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:17.680 If your idea of following Jesus means nothing in your life changes, 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:21.920 then all that means is that you don't like the idea of hell. 00:28:22.879 --> 00:28:25.519 It means you don't understand the gospel. 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:28.879 But I want to encourage you, that can change today. 00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:34.379 I want to invite you to seriously consider three questions as we close. 00:28:34.380 --> 00:28:38.280 First of all, do you see your need? 00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:43.920 It was very easy for Naomi and Elimelech to see the need they had. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.740 They had no bread. 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:48.600 And so they wanted to figure out what that next step would be, 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:50.980 so they tried to solve the solution on their own. 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:52.760 I want to encourage you. 00:28:53.020 --> 00:28:55.720 Do you see your need in your life? 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:58.440 Do you see the fact that you are a sinner, 00:28:58.440 --> 00:29:02.340 and there's absolutely nothing you can do to save yourself? 00:29:03.400 --> 00:29:05.559 And then kind of going along with those things is, 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:07.700 are you trying to save yourself? 00:29:07.820 --> 00:29:12.960 Are you trying to find a solution to that in your works or in the finished work of Christ? 00:29:14.080 --> 00:29:16.340 But the next question, after you see your need, 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:19.100 is I want you to ask, have you counted the cost? 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:22.279 Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:25.500 And then finally, are you ready to make a decision? 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:32.139 You see, many times I feel like people in areas where being a Christian is expected, 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:38.039 and let's face it, often celebrated like it is in the South at times, 00:29:38.519 --> 00:29:42.920 we live at the crossroads where Naomi is with Ruth and Orpah. 00:29:43.339 --> 00:29:45.160 We understand who God is. 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:47.639 We understand our need to follow Christ. 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:50.460 We have even started counting the cost. 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:53.380 And we know that we shouldn't reject Jesus. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:55.579 We know that's not the right answer. 00:29:55.900 --> 00:30:02.660 But we're not quite ready to give up following and living for ourselves to live for Jesus and follow after him. 00:30:03.360 --> 00:30:07.500 You know, we know that rejecting Jesus is not what we should do, 00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:10.519 but we're not quite ready to follow him either. 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:12.480 We've counted the cost, 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:16.700 and there's a few things that we want to do before we start following him, 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:18.920 before we go all in on this. 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:20.480 But here's the thing. 00:30:21.300 --> 00:30:24.279 Not making a decision is a decision. 00:30:26.580 --> 00:30:29.240 Not making a decision is not an option. 00:30:29.779 --> 00:30:31.720 Because when you don't make a decision, 00:30:32.100 --> 00:30:34.680 your decision is that you're not following Christ. 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:36.920 I want to encourage you today. 00:30:37.900 --> 00:30:41.539 If you've been trying to fix your sin problem by coming to church enough, 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:43.539 giving enough, being good enough, 00:30:43.539 --> 00:30:46.039 it may be time to make a decision. 00:30:46.659 --> 00:30:47.619 Now, don't get me wrong. 00:30:47.720 --> 00:30:49.619 There's a cost to following Jesus. 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:53.420 And the cost may not make sense to the rest of the world, 00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:56.399 but following Jesus is worth it. 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:58.639 You see, the cost is great, 00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:01.899 but the gain is greater. 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:04.500 The cost is significant, 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:08.599 but what we have by following him 00:31:08.599 --> 00:31:14.339 is so much greater than anything and everything this world has to offer. 00:31:14.339 --> 00:31:18.139 However, maybe you've decided to follow Jesus years ago. 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:20.059 You did count the cost, 00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:21.319 but for some time, 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:24.039 the draw of this world has been strong, 00:31:24.119 --> 00:31:26.699 and you need to affirm that commitment that you made years ago. 00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:28.379 Maybe you counted the cost, 00:31:28.419 --> 00:31:28.959 and you realize, 00:31:29.099 --> 00:31:30.319 hey, I want to follow Jesus. 00:31:30.939 --> 00:31:32.500 Following him is worth it. 00:31:32.679 --> 00:31:34.119 And for a while, you did that. 00:31:34.240 --> 00:31:36.679 But here lately, 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:39.480 that draw from the world has been great. 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:42.080 Maybe you need to just reaffirm 00:31:42.080 --> 00:31:44.440 and see that Jesus is your greatest treasure 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:47.180 and follow him with everything you have. 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:48.400 Wherever you are, 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:50.700 I want to encourage you to see God as the answer, 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:52.180 count the cost, 00:31:52.700 --> 00:31:53.539 and follow him. 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.940 Father, we thank you so very much. 00:31:57.140 --> 00:31:59.680 We thank you for all of Scripture. 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:02.120 Lord, we thank you for those places 00:32:02.120 --> 00:32:05.160 where the gospel is just laid out for us 00:32:05.160 --> 00:32:06.900 as clear as it can be. 00:32:07.320 --> 00:32:08.160 But also, Lord, 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:10.500 we thank you for these stories like Ruth, 00:32:11.140 --> 00:32:12.860 these narratives that remind us 00:32:12.860 --> 00:32:14.660 over and over again of your faithfulness, 00:32:14.960 --> 00:32:18.300 that remind us that following you is worth it, 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:20.820 that remind us even when life is difficult, 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.960 even when we have hardships 00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:24.720 that we are facing in this life, 00:32:25.080 --> 00:32:27.920 even when the miraculous doesn't take place, 00:32:27.920 --> 00:32:30.640 Lord, following you is worth it. 00:32:31.040 --> 00:32:33.340 And so, Lord, help us to see you in the midst of that. 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:35.419 Help us to understand who you are. 00:32:35.519 --> 00:32:39.039 Help us to see our need clearly today, 00:32:39.240 --> 00:32:42.359 but also to clearly see the path 00:32:42.359 --> 00:32:44.439 and the way that you have made for us 00:32:44.439 --> 00:32:46.240 to have a relationship with you, 00:32:46.379 --> 00:32:48.039 to take care of our greatest need, 00:32:48.079 --> 00:32:50.139 and that is only found in you. 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:52.539 So, Lord, help us to see you clearly. 00:32:53.079 --> 00:32:54.679 Help us to count the cost. 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:57.099 Help us to realize that entering 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:59.299 a life-changing relationship with you 00:32:59.299 --> 00:33:00.679 changes our life. 00:33:00.680 --> 00:33:03.539 So, Lord, help us to count the cost 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:05.380 and help us to follow you 00:33:05.380 --> 00:33:06.680 with everything that we have. 00:33:07.080 --> 00:33:09.100 Lord, we thank you so very much for Jesus, 00:33:09.600 --> 00:33:11.320 and it's in his precious name we pray. 00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:11.980 Amen. 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:14.860 I'm going to invite you to take your hymnal 00:33:14.860 --> 00:33:18.799 and turn to hymn number 588, Sanctuary. 00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:21.500 If the Lord is speaking to you this morning, 00:33:21.500 --> 00:33:24.940 won't you respond as we stand together and sing?