WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:11.519 Well, today's sermon text is Ruth chapter 2, verses 12 through 23. We're going to begin the reading at verse 11. So Ruth 2, verse 11. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:24.560 And as I read God's Word, and as you read it with your eyes, remember this is the inspired, inerrant, clear, sufficient, and infallible Word of God. 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:31.960 After I'm done reading, I'll say, this is the Word of the Lord, and you say, thanks be to God. 00:00:33.299 --> 00:00:35.420 All right, Ruth chapter 2, verse 11. 00:00:37.179 --> 00:00:45.519 Boaz answered her, Ruth, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, 00:00:46.019 --> 00:00:52.019 and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 00:00:52.020 --> 00:01:05.800 The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. 00:01:06.480 --> 00:01:16.920 Then she said, I have found favor in your eyes, my Lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants. 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:19.019 Verse 14. 00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:24.840 And at mealtime, Boaz said to her, come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine. 00:01:25.599 --> 00:01:31.240 So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed on to her roasted grain. 00:01:31.900 --> 00:01:36.799 And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. 00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:46.920 And when she rose to glean, Boaz instructed young men, his young men, let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 00:01:47.539 --> 00:01:53.979 And also pull some out from the bundles for her, and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her. 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:57.299 So she gleaned in the field until evening. 00:01:58.179 --> 00:02:03.140 Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. 00:02:03.140 --> 00:02:08.979 And she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. 00:02:09.180 --> 00:02:14.599 She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied. 00:02:15.020 --> 00:02:21.159 And her mother-in-law said to her, where did you glean today, and where have you worked? 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:24.199 Blessed be the man who took notice of you. 00:02:24.800 --> 00:02:31.860 So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, the man's name with whom I work today is Boaz. 00:02:31.860 --> 00:02:42.520 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, may he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead. 00:02:43.280 --> 00:02:51.020 Naomi also said to her, the man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers. 00:02:51.020 --> 00:03:01.020 And Ruth, the Moabite, said, besides, he said to me, you shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest. 00:03:01.580 --> 00:03:11.460 And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, it is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in any other field you be assaulted. 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:22.879 So she kept close to the young woman of Boaz, gleaning until the end of barley and wheat harvests, and she lived with her mother-in-law. 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:25.060 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:26.600 Thanks be to God. 00:03:26.939 --> 00:03:27.600 You may be seated. 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:31.180 Let's pray. 00:03:31.180 --> 00:03:43.300 Almighty God, the Lord over all, by your Holy Spirit, we beg you to please now illumine your sacred word once again. 00:03:44.260 --> 00:03:46.400 Open our minds to receive your word. 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:49.260 Teach our hearts to love your word. 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:53.200 And strengthen our will to obey your word. 00:03:53.640 --> 00:03:55.780 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. 00:03:56.260 --> 00:03:56.600 Amen. 00:03:56.600 --> 00:03:56.740 Amen. 00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:56.820 Amen. 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:11.000 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, my objective today is to proclaim to you the good news of the Redeemer's covenant kindness. 00:04:12.900 --> 00:04:17.720 That's the title of today's sermon, the Redeemer's covenant kindness. 00:04:19.040 --> 00:04:20.579 Can you picture the scene? 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:38.060 There she lays, her nose in the dust, the lonely widow, clothed in dirty rags, an outcast immigrant, surviving on rationed barley. 00:04:40.399 --> 00:04:43.159 Ruth was in this new nation by God's grace. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:50.219 Could she now continue trusting in the grace of the God of Naomi in this new land? 00:04:51.479 --> 00:04:54.479 It's like she could almost sing from amazing grace. 00:04:55.219 --> 00:04:58.620 Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. 00:04:59.519 --> 00:05:02.899 Now, it was grace that brought me safe thus far. 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:06.199 And she had to trust that grace will lead me home. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:08.959 That's where she was. 00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:11.879 And there he rests. 00:05:11.879 --> 00:05:18.019 The powerful landowner, reclining with honor. 00:05:18.859 --> 00:05:28.699 On his table are morsels of grain, roasted in olive oil, wine, servants all around him. 00:05:28.699 --> 00:05:32.339 He knows Ruth's story. 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:35.060 And he valued her character. 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:36.259 Look at verse 12. 00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:41.259 The Lord repay you for what you have done. 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:46.039 A full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel. 00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:47.980 Now, pay attention. 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:54.319 Boaz, he wants Ruth to receive a blessing, not from him. 00:05:55.180 --> 00:05:57.800 Look at who it is giving Ruth the blessing. 00:05:57.879 --> 00:06:08.860 A full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge. 00:06:09.660 --> 00:06:16.379 Boaz wants her to see the kindness of God, the Lord God, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:19.920 That's who Boaz is ministering to Ruth. 00:06:23.079 --> 00:06:29.519 Whatever Ruth would experience, whatever she would live out and taste and experience in this land of Israel, 00:06:29.939 --> 00:06:33.899 Boaz wanted that to teach Ruth about this covenant-keeping Lord. 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:43.500 He says, under the wings of God is whose refuge you have come to enjoy. 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:46.879 And I want us to think about that. 00:06:48.459 --> 00:06:54.420 See, the church proclaims to the world what the kingdom of God is truly like. 00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:59.120 And Martin Luther said the home is a little church. 00:07:00.519 --> 00:07:05.259 This has big implications for the way we teach our children. 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:06.959 We teach our spouse. 00:07:06.959 --> 00:07:09.859 We teach one another in the church of God. 00:07:10.639 --> 00:07:19.979 What we experience within the kingdom of God, it's meant to glorify and to teach and to proclaim and to show the marks of the kingdom of heaven. 00:07:20.979 --> 00:07:23.839 And that's what Boaz wants for Ruth. 00:07:24.219 --> 00:07:28.259 So everything we see here now in Boaz's field, keep that in mind. 00:07:28.259 --> 00:07:31.759 He's teaching her with every mark of his field. 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:36.920 He's teaching her the reality of the Lord God, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:41.139 And I want to show you first five marks of Boaz's field. 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:44.680 And Naomi identifies Boaz as their redeemer. 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:46.219 We'll get to that in a bit. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:49.099 But I'm calling this first part the Redeemer's field. 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:49.839 Five marks. 00:07:49.980 --> 00:07:50.099 Ready? 00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:55.200 Number one, the field of Boaz in this passage is marked by fellowship. 00:07:56.040 --> 00:08:04.700 We saw last time in Ruth how this powerful landowner and this immigrant, widow, their relationship begins with conversation. 00:08:05.320 --> 00:08:07.700 He's very kind and he takes notice of her. 00:08:08.060 --> 00:08:10.460 And she in turn is very humble and very grateful. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:18.840 But now that conversation, the foundation of any good relationship, it grows to a level of fellowship and communion. 00:08:18.839 --> 00:08:21.500 So picture that scene again. 00:08:21.619 --> 00:08:22.399 The sun is setting. 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:23.719 The cooks have the meal ready. 00:08:24.599 --> 00:08:28.079 But remember, in Israel, in the field, there's a social hierarchy. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:29.659 And Ruth knows her place. 00:08:30.159 --> 00:08:31.560 She's not only among the servants. 00:08:31.679 --> 00:08:33.360 She's outside of the servants. 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:37.759 She's like the poor beggars that come up last to pick up the scraps. 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:42.839 And she would be last among the poor beggars because she's not even from Israel. 00:08:43.839 --> 00:08:48.620 And yet, Boaz invites her to sit with his servants at his table. 00:08:48.840 --> 00:08:50.879 Look at verse 14. 00:08:51.840 --> 00:08:57.800 Boaz takes their relationship beyond conversation now to true fellowship, true communion. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:08:59.259 Verse 14. 00:08:59.460 --> 00:09:07.899 At mealtime, Boaz said to her, come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:09.040 In verse 14. 00:09:09.460 --> 00:09:12.580 Then he passed to her the roasted grain. 00:09:12.580 --> 00:09:27.259 So Boaz, the picture of the covenant kindness of the Lord God of Israel, he's saying to Ruth, this lady, I'm going to invite you to be near to me, to share now from my own table. 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:31.580 Dip your morsel, this olive oil roasted morsel. 00:09:32.240 --> 00:09:33.120 Dip it in the wine. 00:09:33.520 --> 00:09:34.060 It's yours. 00:09:34.280 --> 00:09:34.680 Enjoy. 00:09:34.679 --> 00:09:37.159 So it's marked by fellowship. 00:09:39.359 --> 00:09:43.639 Come, you sinner, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore. 00:09:43.739 --> 00:09:44.359 That's Ruth. 00:09:45.199 --> 00:09:51.479 But your Redeemer ready stands to save you full of pity, love and power. 00:09:51.679 --> 00:09:52.719 That's Boaz. 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:56.399 So the Redeemer's field is marked by fellowship. 00:09:57.200 --> 00:10:00.560 Number two, the Redeemer's field is marked by abundance. 00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:07.059 We're told in verse 14 that Ruth ate her fill and had some left over. 00:10:07.839 --> 00:10:12.839 Also after gleaning, Naomi then exclaimed to her in verse 19, where did you glean today? 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:15.019 And where have you worked? 00:10:15.699 --> 00:10:22.779 Blessed be the man who took notice of you, because clearly there has been an abundance given to you by this man. 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:26.479 The Redeemer's field is a field of abundance. 00:10:26.979 --> 00:10:27.599 Remember that. 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:34.440 Number three, the Redeemer's field is marked by his provision for her. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:36.920 The Redeemer's field provides. 00:10:37.300 --> 00:10:38.259 Look at verse 15. 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:45.320 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, let her glean even among the sheaves. 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:48.740 Let me explain what this means in their culture. 00:10:49.540 --> 00:10:53.120 Let me explain it first from Leviticus chapter 19 verses 9 and 10. 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:57.899 The instruction for God's people was a law to care for the poor. 00:10:58.919 --> 00:11:00.720 And this was an agricultural community. 00:11:01.139 --> 00:11:03.500 To have food, they couldn't just go to the grocery store. 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:11.700 They had to go out into the field to raise it and then to collect it, to prepare it, process it, and save it so it would last the whole year. 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:17.120 So it's a really big deal that during harvest time you have enough food for the whole entire year. 00:11:17.680 --> 00:11:22.000 And here was God's provision looking out for the poor in his kingdom. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:27.700 When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge. 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:31.159 Neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 00:11:31.440 --> 00:11:33.580 You shall not strip your vineyard bare. 00:11:34.080 --> 00:11:37.600 Neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:44.259 You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner, the traveler, the person who owns no land. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:47.799 And why? Why is it that God commanded that of his people? 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:53.360 He simply says, I am the Lord your God. 00:11:54.080 --> 00:12:00.299 In other words, in my land that I am giving you, Israel, I brought you out of slavery. 00:12:00.819 --> 00:12:04.200 In my land, I, the Lord, provide for the poor. 00:12:05.019 --> 00:12:11.460 So the Redeemer's field is marked by a general provision for all, including poor and sojourners, travelers. 00:12:11.460 --> 00:12:17.680 But it's also marked by a particular, a special provision just for Ruth as the individual. 00:12:18.280 --> 00:12:19.360 He took notice of her. 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:24.220 So God's law gives general provision and then particular provision. 00:12:24.560 --> 00:12:29.160 He says specifically for this one, this one I'm going to treat in a special way. 00:12:29.740 --> 00:12:32.180 Don't even go to the edges to gather the barley. 00:12:32.620 --> 00:12:35.400 Leave it in the edges and then she can go and get what's left. 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:40.019 Now, he doesn't just say harvest it all and then set it aside and let her just carry it home. 00:12:40.019 --> 00:12:43.720 He still requires her to do her part as a gleaner. 00:12:43.899 --> 00:12:44.879 That's still her role. 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:46.360 He's not married to her. 00:12:46.439 --> 00:12:47.720 He has no duty to her. 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:51.639 But he's showing her this kindness to teach her about God. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:55.699 See, God's law requires now you come and glean, leave it on the edges. 00:12:56.639 --> 00:12:57.439 And he's being generous. 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:59.500 He's showing the provision of God to her. 00:13:00.059 --> 00:13:02.759 And also the Redeemer's field is marked by protection. 00:13:02.939 --> 00:13:03.799 Look at verse 15. 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:06.479 He tells his men, do not reproach her. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:09.139 And in verse 16, do not rebuke her. 00:13:10.759 --> 00:13:13.039 This word could be translated as embarrass. 00:13:13.339 --> 00:13:14.419 Do not embarrass her. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:16.199 And think of it as a foreigner. 00:13:16.359 --> 00:13:17.740 She wouldn't know all of their customs. 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:23.259 Naomi actually had to teach her very specific steps of how to behave within this new culture. 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:25.679 And he's telling his men, don't rebuke her. 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:26.959 Don't embarrass her. 00:13:27.019 --> 00:13:29.679 He has compassion on this immigrant, this foreigner. 00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:35.379 Because he's teaching her there's loving kindness from God the Father, the Lord, for you too. 00:13:35.839 --> 00:13:37.699 This is what the kingdom of God is like. 00:13:37.899 --> 00:13:39.679 You've come to take refuge in his kingdom. 00:13:39.959 --> 00:13:42.259 You need to know what he's really like. 00:13:43.539 --> 00:13:48.879 We read then in verse 16 of the lavish generosity. 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:52.500 The Redeemer's field is marked by lavish generosity. 00:13:52.500 --> 00:14:00.940 Verse 16, we're told that he also commanded them to pull some out from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean. 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:02.220 So you go through. 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:04.039 Don't only leave it on the edges. 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:08.519 As you gather your bundles and tie up the barley, then also pull some out and leave it. 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:10.799 Let's be extra lavish generosity. 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:15.679 Not only abundance, not only provision, but generosity above and beyond. 00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:22.559 And we're told that Ruth took home to Naomi about an ephah in verse 17. 00:14:22.699 --> 00:14:23.559 What is an ephah? 00:14:24.199 --> 00:14:26.179 I had to work it out and do a little math. 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.579 It's about a bushel. 00:14:28.359 --> 00:14:31.779 I don't think anyone here is a farmer, though many of us grew up around farms. 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:38.279 But it's about like 35 liters, which is nine gallon jugs of grain. 00:14:38.379 --> 00:14:40.059 Okay, a gallon, we have a reference point. 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:43.099 You go to the grocery store, the big one of milk, that's a gallon. 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:46.720 So picture nine of those of grain. 00:14:47.300 --> 00:14:52.120 So once it's been all cleaned out, I mean, nine milk gallons of grain that she gets to bring home. 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:54.600 And how long would that last for her and Naomi? 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:57.840 For two people, that would last up to nine weeks. 00:14:58.340 --> 00:15:01.000 This is plenty of food that she gets to take home. 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:02.960 That's lavish generosity. 00:15:03.519 --> 00:15:05.240 Do you see the marks of the Redeemer's field? 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:10.500 Fellowship, abundance, provision, and protection. 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:13.000 And lavish generosity. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:16.399 I want you to pause. 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:21.300 We know that Boaz is teaching Ruth of God's loving kindness. 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:24.600 Is that how you view the kingdom of God? 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:28.759 Because Satan wants you to think the opposite of God. 00:15:28.899 --> 00:15:30.480 He is the father of lies. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:34.040 He doesn't want you to think of Christ extending fellowship. 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:37.220 He wants you to think you have to earn the right to be near God. 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:42.160 Satan doesn't want you to view God as abundant, as generous. 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:46.419 He wants you to think of God as miserly and stingy with you. 00:15:46.919 --> 00:15:49.139 But that is not true of the kingdom of God. 00:15:49.719 --> 00:15:51.079 Satan wants you to live in fear. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:56.740 And God says, no, in my kingdom, in my field, you have my protection. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:58.840 And the world will mock you. 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:02.740 And my family, in my field, you will not be embarrassed. 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:09.139 Well, it's not enough for you to see today the marks of the Redeemer's field. 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:11.919 You need to also learn a lesson from Ruth. 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:13.779 I'm going to go through this same passage now. 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:20.339 And I want to point out to you five responses of Ruth as the one that will be redeemed. 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:23.059 And keep this in mind as well. 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:29.620 If Boaz is teaching us of the Lord, Ruth is teaching us what it is to become now part of this family, 00:16:30.059 --> 00:16:32.759 part of this blessed people of the Lord. 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:35.339 Ruth responds first with confidence. 00:16:36.079 --> 00:16:37.220 Look at verse 14. 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:41.379 We read, so she sat beside the reapers. 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.460 Verse 14. 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:49.379 So upon Boaz's word, trusting in Boaz's character, she can see him. 00:16:49.480 --> 00:16:50.639 She knows this is his field. 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:55.000 She says, OK, walks up and sits down where he told her to sit. 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:56.800 Verse 19. 00:16:57.000 --> 00:17:01.240 Ruth told Naomi, the man's name with whom I work today is Boaz. 00:17:01.660 --> 00:17:07.019 And I'll remind you, the name Boaz means swift, strong and effectual. 00:17:07.500 --> 00:17:10.200 She has confidence in the name of Boaz. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:14.839 Naomi says, Boaz is one of our redeemers. 00:17:15.360 --> 00:17:16.660 You can have confidence. 00:17:17.160 --> 00:17:19.259 You can have confidence in the field of Boaz. 00:17:19.900 --> 00:17:26.059 Number two, Ruth responds as the redeemed with satisfaction. 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:30.299 She had been working very hard from the beginning of the day. 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:32.480 That's one thing everybody says about Ruth. 00:17:32.600 --> 00:17:34.079 She is a hard worker. 00:17:34.200 --> 00:17:36.519 She was probably very poor in Moab as well. 00:17:37.240 --> 00:17:41.960 And now she's here as the poor lady from another country with no husband, no hope in the world. 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:44.519 One thing she can do is get out there and work hard. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:47.379 So she is diligent. 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:49.619 Look at verse 17. 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:51.500 She gleaned in the field until evening. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:54.579 Then she beat out what she had gleaned. 00:17:54.779 --> 00:17:56.339 And it was about an ephah of barley. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:17:58.119 And she lived with her mother-in-law. 00:17:58.219 --> 00:17:59.339 We read in verse 23. 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:01.099 And she kept gleaning. 00:18:01.219 --> 00:18:06.019 Then we see at the very end of the chapter until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:13.379 Even though she had about nine weeks worth for her Naomi, she kept working, kept storing up, being frugal, saving and being prepared. 00:18:13.380 --> 00:18:14.900 So she was diligent. 00:18:15.760 --> 00:18:17.980 And then she also enjoyed satisfaction. 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:25.260 Her response was not only to approach Boaz, but then to abide there and to be satisfied with what he was offering her. 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:28.220 She had probably been running low on calories. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:32.500 Her hands were probably blistered and her back was sore. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:39.480 And then verse 16, we're told, yes, she sat there and she ate until she was satisfied. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:43.539 She found satisfaction in the Redeemer's field. 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:57.619 Chapter 2, verse 18 next, we see that not only did Ruth receive these blessings, but that part of her response was to share the blessings that she got. 00:18:57.619 --> 00:19:02.059 They would bounce off of her and spill over onto those in her life. 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:09.379 So the blessings overflow from the person redeemed onto their loved ones and onto those with whom they will share. 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:16.600 Verse 18, we read that she took it up and went into the city and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. 00:19:17.260 --> 00:19:24.520 And she also brought it out of brought it out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied. 00:19:24.520 --> 00:19:33.120 Not only was she satisfied, she then shared and blessed Naomi, blessed her loved ones with what she had received from Boaz. 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:42.279 And then the fifth observation on Ruth's response as the redeemed is number five, is that it results in praising God. 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:48.939 And she doesn't arrive at this on her own, but Naomi teaches her, see, this blessing that you've received, 00:19:48.939 --> 00:19:54.479 it needs to be resulting now in a praise, not to Boaz, but to God, the true giver. 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:59.459 She recognizes it as God's covenant-keeping kindness through Boaz. 00:19:59.460 --> 00:20:06.340 Now it was Boaz's godly life that strengthened Naomi's faith in God's covenant-keeping promise. 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.259 Look at verse 20. 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:10.460 Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, 00:20:11.160 --> 00:20:13.440 May he, now pay attention, who is he? 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:21.460 May he be blessed by the Lord whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead. 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:23.759 May he be blessed. 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:27.180 May Boaz be blessed by the one who blesses. 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:33.840 That is the Lord, and it's the Lord's loving kindness who has not forsaken the living or the dead. 00:20:34.160 --> 00:20:36.420 Remember, that was a big question on Naomi's mind. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:39.920 She was depressed when we last saw Naomi. 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:42.740 She was saying, can this God be trusted? 00:20:43.900 --> 00:20:44.880 Where is Jehovah? 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.980 Where is this covenant-keeping Lord? 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:49.779 Now she says in verse 20, 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:53.019 The Lord, it's his kindness, God's kindness. 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:59.620 He has not forsaken me who am still alive or the dead, my husband and my two sons. 00:20:59.980 --> 00:21:03.839 He is a faithful covenant-keeping God. 00:21:04.620 --> 00:21:08.000 Now circle the word in your Bible in verse 20, the word kindness. 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:10.400 Circle that word kindness. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:15.259 Because in the Hebrew, that word means, it's pronounced hesed. 00:21:15.640 --> 00:21:16.200 Hesed. 00:21:16.320 --> 00:21:17.519 Could you repeat that word with me? 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:18.680 Hesed. 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:26.400 Hesed indicates, according to Hebrew scholars, it indicates faithfulness to a relationship. 00:21:27.560 --> 00:21:31.740 So praise the Lord because he is faithful to his relationship. 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:35.840 Hesed is one of the Hebrew words for love. 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:42.179 It's translated in a number of different ways in our Bibles, like steadfast love, the mercy of God. 00:21:42.339 --> 00:21:46.139 When you hear the word kindness or God's loving kindness, it's hesed. 00:21:46.919 --> 00:21:49.759 It means the goodness of God in his relationship. 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:56.119 It means a totally undeserved kindness and generosity. 00:21:56.639 --> 00:21:59.299 One example is Isaiah 54 verse 10. 00:21:59.299 --> 00:22:09.259 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my hesed, my unfailing love for you, will not be shaken. 00:22:10.659 --> 00:22:16.220 Hebrew scholars say that hesed is not just a feeling, but it's an action. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:21.919 It intervenes on behalf of loved ones and it comes to their rescue. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:26.119 Hesed is one of the most fundamental characteristics of God. 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:30.039 Consistent with what we know about his covenantal nature. 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:35.259 Hesed is wrapping up in itself all the positive attributes of God. 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:42.119 Love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, kindness, loyalty. 00:22:42.639 --> 00:22:48.599 In short, acts of devotion and loving kindness that go beyond the requirement of duty. 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:50.159 That's the end of that quote. 00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:57.840 One of my favorite verses is Lamentations 3, 22 and 23, which simply says, 00:22:57.840 --> 00:23:02.580 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. 00:23:03.080 --> 00:23:05.740 His mercy never comes to an end. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.840 They are new every morning. 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:10.540 Great is thy faithfulness. 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:14.800 The hesed of the Lord never ceases. 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:21.980 Do you still receive the hesed, the covenant faithfulness of the Lord today? 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:26.539 Is that true for every generation, including yours? 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:34.619 Well, our confession of faith, the second London, explains our need for God's covenant faithfulness. 00:23:34.619 --> 00:23:45.599 All mankind has brought ourselves under the curse of the law by sin, but it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace. 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:50.500 Wherein he freely offers unto sinners life and salvation. 00:23:51.139 --> 00:23:56.519 God shows his hesed to his bride through Jesus Christ. 00:23:56.859 --> 00:24:01.219 We are now to see God's covenant faithfulness through Jesus. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:08.279 You can look to Jesus and know that God is faithful to his promise. 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:17.559 Boaz showed God's hesed to Ruth and Naomi recognized that kindness from Boaz as being the loving kindness of God. 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:25.019 The second London goes on to say that God's covenant of grace is revealed in the gospel. 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.860 What is the gospel? 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:31.479 It's given to us first of all in Adam. 00:24:31.959 --> 00:24:33.159 Genesis 3.15. 00:24:33.599 --> 00:24:42.439 In the promise of salvation by the seed of the woman and afterwards by further steps until the fullness is given to us in Jesus Christ. 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:46.159 What are those further steps that open up the gospel little by little? 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:51.719 Well, from Naomi's perspective, she would know the stories of her people. 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:56.420 She would know that the promised seed of Eve would one day crush the serpent's head. 00:24:57.079 --> 00:25:05.220 She would know that God was preserving that promised seed through Noah after the Lord punished the wickedness of the world with the flood. 00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:12.240 She would know that God had confirmed, I am still sending a redeemer and it'll be through the seed of Abraham. 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:18.700 She knew that this people had been set apart and preserved by God and put in the land under Moses. 00:25:18.700 --> 00:25:24.759 Now she's getting very close to the best picture, the best type of the redeemer. 00:25:25.340 --> 00:25:28.380 And that would come from her Moabite bloodline. 00:25:28.900 --> 00:25:30.500 And it would be King David. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:37.519 And then the greater David, Jesus Christ, our Lord, brings the full light of heaven, the full light of the kingdom of God. 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:39.559 So now we have that. 00:25:39.900 --> 00:25:46.339 By the help of the Holy Spirit, the full discovery of God's covenant of grace is now completed in the New Testament. 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:52.420 It's been fully reviewed to us in Jesus Christ, our only hope in life and in death. 00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:56.940 And God requires faith in Christ that you will be saved. 00:25:56.940 --> 00:26:07.620 He promises to give unto all those who are ordained unto eternal life, his Holy Spirit, to make them willing, willing and able to believe. 00:26:08.400 --> 00:26:14.200 Ask the Lord to bring you into his hesed, his covenant faithfulness through Jesus Christ. 00:26:14.440 --> 00:26:19.000 And then you get to enjoy your Redeemer's field. 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:24.779 And I want to show you how the New Testament confirms how Christ is the greater Boaz. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:29.480 Boaz foreshadowed this loving kindness of God. 00:26:29.899 --> 00:26:31.220 Hebrews 9.15 says, 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:38.440 Jesus Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:44.619 Since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed. 00:26:45.339 --> 00:26:53.279 The author of Hebrews says that Jesus Christ, by laying down his life, he was purchasing you for himself. 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:57.160 You are now sealed in time as his possession. 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:59.339 That means he is your Redeemer. 00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:01.399 And that's why we call him Lord. 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:05.579 God wants you to trust his covenant kindness. 00:27:06.379 --> 00:27:10.099 And he wants you to trust that it is marked in those same five marks. 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:19.440 The field of God, the covenant kindness of God in Christ is marked by fellowship, communion with God, Father, Son and Spirit. 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:21.920 1 Corinthians 1.9 tells us, 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:29.120 God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 00:27:30.140 --> 00:27:36.360 And isn't it beautiful just how Boaz engaged Ruth first in a conversation and then he invited her to his table. 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:41.580 That's exactly the picture of what Christ does with his people, his church. 00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:44.159 First, the conversation, the gospel. 00:27:44.679 --> 00:27:46.339 He brings his word to your ear. 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:50.079 He allows you to hear from him in the Bible, in his word. 00:27:50.480 --> 00:27:53.859 And he allows you to speak back to him, to respond. 00:27:54.139 --> 00:27:55.079 You must respond. 00:27:56.399 --> 00:28:01.159 And as you respond with him in this conversation, the Holy Spirit miraculously gives you a new heart. 00:28:01.839 --> 00:28:04.859 And makes you have confidence that you can come to his table. 00:28:05.319 --> 00:28:08.319 And you can enjoy the morsel that he's provided. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:11.200 You have the bread. 00:28:11.879 --> 00:28:16.559 It's a picture of the abundant harvest, abundance lavished over you. 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:20.500 And the wine, his wine, provided for you. 00:28:20.919 --> 00:28:25.500 You enjoy fellowship with God through Jesus Christ in the Redeemer's field. 00:28:26.419 --> 00:28:31.299 And yes, we're told in Ephesians 3 that his field, the kingdom of the Lord, is abundant. 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:40.720 Ephesians 3 says, God is able to do far more abundantly than all we could ask or think according to the power at work within us. 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:48.819 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:53.180 And his field is not only marked by fellowship, abundance. 00:28:53.180 --> 00:28:55.840 It's also marked by provision. 00:28:56.700 --> 00:29:02.700 We read in 1 Timothy 6 that we are to set our hopes on the, not on the uncertainty of riches, 00:29:02.860 --> 00:29:07.019 but on God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:11.580 Abundance in Christ, the glory of God. 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:22.859 And 1 Timothy 6, 17, we can confirm that God has provided abundantly and richly everything we need for life and righteousness. 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:25.519 And that's why we sing, great is thy faithfulness. 00:29:25.919 --> 00:29:28.359 Morning by morning, new mercies I see. 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:32.159 All I have needed, thy hand has provided. 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:35.399 Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, to me. 00:29:35.400 --> 00:29:41.540 You need to trust that the covenant faithfulness of God is marked by protection. 00:29:42.320 --> 00:29:47.900 1 John 5, 18, we know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:51.180 but he who was born of God protects him. 00:29:51.960 --> 00:29:53.700 And the evil one does not touch him. 00:29:54.800 --> 00:30:00.220 The Lord Jesus Christ took on flesh to protect those who he would give new life to, 00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.700 who would be born of God. 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:06.620 And he not only provides and it shows you his abundance, 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:10.240 he also lavishes more and more generosity upon you. 00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:11.360 And it's for his purpose. 00:30:11.580 --> 00:30:17.039 Just as he blessed Boaz, so the blessing would overflow onto Ruth and from Ruth onto Naomi. 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:19.559 That's his purpose for the church as well. 00:30:21.100 --> 00:30:25.019 In Ephesians 1, we read that in him we have redemption through his blood, 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:29.519 the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:34.059 which he lavished upon us with all wisdom and insight, 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:36.440 making known to us the mystery of his will, 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:40.099 according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ. 00:30:40.639 --> 00:30:45.900 And in 2 Corinthians 9, 11, we're told that you will be enriched in every way, 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:48.059 to be generous in every way, 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:53.220 which will produce in us thanksgiving to God. 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:58.759 So you can trust that the Redeemer's field in Jesus Christ is marked by fellowship, 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:03.860 abundance, provision, protection, and lavish generosity. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:10.900 And let's ask now, when our loved ones see our lives, our own family members, 00:31:11.600 --> 00:31:12.839 is that what they experience? 00:31:13.100 --> 00:31:16.680 Are we proclaiming the kingdom of God to one another in that way? 00:31:17.319 --> 00:31:19.039 We can't do it by our own strength. 00:31:19.039 --> 00:31:20.480 We need the help of the Lord. 00:31:21.159 --> 00:31:24.019 And then as our families come together as a congregation, 00:31:24.019 --> 00:31:27.019 that's our desire, that those who see this church, 00:31:27.119 --> 00:31:30.559 who are encountering Christ through the ministry of this congregation, 00:31:30.879 --> 00:31:34.099 that they will experience the kingdom of heaven in such a way. 00:31:35.460 --> 00:31:38.059 In just a few months together here as a church plant, 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:42.000 I want to just praise God for his faithfulness through you. 00:31:42.619 --> 00:31:46.159 To me, these are marks already of Reformed Heritage Church. 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:49.660 This is the mark of this community and this church family, 00:31:49.759 --> 00:31:50.860 and I praise God for that. 00:31:51.620 --> 00:31:57.140 And I don't want to let you go today without inviting you and appealing to you 00:31:57.140 --> 00:31:59.460 that you must respond. 00:31:59.920 --> 00:32:00.980 You must respond. 00:32:01.440 --> 00:32:03.540 As glorious as the kingdom of heaven is, 00:32:03.880 --> 00:32:07.980 it's not yours unless you respond the way Ruth responded to Boaz. 00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:11.500 How do you know if Christ is your Redeemer, 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:13.860 if he has redeemed you from your sin? 00:32:13.859 --> 00:32:17.159 Don't waste your life wondering that. 00:32:17.699 --> 00:32:19.379 You'll be miserable if you don't know. 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:21.799 You'll be distracting yourself. 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:27.219 You'll be trying to escape reality until you have that assurance of salvation in Christ. 00:32:28.240 --> 00:32:30.359 Who is it that has been redeemed by Jesus? 00:32:31.419 --> 00:32:35.839 Well, Revelation 14.4 tells us that those who follow the Lamb, 00:32:35.839 --> 00:32:37.619 wherever he goes, 00:32:37.619 --> 00:32:44.980 these have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb. 00:32:46.199 --> 00:32:48.039 Do you follow the word of Christ? 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:55.379 Your response to Jesus will show whether you truly trusted in his covenant kindness as your Redeemer. 00:32:55.380 --> 00:33:00.840 So now you must respond once again to Christ with confidence. 00:33:01.340 --> 00:33:02.380 Hebrews 4.16 says, 00:33:03.280 --> 00:33:14.260 So if Christ is your Redeemer, 00:33:14.259 --> 00:33:17.960 you will approach his throne with confidence, 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:19.839 not in your self-righteousness. 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:21.359 The opposite of that. 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:23.160 You've come to the end of yourself, 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:25.579 and you're trusting in Christ alone. 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:27.900 By his righteousness. 00:33:28.180 --> 00:33:30.299 He lived the life you could never live 00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:32.960 and gave it to you by grace through faith. 00:33:33.140 --> 00:33:36.220 So now you can approach him with confidence. 00:33:37.259 --> 00:33:38.379 Like the hymn says, 00:33:38.380 --> 00:33:40.400 Let not conscience make you linger, 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:43.700 nor of fitness fondly dream. 00:33:44.540 --> 00:33:50.340 All the fitness God requires is to feel your need of him. 00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:54.340 And I've been praying that you would feel your need of God today 00:33:54.340 --> 00:33:58.600 so that you can approach him by faith in Christ alone with confidence. 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:03.120 Your life in Christ is to be marked with satisfaction. 00:34:04.460 --> 00:34:06.180 We confess this every week, 00:34:06.180 --> 00:34:10.380 how we are not satisfied as we should be in our Lord alone. 00:34:10.820 --> 00:34:15.579 But this is the promise for all those who truly are united to God through Christ. 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:17.340 Psalm 22 says, 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:20.059 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied. 00:34:20.740 --> 00:34:23.260 It's the afflicted who God will satisfy. 00:34:23.940 --> 00:34:25.720 Ask him to afflict your soul, 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:28.940 to teach you to be satisfied in him alone. 00:34:29.639 --> 00:34:31.800 It's those who seek him shall praise the Lord. 00:34:32.400 --> 00:34:34.980 And so may your hearts live forever, the psalmist says. 00:34:34.980 --> 00:34:36.840 In Joel chapter 2, we read, 00:34:37.240 --> 00:34:39.840 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied. 00:34:40.500 --> 00:34:42.980 And I praise the name of the Lord your God, 00:34:43.139 --> 00:34:45.179 who has dealt wondrously with you. 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:51.960 And then Psalm 17 foreshadows the face of God in Jesus Christ, 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:53.500 when we behold him in his full glory. 00:34:54.559 --> 00:34:55.179 It says, 00:34:55.300 --> 00:34:57.300 I shall behold your face in righteousness. 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:58.340 When I awake, 00:34:58.760 --> 00:35:01.980 I will be satisfied with your likeness. 00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:08.860 Does the person of Christ satisfy your soul more than anything else? 00:35:08.860 --> 00:35:10.700 If so, 00:35:11.120 --> 00:35:14.240 then you can know that Christ is your redeemer. 00:35:15.260 --> 00:35:20.599 Your soul's only satisfaction is when you are in right communion with God through Christ. 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:22.519 Number three, 00:35:22.680 --> 00:35:23.059 diligence. 00:35:24.059 --> 00:35:26.140 You must respond as the redeemed, 00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:27.280 like Ruth, 00:35:27.380 --> 00:35:28.380 with diligence. 00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:30.380 2 Peter 1.10, 00:35:30.380 --> 00:35:32.579 Peter urges the church, 00:35:32.700 --> 00:35:33.059 Brothers, 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:37.380 Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election. 00:35:38.099 --> 00:35:39.640 For if you practice these qualities, 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:41.539 you will never fall. 00:35:42.119 --> 00:35:42.559 Beloved, 00:35:42.660 --> 00:35:43.980 since you are waiting for these, 00:35:44.099 --> 00:35:50.460 be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish and with peace. 00:35:50.460 --> 00:35:54.079 Are you reading the word of God with diligence? 00:35:55.099 --> 00:35:57.519 Are you concerned for the health of your soul? 00:35:58.599 --> 00:36:04.940 Are you longing for the day when Christ will return and he will look at your life and he'll see the work of your Holy, 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:08.240 of his Holy Spirit cleaning you day by day, 00:36:08.360 --> 00:36:08.980 little by day, 00:36:09.159 --> 00:36:10.300 grace upon grace, 00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:11.500 by his power. 00:36:11.500 --> 00:36:17.360 There is a reformer named Theodore Beza. 00:36:17.539 --> 00:36:19.920 He was John Calvin's right-hand man in Switzerland, 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:20.539 in Geneva, 00:36:20.539 --> 00:36:21.639 but he was like Ruth. 00:36:21.739 --> 00:36:23.219 He was a refugee, 00:36:23.619 --> 00:36:25.039 an immigrant from France, 00:36:25.139 --> 00:36:26.039 one of the Huguenots. 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:28.539 And as he lived in Geneva, 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:30.820 he was discipled in the church. 00:36:31.260 --> 00:36:31.579 Eventually, 00:36:31.900 --> 00:36:33.119 when Calvin passed away, 00:36:33.360 --> 00:36:38.960 Theodore Beza continued to provide guidance and biblical counsel over these group of churches. 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:41.519 And many came in there for theological training, 00:36:41.619 --> 00:36:43.760 went back to other parts of the continent. 00:36:44.659 --> 00:36:45.019 And I just, 00:36:45.220 --> 00:36:49.500 I've always stuck with me how Theodore Beza was described by those who got to work with him. 00:36:50.119 --> 00:36:56.480 He was described as one who always had his Bible with him and he read it greedily. 00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:58.340 I love that description. 00:36:58.900 --> 00:37:00.679 Do you read your Bible greedily? 00:37:01.039 --> 00:37:02.199 This is my Bible. 00:37:02.300 --> 00:37:03.179 I get to hold this. 00:37:03.599 --> 00:37:04.960 I get to have God's word. 00:37:05.699 --> 00:37:07.639 And you don't do it out of self-righteousness. 00:37:07.639 --> 00:37:11.359 God will not put more favor on you if you read your Bible. 00:37:11.719 --> 00:37:13.259 His favor is given in Christ. 00:37:14.379 --> 00:37:16.239 But do you believe that this is true? 00:37:16.619 --> 00:37:17.900 Because if this is true, 00:37:17.940 --> 00:37:18.799 it changes everything. 00:37:19.239 --> 00:37:21.000 If the gospel of Jesus is, 00:37:21.139 --> 00:37:21.599 in fact, 00:37:21.759 --> 00:37:23.579 the reality that we live in, 00:37:23.879 --> 00:37:25.279 and his kingdom is coming, 00:37:25.879 --> 00:37:27.079 and he has not been silent, 00:37:27.159 --> 00:37:28.739 he's given you his word. 00:37:29.379 --> 00:37:30.839 You will want to know him. 00:37:31.199 --> 00:37:32.900 You will want to devour his word. 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:34.179 You have it. 00:37:34.339 --> 00:37:35.699 You have it at your fingertips. 00:37:35.699 --> 00:37:38.279 Do you read his word greedily? 00:37:39.659 --> 00:37:45.219 Let's ask God to give us more of a desire to be diligent within his field. 00:37:46.099 --> 00:37:46.659 Number four, 00:37:46.919 --> 00:37:48.119 if you are in his field, 00:37:48.699 --> 00:37:53.199 his blessings overflow through you unto those with whom you share them. 00:37:53.939 --> 00:37:55.599 First Thessalonians 2.8 says, 00:37:55.599 --> 00:37:57.940 Being affectionately desirous of you, 00:37:58.259 --> 00:38:02.599 we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, 00:38:02.679 --> 00:38:05.279 but also our own lives, 00:38:05.819 --> 00:38:09.039 because you had become very dear to us. 00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:13.099 The mark of the kingdom of God and the church should be that. 00:38:13.519 --> 00:38:15.059 It's not only financial giving. 00:38:15.199 --> 00:38:17.139 It's not only proclaiming the gospel, 00:38:17.259 --> 00:38:18.839 though that's what we should be about. 00:38:18.840 --> 00:38:22.240 It's also sharing our own lives with one another, 00:38:22.640 --> 00:38:25.900 so that within the church we become dear one to another. 00:38:26.559 --> 00:38:30.840 The blessings will overflow with those who are in the field and the kingdom of God. 00:38:31.240 --> 00:38:34.380 And the fifth one is that you will praise God. 00:38:34.760 --> 00:38:35.860 When you see the reality, 00:38:35.980 --> 00:38:37.840 you get to live in his field and his kingdom. 00:38:38.120 --> 00:38:39.539 It'll result in praise. 00:38:39.539 --> 00:38:42.480 Just like Naomi told Ruth, 00:38:42.599 --> 00:38:44.900 you need to praise God for his blessings on you. 00:38:45.860 --> 00:38:47.259 God keeps all of his promises 00:38:47.259 --> 00:38:50.739 and all of his covenant kindness is given to us in Christ. 00:38:51.079 --> 00:38:52.820 We're told in 2 Corinthians 1, 00:38:53.239 --> 00:38:57.460 For all the promises of God find their yes and amen in Jesus. 00:38:58.320 --> 00:39:03.480 That is why it is through him that we utter our amen to God. 00:39:03.619 --> 00:39:05.759 It's for his glory. 00:39:05.760 --> 00:39:10.780 So how do you know if Christ has redeemed you from your sin? 00:39:12.100 --> 00:39:15.280 Will you respond in obedience to your Redeemer? 00:39:16.420 --> 00:39:19.380 And what is the next step of obedience for you today? 00:39:21.520 --> 00:39:24.620 Perhaps it's to become a member of this congregation. 00:39:25.560 --> 00:39:27.180 Perhaps it's to be baptized. 00:39:27.520 --> 00:39:28.980 Take that first step of obedience. 00:39:30.240 --> 00:39:34.440 Perhaps God is calling you to obey him by being more diligent, 00:39:34.440 --> 00:39:36.880 not only with your own time and communion with them, 00:39:36.960 --> 00:39:38.220 but maybe with family worship, 00:39:38.599 --> 00:39:40.880 to disciple those in your own household, 00:39:41.480 --> 00:39:43.740 to have those loving conversations, 00:39:44.500 --> 00:39:46.220 and to enjoy that true fellowship 00:39:46.220 --> 00:39:48.639 that's proclaiming the kingdom of God 00:39:48.639 --> 00:39:50.280 to one another within the family. 00:39:51.519 --> 00:39:53.619 To truly study God's word. 00:39:53.820 --> 00:39:55.200 And it's great if you have questions, 00:39:55.300 --> 00:39:57.340 because those questions will dive you deeper and deeper 00:39:57.340 --> 00:39:58.300 into God's word, 00:39:58.619 --> 00:40:00.139 and we're called to study it together, 00:40:00.280 --> 00:40:01.920 to grow as disciples together. 00:40:01.920 --> 00:40:05.599 Perhaps God is calling you to be more of a prayer warrior, 00:40:05.840 --> 00:40:06.940 to practice prayer. 00:40:07.320 --> 00:40:09.619 There's so many things we need to have a burden for, 00:40:09.680 --> 00:40:10.780 and we need to be praying for. 00:40:11.320 --> 00:40:13.539 Start with what comes naturally in your own mind. 00:40:14.059 --> 00:40:15.320 Are you burdened for your marriage? 00:40:15.780 --> 00:40:17.079 Are you burdened for your children? 00:40:18.180 --> 00:40:18.820 Pray for them. 00:40:19.440 --> 00:40:22.079 Are you burdened for your friends and loved ones? 00:40:22.519 --> 00:40:25.680 Maybe someone you know that needs the peace of God. 00:40:26.019 --> 00:40:27.200 Their life is in chaos. 00:40:27.340 --> 00:40:29.619 They need the peace of Jesus Christ. 00:40:29.619 --> 00:40:31.739 Maybe God's calling you, 00:40:32.319 --> 00:40:33.500 on top of all of this, 00:40:33.859 --> 00:40:37.299 that you would then aspire to become a deacon 00:40:37.299 --> 00:40:38.799 or an elder in this congregation. 00:40:39.460 --> 00:40:41.639 Maybe he's calling you to practice evangelism, 00:40:41.940 --> 00:40:43.400 to be unashamed of the gospel, 00:40:43.940 --> 00:40:47.039 to go to a busy street corner with Uriel and me, 00:40:47.380 --> 00:40:48.639 and proclaim the gospel, 00:40:49.179 --> 00:40:50.179 hand out tracts. 00:40:51.019 --> 00:40:52.719 Maybe it's to teach on a Friday night, 00:40:52.819 --> 00:40:53.920 to teach our Bible study, 00:40:54.000 --> 00:40:54.839 to prepare together, 00:40:54.840 --> 00:40:58.100 and maybe it's to even pray about missions. 00:40:58.660 --> 00:41:01.380 I was convicted as coming back from Camp Elam. 00:41:01.519 --> 00:41:04.720 You know, what if the Lord is calling some from among our group to go? 00:41:04.820 --> 00:41:05.700 We need to be prepared. 00:41:06.160 --> 00:41:07.880 In fact, we need to budget accordingly, 00:41:07.880 --> 00:41:11.360 so we can truly be part of reaching the nations with the gospel. 00:41:12.120 --> 00:41:16.000 So please respond in obedience if God is speaking his truth to you. 00:41:16.860 --> 00:41:17.340 Confirm. 00:41:17.940 --> 00:41:19.320 That assurance is a gift. 00:41:19.320 --> 00:41:21.380 If you can know that you are redeemed, 00:41:21.600 --> 00:41:23.780 you will enjoy peace in this life, 00:41:23.880 --> 00:41:26.180 the peace of the age to come right now, 00:41:26.420 --> 00:41:30.019 just as Ruth enjoyed peace in Boaz's fuel. 00:41:30.740 --> 00:41:31.480 Let's pray. 00:41:32.160 --> 00:41:34.680 From an Orthodox Catechism, question 92. 00:41:36.300 --> 00:41:39.080 We praise you, our Holy God, three in one, 00:41:39.600 --> 00:41:42.720 that Christ has redeemed us by his blood. 00:41:43.760 --> 00:41:45.220 Help us, O Holy Spirit, 00:41:45.300 --> 00:41:48.620 to respond in such a way that we become like a redeemer. 00:41:49.400 --> 00:41:50.739 Dwelling in his kingdom, 00:41:51.219 --> 00:41:52.480 abiding in his love, 00:41:53.059 --> 00:41:54.440 laboring in his field. 00:41:55.679 --> 00:41:59.380 May we show in all our living that we are thankful to God 00:41:59.380 --> 00:42:01.719 for all you have done for us. 00:42:02.119 --> 00:42:03.960 May you be praised through us. 00:42:04.839 --> 00:42:08.799 Work powerfully to renew our minds and redeem our lives 00:42:08.799 --> 00:42:12.679 so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits. 00:42:12.679 --> 00:42:16.679 And may our loved ones and our neighbors see in us 00:42:16.679 --> 00:42:19.119 a reflection of your heavenly kingdom 00:42:19.119 --> 00:42:21.739 and so be won over to Christ 00:42:21.739 --> 00:42:26.359 by the witness and work of your Holy Spirit in our souls. 00:42:27.019 --> 00:42:29.559 And help us to boldly proclaim your gospel 00:42:29.559 --> 00:42:31.159 by our lives 00:42:31.159 --> 00:42:33.919 and with our words for your glory 00:42:33.919 --> 00:42:37.419 among this beloved congregation of the Redeemer, 00:42:37.420 --> 00:42:39.380 our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:42:39.460 --> 00:42:39.840 we pray. 00:42:40.180 --> 00:42:40.500 Amen.