WEBVTT 00:00:00.300 --> 00:00:05.320 Let's read. Starting in Ruth 3, verse 3. 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:08.400 Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, 00:00:08.939 --> 00:00:13.800 My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may dwell, that it may be well with you? 00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:18.940 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? 00:00:20.219 --> 00:00:22.960 See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 00:00:23.600 --> 00:00:28.480 Wash, therefore, and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor. 00:00:28.480 --> 00:00:33.500 But do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:37.460 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:42.560 Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do. 00:00:43.140 --> 00:00:46.760 And she replied, All that you say I will do. 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:52.820 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:56.460 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, 00:00:56.460 --> 00:00:59.620 he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. 00:01:00.579 --> 00:01:04.480 Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:10.640 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet. 00:01:10.859 --> 00:01:12.579 He said, Who are you? 00:01:12.980 --> 00:01:16.040 And she answered, I am Ruth, your servant. 00:01:16.700 --> 00:01:19.740 Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. 00:01:19.739 --> 00:01:24.339 And he said, May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. 00:01:24.919 --> 00:01:28.259 You have made this last kindness greater than the first, 00:01:28.359 --> 00:01:32.159 in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 00:01:32.359 --> 00:01:34.539 And now, my daughter, do not fear. 00:01:35.099 --> 00:01:37.539 I will do for you all that you ask. 00:01:37.799 --> 00:01:41.579 For all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 00:01:41.579 --> 00:01:45.539 And now it is true that I am a redeemer. 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:48.620 Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 00:01:49.420 --> 00:01:53.159 Remain tonight and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good. 00:01:53.579 --> 00:01:54.439 Let him do it. 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:59.859 But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. 00:02:00.420 --> 00:02:01.920 Lie down until the morning. 00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:08.560 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. 00:02:09.020 --> 00:02:13.740 And he said, Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor. 00:02:14.099 --> 00:02:17.240 And he said, Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out. 00:02:17.539 --> 00:02:21.719 So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. 00:02:22.379 --> 00:02:23.819 Then she went into the city. 00:02:24.539 --> 00:02:28.639 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, How did you fare, my daughter? 00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:36.119 Then she told her all that the man had done for her, saying, These six measures of barley he gave to me. 00:02:36.179 --> 00:02:40.019 For he said to me, You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law. 00:02:40.500 --> 00:02:45.459 She replied, Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out. 00:02:45.719 --> 00:02:48.939 For the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today. 00:02:54.819 --> 00:02:55.459 Thanks, Zoe. 00:02:57.599 --> 00:02:58.279 Well, good morning. 00:02:58.639 --> 00:03:00.559 It's me again. 00:03:01.799 --> 00:03:02.479 Sorry about that. 00:03:04.479 --> 00:03:05.399 My name is Oscar. 00:03:05.859 --> 00:03:10.659 If you don't know me, I serve as one of the elders here at Watermark Church. 00:03:11.459 --> 00:03:12.359 Welcome to everyone. 00:03:13.019 --> 00:03:14.879 Special welcome to our guests this morning. 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:19.139 Great to see so many friendly faces and some new faces as well. 00:03:20.599 --> 00:03:24.279 Let me pray for us as we look into God's word today. 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:24.780 Father. 00:03:24.780 --> 00:03:25.280 Father. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:26.280 Father. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.080 Father. 00:03:30.120 --> 00:03:37.560 Father, I pray that our hearts will be humble and contrite as we consider your word this morning. 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:39.060 Thank you so much. 00:03:39.060 --> 00:03:53.900 Thank you, God, that we have the Bible, your word, which is so powerful, which speaks truth, which heals our hearts, which challenges us, which shows us the incredible gift that is Jesus. 00:03:53.900 --> 00:03:55.039 As I speak. 00:03:55.039 --> 00:03:55.360 As I speak. 00:03:55.360 --> 00:04:03.900 As I speak and as we listen, I pray all of our hearts would be soft and tender and and to receive your message today. 00:04:03.900 --> 00:04:06.080 Lord, help me to speak clearly. 00:04:06.080 --> 00:04:08.460 Help your message to come through. 00:04:08.920 --> 00:04:13.940 I pray, God, that we would see the incredible beauty of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:04:14.740 --> 00:04:16.139 In his name we pray. 00:04:16.960 --> 00:04:17.300 Amen. 00:04:21.020 --> 00:04:26.819 For 20 years, I worked in the financial industry with some of you here, actually. 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:30.360 Each year was like a marathon. 00:04:30.360 --> 00:04:38.759 I work really, really hard each year to prove myself, and at my year-end review, hopefully I would get a reward for my efforts. 00:04:39.319 --> 00:04:40.460 Maybe a bonus. 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:42.580 Maybe a promotion. 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:45.360 Maybe a nice pat on the back. 00:04:45.460 --> 00:04:46.180 Great job, Oscar. 00:04:47.259 --> 00:04:49.900 In university, I played for my tennis team. 00:04:50.740 --> 00:04:55.759 And at the beginning of each season, my teammates and I, we would be jostling for position. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:05:01.620 We played challenge matches against each other to see who would start on the team that season. 00:05:03.420 --> 00:05:13.300 In this world we live in, if we pursue something, when we want something, we are asked, we're forced to prove ourself. 00:05:14.199 --> 00:05:18.879 To get into school, our children must present their portfolios. 00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:22.439 To get a job, we must polish that CV. 00:05:22.439 --> 00:05:30.360 And this morning, as we look into Ruth chapter 3, I'd like us to sit on this question. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:34.240 How are we to approach Jesus? 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:39.519 What are we to bring to Jesus when we come to him? 00:05:42.199 --> 00:05:49.459 Over the past few weeks, if you have not been with us, we've been looking at this beautiful book, this beautiful short story called Ruth. 00:05:49.459 --> 00:05:53.879 Over the last few weeks, we looked at chapter 1. 00:05:54.719 --> 00:05:58.099 And in that chapter, we saw that Naomi, she loses everything. 00:05:58.759 --> 00:06:06.039 She loses her husband, her sons, her protection, security, everything that she cared about was gone. 00:06:07.159 --> 00:06:10.459 But God intervenes and provides her a glimmer of hope. 00:06:11.099 --> 00:06:12.459 He provides food back in Bethlehem. 00:06:12.459 --> 00:06:17.339 And he provides her Ruth, who would cling to her and care for her. 00:06:18.299 --> 00:06:28.359 In chapter 2, we saw that Ruth, with great, incredible faith, she ventures out into the fields in spite of the risks and the danger to find food. 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:34.959 And there, she meets Boaz, who showers her with unmerited grace and kindness. 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:37.939 And so that's where we are now. 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:40.239 And we pick the story up in chapter 3. 00:06:41.279 --> 00:06:44.639 So this morning, we'll look at chapter 3 in four parts. 00:06:45.299 --> 00:06:50.379 The plan, the approach, the response, and the pledge. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:52.659 Let's dive in. 00:06:52.859 --> 00:06:53.240 The plan. 00:06:54.859 --> 00:07:01.039 Chapter 3, verse 1, begins with Naomi urging Ruth to approach Boaz. 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:12.000 We learn in chapter 2 that Boaz is a relative of Naomi's dead husband, Elimelech, and therefore could be a potential kinsman redeemer. 00:07:12.960 --> 00:07:28.000 Meaning, Boaz, because he was a near relative, could potentially redeem or restore the honor, the position, and future of both Ruth and Naomi in a number of possible ways, but at great cost to himself. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:35.240 And here, Naomi's idea is that Boaz could provide rest for Ruth. 00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:43.519 In chapter 1, when Naomi was returning to Bethlehem, she told Ruth to stay in Moab. 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:55.339 And there you'll find rest by potentially remarrying and reestablishing permanent security, provision, and honor in a husband and family. 00:07:55.339 --> 00:08:07.239 And that evening, Boaz would be spending the night on the threshing floor outside the city, where farmers would take harvested grain to winnow. 00:08:08.099 --> 00:08:09.139 Should be a picture up there. 00:08:09.739 --> 00:08:16.699 A process whereby you use a pitchfork to throw a bunch of grain and straw and chaff in the air. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:22.279 The heavier grain that you want would fall to the ground, and the unwanted chaff would blow away. 00:08:22.279 --> 00:08:29.879 This usually happened at night, as a night breeze was helpful in this separation process. 00:08:31.019 --> 00:08:34.919 But the threshing floor was a dangerous and immoral place. 00:08:35.939 --> 00:08:41.519 The farmers, typically men, would stay there all night, guarding their coveted grain. 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:50.840 And after an evening of winnowing, and perhaps a bit too much wine, the men would often engage with prostitutes. 00:08:51.819 --> 00:08:59.480 Hosea chapter 9, verse 1, mentions that prostitution and immorality were rife on the threshing floor. 00:09:00.759 --> 00:09:07.059 And yet, Naomi comes up with this elaborate and risky plan for Ruth to approach Boaz. 00:09:07.059 --> 00:09:14.959 She instructs Ruth to take a bath, put on perfume, wear her cloak. 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:18.759 Other translations say, put on fresh clothes. 00:09:19.639 --> 00:09:25.099 Don't let Boaz see you until he's had enough to eat and drink, she tells Ruth. 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:32.719 And then when he lies down to sleep, uncover his feet, lie down, and Boaz will tell you what to do. 00:09:33.599 --> 00:09:35.259 What is going on here? 00:09:35.259 --> 00:09:46.519 Well, first, it's important to note that just because Naomi's plan is in the Bible, it's not meant to be prescriptive. 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:51.019 The book of Ruth, sorry, singles, is not about dating. 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:58.639 Chapter 3 is not a dating manual about who should approach who and how. 00:09:58.639 --> 00:10:10.879 What we do see, however, is A, it's likely that Ruth was still grieving over the death of her husband, Malon. 00:10:11.539 --> 00:10:14.779 And now that time is over, it's time to change clothes. 00:10:15.139 --> 00:10:18.519 It's time to throw away the clothes that were meant for grieving. 00:10:18.519 --> 00:10:25.139 In 2 Samuel, chapter 12, King David does the exact same thing. 00:10:26.980 --> 00:10:35.799 After the death of his son, when David had finished grieving, he washed, anointed himself, and then he put on fresh clothes. 00:10:35.799 --> 00:10:46.899 But B, more importantly, we see here the heart behind the plan, which shows Naomi and Ruth's desire to honor Boaz. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:58.459 Of course, Boaz is not Jesus, but he is a worthy man and has acted as God's agent of kindness to both Ruth and Naomi. 00:10:58.779 --> 00:11:02.799 And therefore, he shows characteristics of Jesus in many ways. 00:11:03.600 --> 00:11:14.139 And most importantly, he is a kinsman redeemer, holding a special familial position and therefore could possibly redeem Ruth and Naomi. 00:11:14.139 --> 00:11:44.120 He's special. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:46.659 When you meet the king or queen, you wear your best suit and tie. 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:51.879 How about us when we approach God? 00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:55.659 How do we prepare ourselves? 00:11:56.559 --> 00:12:04.259 When we come to God, when we open his word and when we pray, do we approach him with a contrite and humble heart? 00:12:05.679 --> 00:12:09.679 With focus, attention and without distraction. 00:12:09.679 --> 00:12:17.399 Or when we open the Bible, we read, but then there's a hundred iPhone notifications coming on and we're distracted. 00:12:18.139 --> 00:12:23.819 Or we open his word at 1130 p.m. at night and then we fall asleep midway. 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:30.780 Or do we rush to Sunday service and we get here at 1134 a.m. 00:12:31.620 --> 00:12:33.200 Heart and mind distracted. 00:12:34.800 --> 00:12:35.700 Come early, guys. 00:12:35.760 --> 00:12:36.260 That's what I'm saying. 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:36.480 Okay. 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:40.060 To settle our hearts. 00:12:40.059 --> 00:12:43.699 We do that to settle our hearts, to prepare our hearts. 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:46.639 We've come to worship the great King Jesus. 00:12:47.839 --> 00:12:53.799 Now, also, look how easily Ruth agreed to Naomi's dangerous and risky plan. 00:12:53.799 --> 00:13:00.819 Last week, we saw that going into the fields to glean was very dangerous for Ruth. 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:10.079 And it was only because Boaz showed incredible favor towards Ruth, offering her safety and protection that she was able to glean for that entire season. 00:13:11.079 --> 00:13:21.120 So how much more would Ruth be putting her very life at risk, venturing down to the threshing floor at the dead of night with no one to protect her? 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:36.679 But Ruth shows unwavering faith in God, which drove her to continue to make good on her promise to cling to, to protect, to love Naomi, even if it meant putting herself in danger. 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:42.039 Ruth responds to Naomi's plan in verse five. 00:13:43.060 --> 00:13:43.840 Simple response. 00:13:44.659 --> 00:13:46.680 All you say, I will do. 00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:48.139 The plan. 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:49.680 Will it work? 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:55.560 Well, Ruth indeed does everything Naomi instructs her to do. 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:59.019 She discreetly heads down to the threshing floor. 00:13:59.580 --> 00:14:05.919 And after Boaz has had enough to eat and drink, he lies down at the end of a pile of barley. 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:12.519 Ruth then quietly goes and uncovers Boaz's feet and lays down there. 00:14:13.740 --> 00:14:16.100 Around midnight, Boaz, he wakes up. 00:14:16.180 --> 00:14:17.460 He's half asleep. 00:14:17.460 --> 00:14:20.680 He's startled and he senses someone near him. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:23.280 And he says to the dark, who are you? 00:14:24.780 --> 00:14:25.580 Ruth replies. 00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:26.720 Verse nine. 00:14:27.660 --> 00:14:29.620 I am Ruth, your servant. 00:14:30.280 --> 00:14:32.560 Spread your wings over your servant. 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:34.639 For you are a redeemer. 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:40.240 Let's put ourselves in Ruth's shoes for a moment. 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:51.720 Imagine being Ruth on the threshing floor, heart pounding, perhaps worried about being mistaken for a prostitute, wondering how Boaz would respond. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:56.360 Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:15:01.279 Stepping out in faith to ask the boss for his hand in marriage. 00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:06.740 Doing this in spite of knowing her place in the social ecosystem of Bethlehem. 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:08.600 Many strikes against her. 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:10.259 A Moabite foreigner. 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:11.240 A woman. 00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:14.840 A poor widow with no husband or protector. 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:16.240 The lowest on the low. 00:15:16.700 --> 00:15:17.639 The lowest of the low. 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:21.019 On the social ecosystem of her town. 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:25.080 Notice Ruth says, I am your servant. 00:15:25.440 --> 00:15:34.340 A small upgrade from chapter two where she said, where she saw herself solely as a foreigner and not even one of your servants. 00:15:34.340 --> 00:15:40.580 Life has gotten a little bit better for Ruth at the end of the harvest season. 00:15:41.399 --> 00:15:43.580 Boaz provided food from his field. 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:45.220 He provided protection. 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:53.139 But on that threshing floor, Ruth is asking for more because Ruth knows she needs more. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:58.800 Her proposal to Boaz is a desperate cry for permanent rest. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:01.980 She's asking to be saved. 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:07.600 Because Ruth and Naomi didn't just need food for one season. 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:12.060 The two destitute widows needed provision for the rest of their lives. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:16.159 They didn't just need protection from the dangerous men in the fields. 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:17.980 They faced an existential crisis. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.320 The line of Elimelech. 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:23.240 Naomi's ex-husband. 00:16:23.600 --> 00:16:24.139 Dead husband. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:26.460 And the line of Malon. 00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:28.060 Ruth's dead husband. 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:30.720 Was about to be wiped off the family tree. 00:16:30.720 --> 00:16:39.440 Now maybe in our culture and in today, in this modern age, that doesn't really resonate for us. 00:16:39.660 --> 00:16:47.139 But back then in ancient times, having a son and extending your family line, that was everything. 00:16:47.139 --> 00:16:59.480 And so, having your family wiped off from the family tree was like us having our bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate portfolio go to zero overnights. 00:16:59.980 --> 00:17:03.139 Plus, we lose all our family and friends. 00:17:04.139 --> 00:17:08.920 Plus, we lose our dignity and reputation all at the same time. 00:17:08.920 --> 00:17:17.640 That night, Ruth wasn't just looking for a husband or for companionship because she was lonely. 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:21.920 Ruth needed a savior, a redeemer. 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:25.420 And she held nothing back. 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:34.759 And in faith, despite the risks, in her proposal to Boaz, she puts her life in God's hands. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:45.920 And so today, whether you're a Christian or maybe you're seeking, the question is, do you think you need saving? 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:49.440 Or how much do you think you need saving? 00:17:49.440 --> 00:17:56.220 The reality is, is that in our natural state, without God, all of us are like Ruth. 00:17:56.820 --> 00:17:57.220 Broken. 00:17:58.660 --> 00:17:59.019 Weak. 00:17:59.880 --> 00:18:00.600 And destitute. 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:02.980 Sinners. 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:04.299 Without hope. 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:11.720 But I think most of us, if we're honest, probably think that we're pretty decent. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:13.019 We're educated. 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.980 We have good jobs. 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:16.340 We have nice families. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:19.019 Most of the time, yeah, we do good. 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:28.100 But as Isaiah writes, all of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each to his own way. 00:18:29.160 --> 00:18:30.380 The reality is this. 00:18:30.539 --> 00:18:33.759 We aren't just drowning and need rescuing. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:34.860 We've actually drowned. 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:38.180 In our sin, we are dead. 00:18:39.400 --> 00:18:42.200 We need someone worthy and perfect. 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:50.600 Someone who is our family to bring us back to life, to a new life, with a new identity, with a new purpose. 00:18:50.860 --> 00:18:55.340 All of us, like Ruth, are in desperate need of a savior. 00:18:55.339 --> 00:18:58.939 And there's only one God-man that can save. 00:18:58.939 --> 00:19:04.720 And today, he beckons all of us with open arms to approach him. 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:07.660 His name is Jesus Christ. 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:09.200 Do you know him? 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:21.960 And like Ruth, who approaches Boaz with nothing but complete desperation and faith, we don't need to approach Jesus with anything. 00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:26.160 Just our empty hands and our faith. 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:29.039 He doesn't demand perfection from us. 00:19:29.360 --> 00:19:35.059 He doesn't demand anything from us but desperate faith and humble dependence. 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:42.419 For Jesus opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 00:19:44.119 --> 00:19:46.720 Our prayer is, Lord, I need you today. 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:48.599 I can do nothing without you. 00:19:48.679 --> 00:19:50.179 I cannot do my job without you. 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:50.839 It's too difficult. 00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:54.039 I can't love my parents or family without you. 00:19:54.099 --> 00:19:54.779 It's too difficult. 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.419 God, give me the strength. 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:59.539 I can't witness to my colleagues because I'm too timid. 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:00.460 God, give me the strength. 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:02.619 Lord, I need you. 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:12.779 And Ruth approaches her redeemer, Boaz, and says, spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:20.539 This phrase, spread your wings or spread your garment, it's a saying that symbolizes marriage. 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:33.079 In Ezekiel 16, 8, the passage describes this as God spreads his wings over his people Israel in a show of loving commitment. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:39.339 Ruth asks Boaz to marry her and to be her permanent protector. 00:20:40.939 --> 00:20:47.259 In chapter 1, Boaz said Ruth had come to the people of Israel to find protection under the wings of God. 00:20:47.639 --> 00:20:52.259 And now, Ruth reminds Boaz, be part of God's plan. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:53.579 Protect me. 00:20:54.179 --> 00:20:56.099 Provide for me and my family. 00:20:56.980 --> 00:20:58.939 Spread your wings over me. 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:10.600 But isn't it risky for Ruth to approach Boaz, especially with nothing in her position of weakness? 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:19.960 See, the only reason why Ruth could approach Boaz that night on the threshing floor is because she knew the type of man Boaz was. 00:21:20.660 --> 00:21:21.759 A worthy man. 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.860 A God-fearing man. 00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:35.539 She didn't know how Boaz would respond, but she knew enough and had enough faith to put herself in Boaz's hands, to completely surrender to his response. 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:41.259 And how does Boaz respond to Ruth's proposal? 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.659 Well, we see that in verse 10. 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:44.919 It's beautiful. 00:21:45.699 --> 00:21:48.899 With immediate joy and with a firm commitment. 00:21:48.900 --> 00:21:57.580 Boaz is genuinely full of excitement and joy when Ruth asks him to spread his wings over her. 00:21:58.640 --> 00:22:03.680 Ruth admits he's an older guy and thinks Ruth could have gone after the younger men. 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:05.040 But she didn't. 00:22:06.600 --> 00:22:14.240 And so, it's at this point in the story that we realize that Boaz loves Ruth. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:19.539 He longed to be with her and to take her as his wife. 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:29.200 In spite of her past and her current destitution, he loved this Moabite foreigner, this poor widowed woman, because of her character. 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:39.519 Back in chapter 2, Boaz showed incredible kindness to Ruth in providing grain and protection for a harvest season. 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:43.819 But back then, his true feelings were ambiguous. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:48.180 Was he showing favor out of empathy and compassion? 00:22:49.240 --> 00:23:04.839 But now here, it's clear that the admiration he had for Ruth, for her humility, for her loyalty to Naomi, for her robust work ethic, for her faith, has now turned into love. 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:07.579 Boaz loved Ruth. 00:23:07.579 --> 00:23:12.960 And he commits then and there to redeem and marry Ruth. 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:15.039 Verse 11. 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:17.399 Now, my daughter, do not fear. 00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:19.839 I will do for you all that you ask. 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:24.039 For all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 00:23:24.939 --> 00:23:25.199 Yes. 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:30.500 Boaz had compassion on Ruth, and yet he loved Ruth. 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:38.119 Now, isn't this such a beautiful picture of Christ's redemptive love for us? 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:46.920 Despite the great cost and sacrifice, Jesus committed to redeeming us from our sinful state by going to the cross for us. 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:50.080 He had compassion on us. 00:23:50.080 --> 00:23:51.500 He saved us. 00:23:51.500 --> 00:24:00.120 But Jesus didn't unemotionally go to the cross, devoid of any love or intimacy or emotion towards us. 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:01.380 No, just the opposite. 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:06.440 For the joy set before him, he endured the cross. 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:10.700 What drove Boaz to redeem Ruth was love. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:17.059 What drove Jesus to the cross to redeem us was a far greater and eternal love. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:19.400 A love so powerful and longstanding. 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:25.559 A crazy, illogical, irrational love that is so high and deep, far and wide. 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:31.859 A love that lasts today, tomorrow, unto death, and even past that. 00:24:34.019 --> 00:24:35.779 And so today, know this. 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:38.859 Jesus doesn't just love the church. 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:41.740 He doesn't just love Watermark. 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:45.299 He loves you individually. 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.279 He died for you. 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:52.139 Now, as a quick aside, 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:58.780 I know I said before that Ruth chapter 3 is not a prescriptive manual on dating. 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.500 I stand by that. 00:25:01.060 --> 00:25:09.220 But it is instructive to highlight the sexual purity of Ruth and Boaz on that threshing floor. 00:25:10.040 --> 00:25:12.800 It's clear there's mutual attraction. 00:25:13.780 --> 00:25:17.340 Either of them could have made a move physically toward the other. 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:22.500 But at a time, when everyone did what was right in their own eyes, 00:25:22.619 --> 00:25:26.619 and following God's law and holy commandments was largely ignored, 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:29.319 as it is often today. 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:36.220 In Ruth and Boaz, we have two faithful, God-fearing people. 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.500 Boaz had had some wine. 00:25:39.379 --> 00:25:40.179 It was midnight. 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:43.299 Sketchy things happened with that one-two combination. 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:45.919 Boaz could have taken advantage of Ruth. 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:49.820 Ruth could have seduced Boaz into marrying her. 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:53.060 Both of them could have given in to their carnal desires 00:25:53.060 --> 00:25:55.660 and done what they felt was right. 00:25:56.940 --> 00:26:00.940 But instead, both Ruth and Boaz displayed the outward purity 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:05.920 that stemmed from their inner selves as God-fearing individuals, 00:26:06.340 --> 00:26:08.820 which led to honoring each other, 00:26:09.320 --> 00:26:12.700 despite an attraction and temptation. 00:26:12.700 --> 00:26:16.740 Both displayed patience and fear of God 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:19.559 and honored God above personal desires. 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:23.960 In chapter 4, we see the beautiful fruit 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:26.580 of their God-honoring relationship. 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:32.299 So, in particular, young folks, single folks, 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.380 please take note. 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:37.400 Don't compromise your purity for your boyfriend or girlfriend 00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:38.460 or for anyone. 00:26:39.280 --> 00:26:39.940 Honor God. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.580 Fear God. 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:44.240 So, then and there, 00:26:44.860 --> 00:26:46.320 Boaz commits to redeeming Ruth. 00:26:47.560 --> 00:26:50.220 But, of course, as with every good story, 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:52.140 there's a slight complication. 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:54.360 In verse 12, 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:56.019 Boaz tells Ruth, 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:59.379 Yet there is a Redeemer nearer than I. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.740 Remain tonight and in the morning. 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:04.660 If he will redeem you, good. 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:06.079 Let him do it. 00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:08.440 But if he is not willing to redeem you, 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:10.900 as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:13.759 Lie down until the morning. 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:19.940 There was a relative of Naomi's dead husband, 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:20.819 a Lemelech, 00:27:21.039 --> 00:27:22.619 that was closer than Boaz. 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:24.119 And therefore, 00:27:24.839 --> 00:27:25.799 according to God's law, 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.819 had the right to marry Ruth 00:27:27.819 --> 00:27:29.299 before Boaz. 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.440 And so, 00:27:31.379 --> 00:27:31.900 Boaz, 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:34.559 even though he wanted to marry Ruth immediately, 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:36.339 he, again, 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.660 he honored God's law 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:38.619 and said, 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:38.920 Wait, 00:27:39.640 --> 00:27:42.839 I need to ask this closer Redeemer first. 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.940 Boaz puts his faith in God 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:48.000 before his own desires. 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:52.980 And in the final display of kindness that evening, 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:56.059 Boaz instructs Ruth to stay by his feet 00:27:56.059 --> 00:27:58.319 throughout the night. 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:02.759 It's clear nothing salacious or sketchy happens. 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:05.119 This was to protect Ruth's reputation 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:07.960 from being seen and mistaken for a prostitute. 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:10.440 Boaz mentions this in verse 14. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:13.039 But also to protect her, 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:15.740 to protect Ruth from the dangers of the night. 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:20.039 And so Ruth lay there at his feet until morning. 00:28:23.159 --> 00:28:24.359 Finally, the pledge. 00:28:25.879 --> 00:28:27.359 Early the next morning, 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:30.480 Boaz measures out six measures of barley, 00:28:30.740 --> 00:28:34.659 which is about 30 to 40 kilograms of grain. 00:28:34.899 --> 00:28:36.339 And he puts it on her. 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.899 Either Ruth carries it on her back 00:28:38.900 --> 00:28:40.700 or she carries it somehow 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:42.940 in the front of her cloak. 00:28:44.160 --> 00:28:47.380 And then Ruth heads back into the city. 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.700 This is yet again 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:53.120 another unmerited act of kindness 00:28:53.120 --> 00:28:54.519 from Boaz 00:28:54.519 --> 00:28:56.220 that would serve as a gift 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:57.720 or a pledge 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.680 to both Ruth and Naomi. 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:02.180 In some ways, 00:29:02.280 --> 00:29:03.900 the way the night encounter 00:29:03.900 --> 00:29:05.160 ended with Boaz 00:29:05.160 --> 00:29:06.980 must have been disappointing 00:29:06.980 --> 00:29:08.300 for Ruth. 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:10.340 She goes to great lengths 00:29:10.340 --> 00:29:11.259 to plan 00:29:11.259 --> 00:29:12.940 and takes huge risks 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:13.880 to approach him 00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:15.320 on the threshing floor. 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:16.820 But then, 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:18.540 just as Ruth was ready 00:29:18.540 --> 00:29:19.580 to buy her wedding dress, 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:20.820 Boaz says, 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:21.500 Wait! 00:29:22.340 --> 00:29:23.640 Gotta do something first. 00:29:23.640 --> 00:29:23.680 First, 00:29:24.300 --> 00:29:25.040 my heart intention 00:29:25.040 --> 00:29:26.580 is to redeem you. 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.700 In either way, 00:29:27.780 --> 00:29:28.759 you will be redeemed. 00:29:29.320 --> 00:29:29.660 But, 00:29:30.020 --> 00:29:31.860 I must do the right thing. 00:29:32.580 --> 00:29:33.540 We have to wait. 00:29:34.140 --> 00:29:35.000 Because someone else 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:36.200 might redeem me, 00:29:36.780 --> 00:29:37.600 redeem you 00:29:37.600 --> 00:29:38.780 before me. 00:29:40.860 --> 00:29:42.580 And to show the seriousness 00:29:42.580 --> 00:29:44.500 of his intention, 00:29:45.520 --> 00:29:46.440 Boaz gives Ruth 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:49.340 one last huge bounty of grain 00:29:49.340 --> 00:29:50.740 as a symbol, 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.800 as a pledge, 00:29:51.800 --> 00:29:52.840 as a guarantee. 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:54.220 To say, 00:29:54.340 --> 00:29:55.500 this provision of food, 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:57.400 this symbolizes 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.740 that my word is good. 00:29:59.780 --> 00:30:01.160 And I will honor my word. 00:30:01.820 --> 00:30:02.259 Trust me, 00:30:02.320 --> 00:30:03.400 I will do for you 00:30:03.400 --> 00:30:05.360 all that you ask. 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:07.860 It's a pledge to Ruth, 00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:09.420 and it's also a pledge 00:30:09.420 --> 00:30:10.020 to Naomi. 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:12.560 In verse 16, 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:14.220 when Ruth returns, 00:30:14.860 --> 00:30:15.820 Naomi asks her, 00:30:16.660 --> 00:30:17.740 How did you fare, 00:30:18.340 --> 00:30:18.880 my daughter? 00:30:20.080 --> 00:30:20.640 Actually, 00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:21.100 the translation 00:30:21.100 --> 00:30:22.240 of this question 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:24.140 more closely resembles, 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:25.640 Who are you, 00:30:26.039 --> 00:30:26.660 my daughter? 00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:28.000 In other words, 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:30.640 what is your relationship status now? 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.900 Are you a Moabite widow? 00:30:33.620 --> 00:30:35.839 Or are you to be Boaz's wife? 00:30:37.599 --> 00:30:39.079 Ruth recounts the story 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:41.059 of this, 00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:41.700 of the morning, 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:44.319 that Boaz gave a pledge, 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:45.139 saying, 00:30:45.139 --> 00:30:45.159 saying, 00:30:45.579 --> 00:30:46.740 you must not go back 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.519 empty-handed 00:30:47.519 --> 00:30:48.899 to your mother-in-law. 00:30:50.460 --> 00:30:51.059 God, 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:51.500 again, 00:30:51.960 --> 00:30:52.799 showing kindness 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.439 to Naomi 00:30:53.439 --> 00:30:55.419 through Ruth 00:30:55.419 --> 00:30:57.399 from Boaz. 00:30:59.000 --> 00:31:00.139 And like Ruth, 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:00.879 we too 00:31:00.879 --> 00:31:02.099 have been given 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:03.519 a promise 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.659 and a pledge. 00:31:05.659 --> 00:31:06.599 Two thousand years ago, 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:08.359 Jesus sealed his promise 00:31:08.359 --> 00:31:09.339 on the cross 00:31:09.339 --> 00:31:10.419 with his blood. 00:31:11.219 --> 00:31:12.339 And that if we were simply 00:31:12.339 --> 00:31:13.459 to come to him 00:31:13.459 --> 00:31:14.519 in faith, 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:16.279 in desperation 00:31:16.279 --> 00:31:17.939 and humble dependence, 00:31:18.359 --> 00:31:19.299 and ask him 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:20.879 to spread his wings 00:31:20.879 --> 00:31:21.439 over us 00:31:21.439 --> 00:31:22.959 and to be our redeemer, 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.339 he will do 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:25.699 all that we ask. 00:31:26.959 --> 00:31:27.779 And one day, 00:31:27.859 --> 00:31:28.939 we will see Jesus 00:31:28.939 --> 00:31:30.719 face to face 00:31:30.719 --> 00:31:31.740 in heaven 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:33.419 as he promised 00:31:33.419 --> 00:31:35.259 in many places. 00:31:35.259 --> 00:31:36.099 in John 16, 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:36.660 Jesus says, 00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:38.099 I will see you again 00:31:38.099 --> 00:31:39.579 and your heart 00:31:39.579 --> 00:31:40.200 will rejoice 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:41.400 and no one 00:31:41.400 --> 00:31:42.420 will take your joy 00:31:42.420 --> 00:31:43.480 from you. 00:31:44.640 --> 00:31:45.720 But no one knows 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:46.500 when that time 00:31:46.500 --> 00:31:47.759 will be. 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:50.319 But in the meantime, 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:51.900 Jesus gave us 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:53.220 his own spirit, 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.619 the Holy Spirit, 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:55.960 as a pledge, 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:57.579 as a deposit. 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:00.640 Paul writes this 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:01.259 in Ephesians 00:32:01.259 --> 00:32:02.539 chapter 1. 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:06.299 When you heard 00:32:06.299 --> 00:32:07.279 the word of truth, 00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:07.879 the gospel, 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:09.400 you were sealed 00:32:09.400 --> 00:32:10.259 with the promised 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:11.420 Holy Spirit 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.579 who is the guarantee 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:15.259 of your inheritance. 00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:18.379 And as the Holy Spirit, 00:32:18.900 --> 00:32:19.660 this pledge 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:21.400 lives in us. 00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:23.400 We are transformed. 00:32:25.180 --> 00:32:26.079 The Spirit helps us 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:26.799 to know Jesus 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:28.539 more and better. 00:32:28.539 --> 00:32:30.440 it's through 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.259 the Holy Spirit 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:32.420 that we experience 00:32:32.420 --> 00:32:33.639 God today 00:32:33.639 --> 00:32:34.759 before we see him 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.579 face to face. 00:32:37.579 --> 00:32:38.899 The Spirit's our helper, 00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:40.599 our counselor 00:32:40.599 --> 00:32:41.980 to give us 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:42.819 what we need today, 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:43.420 wisdom, 00:32:43.980 --> 00:32:44.700 discernment, 00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:45.799 strength, 00:32:46.359 --> 00:32:47.220 joy in the midst 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:48.339 of tragedy 00:32:48.339 --> 00:32:49.579 to open our hearts 00:32:49.579 --> 00:32:50.619 to experience 00:32:50.619 --> 00:32:51.399 Jesus. 00:32:52.119 --> 00:32:53.099 Not fully, 00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:55.460 but it will be full 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:56.039 one day 00:32:56.039 --> 00:32:57.359 in heaven. 00:32:58.539 --> 00:33:00.019 And until that time, 00:33:00.159 --> 00:33:01.319 we wait 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:02.899 and we work. 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:04.680 We wait patiently 00:33:04.680 --> 00:33:06.359 and we work 00:33:06.359 --> 00:33:07.119 on the mission 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:08.639 that Jesus gave us 00:33:08.639 --> 00:33:09.599 before he left 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:10.619 and went back to heaven, 00:33:11.659 --> 00:33:12.279 soul-saving, 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:14.559 so that all can know 00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.639 and find rest 00:33:15.639 --> 00:33:16.559 in Jesus. 00:33:20.700 --> 00:33:21.700 Let me close. 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:23.660 chapter 3 00:33:23.660 --> 00:33:24.660 ends with 00:33:24.660 --> 00:33:26.259 a bit of a cliffhanger 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:27.600 with everything 00:33:27.600 --> 00:33:28.819 resting on whether 00:33:28.819 --> 00:33:30.039 Boaz will figure 00:33:30.039 --> 00:33:31.299 things out that day. 00:33:32.100 --> 00:33:33.120 But it's very clear 00:33:33.120 --> 00:33:34.700 that Naomi's 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:35.600 sentiment 00:33:35.600 --> 00:33:36.799 continues to 00:33:36.799 --> 00:33:37.440 brighten. 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:39.720 In chapter 1, 00:33:39.840 --> 00:33:41.240 after such tragedy, 00:33:41.840 --> 00:33:42.539 she experiences 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:43.920 a glimmer of hope. 00:33:45.200 --> 00:33:45.920 In chapter 2, 00:33:47.140 --> 00:33:47.840 her sentiment 00:33:47.840 --> 00:33:48.819 increases again 00:33:48.819 --> 00:33:49.819 and she experiences 00:33:49.819 --> 00:33:50.839 the kindness 00:33:50.839 --> 00:33:51.419 of God 00:33:51.419 --> 00:33:52.019 through Ruth 00:33:52.019 --> 00:33:53.139 and through Boaz. 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:55.379 In chapter 3, 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:56.720 she's in good form. 00:33:56.839 --> 00:33:57.980 She's recovering 00:33:57.980 --> 00:33:58.779 her good form. 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.220 She's energetic. 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:01.200 She's engaged. 00:34:01.319 --> 00:34:01.839 She's actively 00:34:01.839 --> 00:34:02.619 trying to help 00:34:02.619 --> 00:34:03.779 Ruth and herself. 00:34:03.960 --> 00:34:04.679 And she ends 00:34:04.679 --> 00:34:05.279 the chapter 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:06.200 with great faith 00:34:06.200 --> 00:34:07.339 because she knows 00:34:07.339 --> 00:34:08.059 the man 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:09.639 that Boaz is, 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:11.420 a worthy man, 00:34:12.199 --> 00:34:13.279 a God-fearing man. 00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:16.560 Our faith also lies 00:34:16.560 --> 00:34:18.100 on one man, 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:19.700 one God-man. 00:34:20.780 --> 00:34:21.280 Everything 00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:22.780 about being a Christian 00:34:22.780 --> 00:34:24.540 is about Jesus Christ, 00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:25.600 who he is, 00:34:26.120 --> 00:34:26.740 son of God, 00:34:27.200 --> 00:34:28.080 and what he's done, 00:34:28.900 --> 00:34:29.420 the cross. 00:34:30.080 --> 00:34:31.060 Nothing we could do 00:34:31.060 --> 00:34:32.720 could make Jesus 00:34:32.720 --> 00:34:33.360 love us more. 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:36.560 And as I was preparing 00:34:36.560 --> 00:34:37.180 this sermon 00:34:37.180 --> 00:34:39.920 many months ago, 00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:44.659 I felt 00:34:44.659 --> 00:34:46.260 for Watermark, 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:48.639 my heart 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:49.320 for Watermark, 00:34:50.099 --> 00:34:50.579 is that we would 00:34:50.579 --> 00:34:51.360 come to Jesus 00:34:51.360 --> 00:34:53.059 with humble desperation. 00:34:53.740 --> 00:34:54.480 We'd be desperate 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:55.000 for him. 00:34:56.260 --> 00:34:56.920 Too many of us 00:34:56.920 --> 00:34:57.240 are desperate 00:34:57.240 --> 00:34:57.639 for the things 00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:58.099 of the world. 00:34:58.720 --> 00:34:59.300 These things 00:34:59.300 --> 00:35:00.220 will never satisfy. 00:35:00.780 --> 00:35:01.760 There's only one thing 00:35:01.760 --> 00:35:02.740 in this universe 00:35:02.740 --> 00:35:03.920 that can satisfy 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:04.400 the longing 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.180 of the human heart, 00:35:05.760 --> 00:35:06.519 and that is knowing 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.460 our creator, 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:08.820 Jesus Christ. 00:35:09.920 --> 00:35:10.559 So this week, 00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:12.700 let's remember 00:35:12.700 --> 00:35:13.260 who we are. 00:35:13.920 --> 00:35:15.380 We are broken people, 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:16.980 but we are eternally 00:35:16.980 --> 00:35:18.539 loved by Jesus. 00:35:19.559 --> 00:35:20.820 Let's approach him 00:35:20.820 --> 00:35:22.059 with humble dependence 00:35:22.059 --> 00:35:24.400 and desperate faith. 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:26.400 Let's pray. 00:35:30.400 --> 00:35:31.420 Father God, 00:35:32.200 --> 00:35:33.280 Lord Jesus, 00:35:33.920 --> 00:35:34.519 Holy Spirit, 00:35:35.860 --> 00:35:37.000 the Trinitarian God, 00:35:37.840 --> 00:35:38.860 the one true God, 00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:41.200 we thank you again 00:35:41.200 --> 00:35:43.860 that we can come 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:44.400 before you 00:35:44.400 --> 00:35:44.960 and sit under 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:45.620 your word today. 00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:48.340 I pray, God, 00:35:48.420 --> 00:35:50.980 that as these words 00:35:50.980 --> 00:35:53.740 of this chapter 3 00:35:53.740 --> 00:35:54.340 in Ruth 00:35:54.340 --> 00:35:56.660 continue to sink 00:35:56.660 --> 00:35:57.620 deeper into our heart 00:35:57.620 --> 00:35:59.420 throughout this week, 00:35:59.980 --> 00:36:01.140 that you would help us 00:36:01.140 --> 00:36:01.620 to see 00:36:01.620 --> 00:36:03.140 that, yes, 00:36:03.200 --> 00:36:04.940 we are broken people. 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:06.460 We are highly imperfect. 00:36:06.460 --> 00:36:08.079 Our hearts are dark. 00:36:08.139 --> 00:36:08.920 We make a lot of mistakes. 00:36:10.000 --> 00:36:10.800 But if we can just 00:36:10.800 --> 00:36:11.559 come to you, 00:36:12.199 --> 00:36:13.420 nothing in our hands, 00:36:13.619 --> 00:36:15.340 like Ruth approaches Boaz, 00:36:15.800 --> 00:36:16.920 you so desire 00:36:16.920 --> 00:36:17.840 to hold us 00:36:17.840 --> 00:36:18.800 in your arms, 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:19.860 to embrace us, 00:36:19.920 --> 00:36:20.960 to comfort us. 00:36:21.220 --> 00:36:22.420 You are a great protector. 00:36:22.800 --> 00:36:23.900 You are a great provider. 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:25.000 You are 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:26.440 our great redeemer. 00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:30.099 Help us, 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:30.980 God, 00:36:31.059 --> 00:36:31.840 to humble ourselves 00:36:31.840 --> 00:36:33.440 and to put away 00:36:33.440 --> 00:36:34.340 the things of the world, 00:36:34.720 --> 00:36:37.500 to be desperate for you, 00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:39.460 not desperate for the things 00:36:39.460 --> 00:36:40.660 of this world 00:36:40.660 --> 00:36:41.660 that are temporal 00:36:41.660 --> 00:36:42.660 and one day 00:36:42.660 --> 00:36:43.340 will fade away, 00:36:43.600 --> 00:36:44.280 but to be desperate 00:36:44.280 --> 00:36:45.180 for you, Christ, 00:36:45.519 --> 00:36:46.620 because you are eternal 00:36:46.620 --> 00:36:48.360 and you are God 00:36:48.360 --> 00:36:50.480 and you love us. 00:36:52.700 --> 00:36:53.440 We give the rest 00:36:53.440 --> 00:36:54.240 of this service to you. 00:36:54.340 --> 00:36:55.380 Help us to honor you 00:36:55.380 --> 00:36:56.519 in Jesus' name. 00:36:56.519 --> 00:36:57.880 Amen.