WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.320 Tell me a story, Daddy. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:11.439 I can't tell you how many times I heard that when my two sons were young. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:13.300 Usually at bedtime. 00:00:14.759 --> 00:00:17.660 And it was usually after they were tucked in that I would begin. 00:00:18.019 --> 00:00:21.620 I would start with a story of once upon a time there was a little boy named Arvid 00:00:21.620 --> 00:00:27.780 who lived deep in the forest with his mother and father in a little log cabin. 00:00:27.780 --> 00:00:33.500 And from there the story would go on in different directions, but it always began that same way. 00:00:34.620 --> 00:00:39.439 And the stories, at least parts of the stories, were based on stories that my own dad had told me 00:00:39.439 --> 00:00:43.260 about growing up in the wilds of northern Ontario in Canada. 00:00:45.180 --> 00:00:47.000 Why do they love stories so much? 00:00:49.040 --> 00:00:50.939 But we tell stories as adults too. 00:00:50.939 --> 00:00:52.260 Stories of the past. 00:00:52.980 --> 00:00:55.820 Stories of battles won and lost or fought. 00:00:56.219 --> 00:00:57.700 Fought and won or lost. 00:00:57.780 --> 00:01:00.120 In the job. 00:01:00.579 --> 00:01:01.259 In the office. 00:01:01.359 --> 00:01:01.800 Or elsewhere. 00:01:03.939 --> 00:01:07.500 And instead of saying this is how we do something, we'll often tell a story. 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:10.780 The story will explain why. 00:01:12.980 --> 00:01:14.980 It'll tell us how we got to where we are. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:17.280 And it often teaches lessons. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:19.760 And it's far more memorable that way. 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:23.880 But again, why do we love stories so much? 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:27.359 In part, I think it's because we're made in the image of God. 00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:30.859 God is the consummate storyteller. 00:01:31.700 --> 00:01:32.439 Just look at the Bible. 00:01:34.100 --> 00:01:35.960 It contains story after story. 00:01:35.959 --> 00:01:39.140 From the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 00:01:39.699 --> 00:01:40.959 To the book of Revelation. 00:01:41.439 --> 00:01:43.119 And the story of the return of Christ. 00:01:43.119 --> 00:01:46.879 We see God revealing himself through his interactions with people. 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:48.619 Through stories. 00:01:48.620 --> 00:01:52.939 We see stories that tell of his love. 00:01:54.300 --> 00:01:56.079 Of what we lost in the Garden of Eden. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:59.140 The fall of man. 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:03.880 We see God's plan to save those who came to him. 00:02:05.480 --> 00:02:07.380 Save them from a debt that we owe. 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:09.680 For the crime of treason against God himself. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:15.060 And we see the joys that await those who trust in God through his son Jesus Christ. 00:02:16.400 --> 00:02:21.400 Now God could have chosen simply to tell us in a very straightforward text narrative. 00:02:22.219 --> 00:02:24.920 But he chose to do so much of this through stories. 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:26.460 True stories. 00:02:27.040 --> 00:02:27.860 Of real people. 00:02:28.379 --> 00:02:29.319 With real flaws. 00:02:29.680 --> 00:02:30.360 And real failings. 00:02:31.260 --> 00:02:34.860 Today we begin seven weeks looking at the story of a woman who loses everything. 00:02:35.560 --> 00:02:36.100 Her home. 00:02:36.860 --> 00:02:37.460 Her husband. 00:02:38.100 --> 00:02:38.920 Her sons. 00:02:40.680 --> 00:02:42.939 And she's left only with a daughter-in-law. 00:02:43.800 --> 00:02:45.040 A foreign daughter-in-law. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:47.040 In a time. 00:02:47.340 --> 00:02:47.860 In a land. 00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:48.800 Where women. 00:02:49.159 --> 00:02:50.319 And especially foreign women. 00:02:51.080 --> 00:02:53.040 Really needed the care and protection of a father. 00:02:53.719 --> 00:02:54.379 A husband. 00:02:54.580 --> 00:02:55.020 Or a son. 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:58.379 And we'll see a story of redemption and restoration. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:00.620 Through an amazing set of circumstances. 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:04.920 The book of Ruth is a short book in the Old Testament. 00:03:05.960 --> 00:03:07.319 And it talks of poverty. 00:03:07.319 --> 00:03:10.840 It talks of the care of a young daughter-in-law for her mother-in-law. 00:03:11.479 --> 00:03:12.819 It speaks of responsibility. 00:03:13.500 --> 00:03:14.259 Of duty. 00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:15.239 Of integrity. 00:03:16.359 --> 00:03:18.359 And it shows us in story form. 00:03:18.919 --> 00:03:20.799 How God demonstrates his love to us. 00:03:20.800 --> 00:03:24.680 The story of Ruth begins in Bethlehem. 00:03:25.060 --> 00:03:26.900 A small village in the province of Judah. 00:03:27.580 --> 00:03:29.400 It moves immediately to Moab. 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:30.360 An adjoining country. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:32.360 But then quickly moves back to Bethlehem. 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:32.900 As we'll see. 00:03:32.900 --> 00:03:36.480 Only a couple of generations have passed. 00:03:36.920 --> 00:03:39.219 Since God led the Israelites out of Egypt. 00:03:39.439 --> 00:03:40.260 To the land of Canaan. 00:03:40.680 --> 00:03:41.640 To the promised land. 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:44.960 To a land that God himself had promised to Abraham. 00:03:45.379 --> 00:03:46.219 And to his descendants. 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:47.980 A place of rest. 00:03:47.979 --> 00:03:52.899 The land was to be a glorious land. 00:03:53.639 --> 00:03:55.299 A land flowing with milk and honey. 00:03:56.319 --> 00:03:57.259 A pure land. 00:03:57.419 --> 00:04:00.439 Purged of the false gods and the wicked people who worshipped those idols. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:05.780 A place where the people exclusively worshipped the one true God. 00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:09.300 But the Israelites became distracted. 00:04:10.539 --> 00:04:13.240 Rather than driving out the inhabitants as God commanded. 00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:15.500 They became involved with the people. 00:04:16.660 --> 00:04:19.420 They began to worship the false gods of the land. 00:04:20.519 --> 00:04:23.100 To the point where they were sacrificing their own children. 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:25.699 To the stone idols of the Canaanites. 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:28.920 Others were distracted from worshipping God. 00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:30.879 Simply by the worries of their day to day lives. 00:04:32.139 --> 00:04:34.199 Rather than being a pure and holy land. 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:35.459 Where God ruled his people. 00:04:36.219 --> 00:04:37.419 It became a land of troubles. 00:04:38.979 --> 00:04:40.319 God allowed calamities. 00:04:40.679 --> 00:04:41.619 To descend on his people. 00:04:43.159 --> 00:04:44.119 Troubles from within. 00:04:44.539 --> 00:04:45.439 And enemies from without. 00:04:46.939 --> 00:04:50.139 Verse 1 tells us that the story takes place in the time of the judges. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:54.399 The book of Judges immediately precedes Ruth in the Old Testament. 00:04:55.419 --> 00:04:59.979 And it describes a period of time when the people were supposed to be looking to God for leadership. 00:05:01.579 --> 00:05:03.559 He had given their parents this new land. 00:05:03.560 --> 00:05:08.000 But time and again the Israelites forgot God and turned their backs on him. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:13.920 And God in keeping with his promise. 00:05:15.259 --> 00:05:16.300 And his warnings. 00:05:17.180 --> 00:05:18.540 Allowed calamity to fall. 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:20.680 In the form of often of outside invaders. 00:05:21.839 --> 00:05:24.180 The Israelites would then cry out to God for rescue. 00:05:24.379 --> 00:05:25.339 And he would send a judge. 00:05:25.980 --> 00:05:26.459 A hero. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:27.980 Who would defeat the enemy. 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:31.040 And bring the people back to him. 00:05:32.220 --> 00:05:33.720 But then the cycle would begin again. 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:36.660 And again. 00:05:37.240 --> 00:05:37.759 And again. 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:40.379 It was a time of growing anarchy. 00:05:41.019 --> 00:05:42.019 A time of lawlessness. 00:05:42.939 --> 00:05:46.360 A time when outside nations invaded and carried off the wealth of the land. 00:05:48.180 --> 00:05:50.360 A time when people turned their backs on God. 00:05:51.039 --> 00:05:52.639 Forgetting all that he had done for them. 00:05:53.459 --> 00:05:55.980 The last verse of the book of Judges is really telling. 00:05:55.980 --> 00:05:59.259 In those days there was no king in Israel. 00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:01.920 And everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 00:06:02.860 --> 00:06:05.420 In this setting then we find the story of Elimelech and Naomi. 00:06:06.040 --> 00:06:07.140 Of Ruth and Boaz. 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:09.520 It's a story of tragedy and loss. 00:06:10.319 --> 00:06:11.620 Of redemption and inheritance. 00:06:12.500 --> 00:06:14.580 Of self-interest and dereliction of duty. 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:17.379 Of sacrifice and righteous reward. 00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:19.480 Of abject poverty. 00:06:20.100 --> 00:06:21.220 And of eternal riches. 00:06:21.220 --> 00:06:25.060 You know Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet. 00:06:25.920 --> 00:06:26.220 Has. 00:06:26.940 --> 00:06:28.340 Juliet asks the question. 00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:29.420 What's in the name? 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:33.340 That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:36.500 Usually we don't think a lot about names. 00:06:36.600 --> 00:06:37.580 But names are important. 00:06:38.720 --> 00:06:39.760 We have our given names. 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:41.560 Usually given to us by our parents. 00:06:42.460 --> 00:06:43.420 Our family names. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:46.680 Which may have a historical or geological. 00:06:47.440 --> 00:06:48.740 Geographical significance. 00:06:48.740 --> 00:06:51.560 Some of us even. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:53.620 Are given names in the school play yard. 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:56.800 Those of us with children. 00:06:56.960 --> 00:06:58.120 Usually think very carefully. 00:06:58.300 --> 00:06:59.639 Before we give our children names. 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:02.060 Is there an important name in the family? 00:07:03.100 --> 00:07:03.879 A father. 00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:04.480 A mother. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:05.180 An aunt. 00:07:05.280 --> 00:07:06.100 A grandparent maybe. 00:07:07.019 --> 00:07:08.460 Does the name have a special meaning? 00:07:09.360 --> 00:07:10.439 Do you like the way it sounds? 00:07:11.579 --> 00:07:12.879 You know sometimes there are other considerations. 00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:14.540 When. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:16.740 Before our first son was born. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:18.780 A wise older woman suggested. 00:07:19.240 --> 00:07:20.780 That we take any potential name. 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:22.300 To the rear of our house. 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:24.180 To the back door. 00:07:24.819 --> 00:07:25.400 And yell it. 00:07:25.660 --> 00:07:26.360 Really loudly. 00:07:26.519 --> 00:07:26.980 Ten times. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:31.480 And then decide whether or not we still like that name. 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:34.220 I think that was wise advice. 00:07:35.160 --> 00:07:36.819 But let's look at the characters in this story. 00:07:37.259 --> 00:07:39.120 And several of them have very interesting names. 00:07:39.740 --> 00:07:40.860 First there's Elimelech. 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:42.340 He's the father. 00:07:42.460 --> 00:07:43.060 He's the husband. 00:07:43.900 --> 00:07:45.000 He's the decision maker. 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:47.319 His name literally means. 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:48.680 My God is king. 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:51.259 A wonderful name to give a child. 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:54.319 Obviously his parents were very devout people. 00:07:54.460 --> 00:07:55.300 Worshippers of God. 00:07:55.840 --> 00:07:57.720 Honoring the one who gave them their land. 00:07:57.939 --> 00:07:58.420 And their characters. 00:07:59.980 --> 00:08:01.160 Next we have Naomi. 00:08:02.319 --> 00:08:03.220 Elimelech's wife. 00:08:04.680 --> 00:08:06.360 Her name means pleasantness. 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:09.400 It also sometimes means sweet sounding music. 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:11.979 And today we might call her Melody. 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:13.679 A beautiful name. 00:08:14.799 --> 00:08:16.459 But next week we're going to see that. 00:08:16.859 --> 00:08:18.299 When she returns to Bethlehem. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:20.099 She asks to be called Marah. 00:08:20.659 --> 00:08:22.439 Which means bitterness or sourness. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:24.659 It's interesting that the. 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:26.399 The name was spelled. 00:08:26.699 --> 00:08:27.599 Slightly differently. 00:08:28.239 --> 00:08:29.419 In Exodus 15. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:31.679 Is a homonym for the desert spring. 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:33.720 Where the Israelites. 00:08:34.039 --> 00:08:35.840 While searching for fresh water in the desert. 00:08:36.579 --> 00:08:38.500 Came upon a spring with bitter waters. 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:42.139 It was also a place. 00:08:42.459 --> 00:08:44.659 Where God miraculously turned those bitter waters. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:46.019 Into sweet waters. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:48.139 And we'll see that pattern of bitterness. 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:49.179 To sweetness. 00:08:49.439 --> 00:08:50.519 Repeated in the book of Ruth. 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:53.019 Next we have two sons. 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:54.620 Malon and Kilion. 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:56.620 Malon. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:08:57.860 Means sickness. 00:08:59.340 --> 00:09:00.220 And Kilion. 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:01.139 Means consumption. 00:09:01.579 --> 00:09:03.620 A disease today that we would call tuberculosis. 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:06.379 Can you imagine naming your two children. 00:09:07.179 --> 00:09:07.399 That. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:09.940 These are my two sons. 00:09:10.060 --> 00:09:10.539 This one over here. 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:11.120 This is sickness. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:12.560 And this one over here. 00:09:12.600 --> 00:09:13.480 Don't get too close to him. 00:09:13.539 --> 00:09:14.259 He's tuberculosis. 00:09:16.940 --> 00:09:18.340 But on the other hand. 00:09:18.460 --> 00:09:20.399 They do both die young. 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:22.019 Old enough to marry. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:25.779 But too young to have had any children of their own. 00:09:25.779 --> 00:09:28.659 We meet Orpah. 00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:29.579 And Ruth. 00:09:30.360 --> 00:09:31.959 These are the wives of Malon and Kilion. 00:09:32.439 --> 00:09:33.199 Now they're Moabite. 00:09:33.459 --> 00:09:34.399 Moabite names. 00:09:35.079 --> 00:09:36.620 Mentioned only in the book of Ruth. 00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:37.139 And they. 00:09:37.980 --> 00:09:39.339 Because they're not Hebrew names. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:41.360 Don't have any specific Hebrew meaning. 00:09:41.919 --> 00:09:42.579 And to be honest. 00:09:42.679 --> 00:09:46.039 I don't know enough about the language of Moab. 00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:49.579 To be able to tell you if the Moabites consider them to have any special names. 00:09:49.580 --> 00:09:51.900 But. 00:09:52.100 --> 00:09:52.259 But. 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:52.720 We. 00:09:52.840 --> 00:09:52.940 There. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:53.560 There are no. 00:09:53.680 --> 00:09:53.980 There's no. 00:09:54.120 --> 00:09:55.560 Nothing specific to these names. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:58.879 But getting back to the story. 00:09:58.980 --> 00:10:00.460 What's a good story without some irony. 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:02.620 Without some plot twists. 00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:04.080 Without tension. 00:10:04.980 --> 00:10:05.860 Well we'll see plenty. 00:10:06.400 --> 00:10:06.639 Here. 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:09.460 First we're told that this is the time. 00:10:09.879 --> 00:10:10.560 Of the judges. 00:10:10.560 --> 00:10:11.400 Excuse me. 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:19.500 As we've already mentioned. 00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:21.240 There is no king in Israel. 00:10:22.560 --> 00:10:24.860 Each man is doing what's right in his own eyes. 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:29.060 Amid a downward spiral of anarchy, lawlessness, and sin. 00:10:30.860 --> 00:10:31.900 And yet Elimelech. 00:10:32.200 --> 00:10:33.639 The father in this story. 00:10:34.259 --> 00:10:35.639 Is named my God is king. 00:10:36.560 --> 00:10:37.840 His name points to God. 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:41.900 Which is where he should have been looking all along. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:43.100 Where all of us should be looking. 00:10:43.780 --> 00:10:45.680 But ironically when difficulty comes. 00:10:46.660 --> 00:10:48.320 He takes matters into his own hands. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:50.480 And does what's right in his own eyes. 00:10:50.920 --> 00:10:52.140 And takes the family to Moab. 00:10:54.300 --> 00:10:57.040 It's also interesting to note that Elimelech comes from Bethlehem. 00:10:57.760 --> 00:10:58.440 Now in Hebrew. 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:00.920 Bethlehem literally means the house of bread. 00:11:01.940 --> 00:11:02.760 It was famous. 00:11:02.840 --> 00:11:04.020 It was the famous bread basket. 00:11:04.300 --> 00:11:04.800 Of Judah. 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:06.520 Famous for its grain. 00:11:06.519 --> 00:11:07.899 Especially the wheat and the barley. 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:10.679 And yet there was a famine. 00:11:11.340 --> 00:11:12.740 Famine in the house of bread. 00:11:13.939 --> 00:11:14.879 An odd irony. 00:11:16.419 --> 00:11:17.559 In the book of Judges. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:19.159 We see that the enemies attacked him. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:20.799 Would carry off the harvest. 00:11:21.059 --> 00:11:21.419 Frequently. 00:11:22.500 --> 00:11:23.199 So was this. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:24.600 Famine man-made. 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:25.980 Or was it a natural. 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:27.740 Failure of the harvest. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:28.879 We don't know. 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:32.220 But there was a famine nonetheless. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:37.419 The final irony really is that Elimelech flees the land of God's rest. 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:38.320 The land of promise. 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:40.019 The land of his provision. 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.700 The land of his inheritance. 00:11:42.439 --> 00:11:44.360 In search of rest and provision elsewhere. 00:11:45.480 --> 00:11:46.820 Elimelech leaves his land. 00:11:47.360 --> 00:11:48.100 His home. 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:50.980 And takes his family to Moab. 00:11:51.539 --> 00:11:54.960 A place that has had a long and ignominious history. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.220 In opposition to Israel. 00:11:56.440 --> 00:11:56.899 And to God. 00:11:56.899 --> 00:11:58.379 In Genesis. 00:11:58.579 --> 00:11:59.980 We learn that Moab was the son. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.919 Of Abraham's nephew Lot. 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:04.039 Now God saved Lot. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:04.600 And his daughters. 00:12:04.759 --> 00:12:06.199 From the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:12:06.959 --> 00:12:08.279 And immediately thereafter. 00:12:09.079 --> 00:12:09.720 Lot's daughters. 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:11.000 Get Lot drunk. 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:11.740 And seducing. 00:12:13.179 --> 00:12:14.659 The son of the elder daughter. 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:16.379 Was named Moab. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.179 The man who literally became. 00:12:19.299 --> 00:12:20.120 The father of his country. 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:22.399 In Exodus. 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:24.600 We see the leaders of Moab. 00:12:24.659 --> 00:12:25.579 Refusing to sell. 00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:26.779 Even bread and water. 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:28.340 To the children of Israel. 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:28.840 As they were. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.019 Wandering in the desert. 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:31.899 And number 22. 00:12:32.459 --> 00:12:34.259 Tells us that Moab hired Balaam. 00:12:34.539 --> 00:12:35.579 A prophet for hire. 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:36.779 To curse the Israelites. 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:40.120 But God told Balaam. 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:42.220 To bless Israel instead. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:43.620 And he did so. 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:46.639 In number 25. 00:12:46.980 --> 00:12:47.419 We read. 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:48.899 That the Israelite men. 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:50.199 Were led away from God. 00:12:50.279 --> 00:12:51.079 By Moabite women. 00:12:52.079 --> 00:12:52.799 Who again. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.480 Seduced them. 00:12:53.579 --> 00:12:53.980 To worship. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:54.939 Their own gods. 00:12:54.940 --> 00:12:57.120 Because of all this. 00:12:57.280 --> 00:12:58.320 In Deuteronomy 23. 00:12:58.900 --> 00:12:59.500 God forbids. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:00.360 Any Moabite. 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:01.880 From entering the assembly of Israel. 00:13:02.400 --> 00:13:03.340 The tabernacle. 00:13:03.820 --> 00:13:04.240 Forever. 00:13:06.760 --> 00:13:07.800 And Judges 3. 00:13:07.900 --> 00:13:09.300 Tells us the story of Eglon. 00:13:09.880 --> 00:13:11.460 The obese king of Moab. 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:12.640 Who subjugated Israel. 00:13:12.760 --> 00:13:13.740 For 18 years. 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:15.560 Now it's possible. 00:13:15.880 --> 00:13:16.880 That this story. 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:18.600 Of Ruth. 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:20.300 Began either. 00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:21.220 Before. 00:13:21.380 --> 00:13:21.620 After. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:22.259 Or during. 00:13:22.259 --> 00:13:24.259 That reign of Eglon. 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:27.019 The text doesn't say. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.360 But Judges 3. 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:29.419 Speaks of Ehud. 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:30.600 The judge. 00:13:30.980 --> 00:13:32.279 Who rescues his people. 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.580 By assassinating Eglon. 00:13:34.440 --> 00:13:35.259 A favorite story. 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:36.580 Of small boys. 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:37.580 Who like gory stories. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.919 I won't go into details. 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:41.860 Elimelech though. 00:13:41.899 --> 00:13:42.480 Whose name again. 00:13:42.560 --> 00:13:42.720 Means. 00:13:42.799 --> 00:13:43.700 My God is king. 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:45.100 Chooses Moab. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:46.399 A wicked land. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:47.799 Over Israel. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:48.899 God's land. 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:51.079 But God's land. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:51.620 Where the people. 00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:52.480 Had turned their backs. 00:13:52.480 --> 00:13:53.100 On God. 00:13:54.379 --> 00:13:55.439 Is there much of a difference? 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:57.100 Maybe not. 00:13:58.600 --> 00:13:59.340 But there. 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.240 He takes his family. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:02.639 And there he dies. 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.419 Leaving Naomi a widow. 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:05.959 But still. 00:14:06.059 --> 00:14:06.579 She had her sons. 00:14:06.639 --> 00:14:07.199 To support her. 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:09.319 And there they stayed. 00:14:10.439 --> 00:14:11.559 She finds wives. 00:14:11.939 --> 00:14:12.579 For the husbands. 00:14:14.679 --> 00:14:16.340 And then the sons die. 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.079 Leaving Naomi's saddle. 00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:18.580 With two. 00:14:19.180 --> 00:14:19.500 Moabite. 00:14:19.660 --> 00:14:20.540 Daughter-in-laws. 00:14:21.540 --> 00:14:22.259 What do you do? 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:23.860 Well. 00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:24.900 We're only to verse five. 00:14:25.900 --> 00:14:26.860 And we have three and a half. 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:27.639 Chapters to go. 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:29.620 So we should see. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.400 There's a lot to see. 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:32.840 On the other hand though. 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:33.460 The question comes up. 00:14:33.520 --> 00:14:34.480 Why should we even care? 00:14:34.900 --> 00:14:35.520 This all happened. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.639 Three thousand years ago. 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:38.980 What possible significance. 00:14:39.160 --> 00:14:40.000 Could it have to us today? 00:14:41.560 --> 00:14:43.180 Is it really just one more story. 00:14:43.280 --> 00:14:44.520 From ancient Israel. 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.840 That has a moral content? 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:47.759 And if so. 00:14:47.899 --> 00:14:49.120 What is that moral message? 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:50.660 Well actually. 00:14:50.820 --> 00:14:51.580 There are three. 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:53.000 Important strings. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:54.980 And three important areas. 00:14:55.540 --> 00:14:56.200 First of all. 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:57.180 This story. 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:58.759 Is in the main line. 00:14:59.560 --> 00:15:00.600 Of the story of the Bible. 00:15:02.019 --> 00:15:02.899 The Old Testament. 00:15:03.040 --> 00:15:04.019 Tells us of creation. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.580 Of the fall of man. 00:15:06.019 --> 00:15:07.180 Of the slavery of sin. 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:09.139 And the promise of a redeemer. 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.100 The redeemer. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.120 The redeemer. 00:15:12.279 --> 00:15:12.799 Would be a prophet. 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:13.500 Priest. 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:14.259 And king. 00:15:14.799 --> 00:15:15.659 Who would complete. 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.759 What Adam failed to do. 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:18.500 He would be one. 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:19.600 Who would live a perfect life. 00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:21.580 He would be one. 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:22.319 Who would come to pay. 00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:23.179 The penalty of sin. 00:15:23.220 --> 00:15:23.939 That we all owe. 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:25.899 He would be one. 00:15:25.939 --> 00:15:26.860 Who would crush the serpent. 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:29.080 Restore a right relationship. 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.199 Between God and man. 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:31.759 And draw all nations to God. 00:15:33.539 --> 00:15:34.240 God promised. 00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:35.000 That redeemer. 00:15:36.340 --> 00:15:37.480 Would be a son of Adam. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:39.360 A son of Abraham. 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:41.680 Of Abraham. 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.279 Isaac. 00:15:42.420 --> 00:15:42.960 And Jacob. 00:15:43.820 --> 00:15:44.840 A son of Judah. 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:46.420 And then later. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:46.860 He promised. 00:15:46.920 --> 00:15:47.740 It would be a son of David. 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.279 Now in some places. 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:50.680 The Bible. 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:51.720 Just plainly. 00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:52.600 States the promise. 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:54.000 Isaiah 53. 00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:54.560 For example. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:56.039 In other places. 00:15:56.139 --> 00:15:56.700 The Old Testament. 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:57.620 Speaks in images. 00:15:58.180 --> 00:15:58.639 In pictures. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:15:59.720 In types. 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:00.779 In stories. 00:16:03.220 --> 00:16:04.300 In the book of Ruth. 00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:05.200 We see an outsider. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:06.840 With no claim. 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:07.480 On the benefits. 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:08.240 Of God's covenant. 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:08.940 With his people. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:10.780 Brought into the family. 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:11.899 Redeemed. 00:16:12.320 --> 00:16:13.200 And given a place. 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:15.100 Not only in Israel. 00:16:15.800 --> 00:16:17.220 But in the very family line. 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:18.160 Of Jesus himself. 00:16:20.280 --> 00:16:21.280 Many years later. 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.560 Long after the time of David. 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:23.780 The prophet Micah. 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:24.420 Prophesized. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:24.940 But you. 00:16:25.040 --> 00:16:26.120 O Bethlehem Ephrathah. 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.580 Who are too little. 00:16:27.700 --> 00:16:29.080 To be among the clans of Judah. 00:16:29.920 --> 00:16:30.620 From you. 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:31.379 Shall come forth. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:31.780 For me. 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:33.360 The one who is to be ruler. 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:33.900 In Israel. 00:16:34.560 --> 00:16:35.400 Whose coming forth. 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:35.980 Is from old. 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:37.039 From ancient days. 00:16:38.199 --> 00:16:39.340 In Matthew 1. 00:16:40.019 --> 00:16:41.379 We have the royal lineage. 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:41.899 Of Jesus. 00:16:42.579 --> 00:16:43.639 It runs from Abraham. 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:44.980 Through David. 00:16:45.579 --> 00:16:46.159 To Joseph. 00:16:46.279 --> 00:16:47.079 The husband of Mary. 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:48.159 To Jesus. 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:48.860 Who was born. 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:49.659 In Bethlehem. 00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:52.120 In that genealogy. 00:16:52.220 --> 00:16:52.860 There are four women. 00:16:55.559 --> 00:16:56.000 Tamar. 00:16:56.459 --> 00:16:57.199 The daughter-in-law. 00:16:57.319 --> 00:16:57.679 Of Judah. 00:16:59.319 --> 00:17:00.679 Is a non-Israelite. 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:02.659 Who was honorable. 00:17:02.659 --> 00:17:03.460 In her dealings. 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:04.640 With Judah. 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:05.660 After the husband died. 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:07.600 Rahab. 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:09.079 Who is actually. 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:09.980 Boaz's mother. 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:10.920 And Boaz. 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:12.140 We'll meet in another week or two. 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:15.420 Saved the Israelite spies. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:16.039 In Jericho. 00:17:16.779 --> 00:17:18.079 Before God brought them. 00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:18.700 Into the land. 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:20.340 Ruth. 00:17:20.900 --> 00:17:21.559 Is the. 00:17:21.620 --> 00:17:22.120 The hero. 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:22.720 Of this story. 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.620 And then the last. 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.620 Is the wife of Uriah. 00:17:26.360 --> 00:17:26.740 Uriah. 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:27.299 The Hittite. 00:17:28.120 --> 00:17:28.880 Another foreigner. 00:17:28.880 --> 00:17:31.140 We know her. 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:31.800 As Bathsheba. 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:32.560 Who became the wife. 00:17:32.620 --> 00:17:33.180 Of King David. 00:17:34.040 --> 00:17:34.640 And the mother. 00:17:34.740 --> 00:17:35.300 Of King Solomon. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.340 Each of these women. 00:17:37.340 --> 00:17:37.980 Was a foreigner. 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:38.720 Who was brought. 00:17:38.840 --> 00:17:39.400 Into the covenant. 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:39.920 Of Israel. 00:17:40.520 --> 00:17:41.500 From the outside. 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:42.540 Their mention. 00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:43.020 By name. 00:17:43.020 --> 00:17:43.300 I think. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:43.660 Shows. 00:17:44.100 --> 00:17:45.260 God's active role. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.580 In bringing all people. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:46.980 Groups. 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:47.500 To himself. 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:48.220 Through Christ. 00:17:49.560 --> 00:17:50.340 And finally. 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:50.800 It's important. 00:17:50.800 --> 00:17:51.080 For us. 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:51.720 To realize. 00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:52.580 That. 00:17:53.260 --> 00:17:54.140 God's plans. 00:17:54.360 --> 00:17:54.980 Are not always. 00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:55.520 Always. 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:56.080 Obvious. 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:58.439 We often hear. 00:17:58.439 --> 00:17:58.879 The question. 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.579 Where is God. 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:00.319 In times of trouble. 00:18:00.399 --> 00:18:01.079 And why does God. 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:02.000 Let bad things happen. 00:18:02.899 --> 00:18:03.599 And the first. 00:18:03.679 --> 00:18:04.199 Five verses. 00:18:04.199 --> 00:18:04.720 Of Ruth. 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:05.799 Are certainly. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.599 Filled with trouble. 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:10.079 God's ways. 00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:10.819 Are not our ways. 00:18:10.939 --> 00:18:11.359 He sees. 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:12.019 A bigger picture. 00:18:12.879 --> 00:18:13.619 He is. 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:14.319 The bigger picture. 00:18:15.259 --> 00:18:15.799 He has. 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:16.159 A plan. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:16.879 For his creation. 00:18:17.319 --> 00:18:17.500 Written. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.179 Before the beginning. 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.679 Of time. 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:20.199 Paul. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.000 In Romans 8. 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:21.359 28. 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:21.799 Says. 00:18:22.139 --> 00:18:22.579 And we know. 00:18:22.699 --> 00:18:23.339 That for those. 00:18:23.399 --> 00:18:24.079 Who love God. 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:24.960 All things. 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:25.439 Work together. 00:18:25.519 --> 00:18:25.939 For good. 00:18:26.079 --> 00:18:26.799 For those. 00:18:26.879 --> 00:18:27.299 Who are called. 00:18:27.419 --> 00:18:28.379 According to his purpose. 00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:30.039 We rarely. 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:30.759 See everything. 00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:31.480 There is to see. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.299 We don't know. 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:33.639 The ends. 00:18:33.699 --> 00:18:34.379 Of our own story. 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.059 Especially. 00:18:36.179 --> 00:18:36.659 When we're facing. 00:18:36.779 --> 00:18:37.179 Trials. 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:38.439 But God does. 00:18:39.379 --> 00:18:40.240 At this point. 00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:40.779 In the story. 00:18:41.419 --> 00:18:41.740 Naomi. 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.279 Is grieving. 00:18:43.399 --> 00:18:44.079 She has. 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:44.699 No idea. 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.119 What God. 00:18:45.199 --> 00:18:45.759 Has in store. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.740 And while. 00:18:47.919 --> 00:18:48.199 At the end. 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:48.639 Of the book. 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:49.799 She sees. 00:18:49.899 --> 00:18:50.399 Her inheritance. 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:51.019 Redeemed. 00:18:52.199 --> 00:18:52.639 Ruth. 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.299 Her daughter-in-law. 00:18:53.399 --> 00:18:53.859 Remarried. 00:18:54.500 --> 00:18:55.220 She holds. 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:55.759 Her grandson. 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:55.940 Her son. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:57.680 Yet. 00:18:57.680 --> 00:18:58.000 Naomi. 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.519 Doesn't see. 00:18:58.599 --> 00:18:59.279 A greater story. 00:18:59.839 --> 00:19:00.960 The greater glory. 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:01.779 A great. 00:19:01.879 --> 00:19:02.059 Great. 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:02.700 Grandson. 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:03.920 David. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:04.440 Who becomes. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:04.720 The king. 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:05.180 Of Israel. 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:07.119 Just as we don't see. 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:07.680 The true end. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:08.359 Of our story. 00:19:08.859 --> 00:19:09.140 Neither. 00:19:09.140 --> 00:19:09.759 Does Naomi. 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.599 But praise the Lord. 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:13.240 God knows. 00:19:13.359 --> 00:19:13.660 The beginning. 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:14.259 From the end. 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:16.019 He is never surprised. 00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:17.079 But holds. 00:19:17.160 --> 00:19:17.640 All things. 00:19:17.640 --> 00:19:18.079 In the palm. 00:19:18.140 --> 00:19:18.660 Of his hand. 00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:21.200 And even. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:21.740 Beyond. 00:19:22.120 --> 00:19:22.640 King David. 00:19:23.720 --> 00:19:24.080 Naomi. 00:19:24.080 --> 00:19:24.700 Does not see. 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:25.519 The ultimate end. 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:27.140 Her descendant. 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:28.779 The promised son. 00:19:29.420 --> 00:19:30.700 The wonderful counselor. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.800 The mighty God. 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:33.420 The everlasting father. 00:19:33.540 --> 00:19:34.380 The prince of peace. 00:19:35.060 --> 00:19:36.080 The king of kings. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:36.960 And lord of lords. 00:19:37.540 --> 00:19:38.540 The holy one. 00:19:38.620 --> 00:19:39.440 Who gives his life. 00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:39.920 As a ransom. 00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:40.380 For many. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:41.980 Who is raised. 00:19:42.120 --> 00:19:42.640 Triumphly. 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:43.660 By the holy spirit. 00:19:44.560 --> 00:19:45.340 And who is seated. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:45.860 In glory. 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:46.980 Reigning forever. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.360 Who is preparing. 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:48.820 The church. 00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:49.580 As his bride. 00:19:50.820 --> 00:19:51.480 Clothing her. 00:19:51.560 --> 00:19:52.320 In his righteousness. 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:54.320 Beloved forever. 00:19:55.540 --> 00:19:56.300 Let us pray.