WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.580 There we go. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:22.559 How's that? 00:00:23.179 --> 00:00:23.879 That work? 00:00:25.080 --> 00:00:25.940 All right. 00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:28.379 Well, good morning. 00:00:28.379 --> 00:00:29.620 We're glad you're here. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.820 We are continuing in our Advent series in the book of Ruth. 00:00:33.520 --> 00:00:41.759 I was thinking this week, if I were a filmmaker, I would begin the story with two women trudging 00:00:41.759 --> 00:00:47.960 along a dusty road back from Moab to Jerusalem. 00:00:47.960 --> 00:00:53.760 If you haven't been here, you might not know why they were there, what the story is. 00:00:53.759 --> 00:01:01.879 The older woman had left with her husband and with her sons because of a famine to go away. 00:01:04.439 --> 00:01:09.420 Their sons found wives, and then all of the men died. 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:17.359 And Naomi, the older woman, turns back to her homeland. 00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:23.159 And Ruth, the younger woman, the widow, the foreigner, commits to go with her. 00:01:23.159 --> 00:01:33.579 But I would open with that scene of these women walking down a dusty road, empty, despairing, 00:01:35.479 --> 00:01:39.340 wondering, wondering if there's any hope at all. 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:46.659 And somehow the movie would tell that backstory, and then it would engage in chapter two where 00:01:46.659 --> 00:01:51.760 Ruth walks out into the field of a man named Boaz, and it feels like maybe there's a glimmer 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:57.340 of hope because this man treats her kindly and generously. 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:01.180 And he provides for her, and he protects her. 00:02:04.219 --> 00:02:09.800 And you know, if this was a Hallmark movie, we'd be running straight to the wedding, you know, 00:02:10.219 --> 00:02:12.400 at the end of the story, right? 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:13.539 We'd be right there. 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:19.280 But I want you to see that the storyteller, there's some more steps along the way. 00:02:19.360 --> 00:02:21.159 The story is not so clean. 00:02:21.159 --> 00:02:26.240 When you look at the end of chapter two, it's striking. 00:02:27.020 --> 00:02:30.599 That episode ends with, and she lived with her mother-in-law. 00:02:31.019 --> 00:02:37.340 Although she had met this man who had provided for her generously, at the end of the scene, 00:02:37.479 --> 00:02:38.500 he's gone again. 00:02:40.019 --> 00:02:41.659 And it's just the two women. 00:02:42.460 --> 00:02:49.300 Yes, with a little food in their pantry, but no better off in many ways. 00:02:51.159 --> 00:02:58.620 And friends, we know too much of the story to be able to put ourselves into it again. 00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:03.539 But I want to put yourself in the position of these two women. 00:03:04.359 --> 00:03:07.300 They've had a good day, and they've seen a glimmer of hope. 00:03:07.300 --> 00:03:15.039 And yet, and yet, how much might they have expected beyond what they've already gotten? 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:19.039 Perhaps you've walked a hard road. 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:27.399 Perhaps your life has turned bleak, or your hopes have been dashed, your dreams have been shattered. 00:03:29.859 --> 00:03:36.799 Even when things start to turn around, what do you expect? 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:38.159 What do you hope for? 00:03:40.780 --> 00:03:42.359 Maybe you're like me. 00:03:42.360 --> 00:03:43.360 Maybe you're like me. 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:45.380 But it's easy to expect little. 00:03:46.420 --> 00:03:48.920 It's easy to protect my heart from disappointment. 00:03:49.640 --> 00:03:55.120 It's easy to think, I don't want to hope for much, because it probably won't happen. 00:03:57.120 --> 00:03:58.700 I do this in my life. 00:03:59.740 --> 00:04:01.760 I do it in my relationship with God. 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:05.680 I've seen Him provide for me. 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:11.580 I've seen Him protect me and my family through a hard season. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:18.100 And yet, I see in my own heart that same impulse. 00:04:19.100 --> 00:04:23.319 I don't want to expect too much from God. 00:04:24.500 --> 00:04:26.740 Because I don't want to be disappointed. 00:04:26.740 --> 00:04:32.060 I don't want to have my heart broken again. 00:04:32.699 --> 00:04:39.019 I don't want to have to face another round. 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:43.319 And so, I lower my expectations. 00:04:43.920 --> 00:04:47.340 I settle for God who will provide and protect for me. 00:04:47.339 --> 00:04:54.099 I lose an intimacy and a boldness in my relationship with God. 00:04:55.699 --> 00:04:57.299 And I think, isn't it enough? 00:05:02.219 --> 00:05:08.579 When I think this way, though, I realize that I'm not seeing my problem or our problem clearly enough. 00:05:09.539 --> 00:05:15.059 Because I realize that as great as it is to have a God who might be a protector and a provider, 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:17.099 I need more than that. 00:05:17.339 --> 00:05:23.139 Because the depth of my sin has not just made my life harder. 00:05:24.179 --> 00:05:33.279 The depth of my sin has cut me off from the creator of the universe and the God that I was made to know and to glorify. 00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:36.859 And I don't need just a benefactor God. 00:05:37.679 --> 00:05:38.979 I need a redeemer. 00:05:38.980 --> 00:05:45.439 I need a redeemer who will come and rescue me from the depth of my problem. 00:05:46.240 --> 00:05:50.500 Not just the hardship of my life, but from my sin. 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:59.819 I need to recognize that God's common grace won't solve the problem of sin and separation from God. 00:05:59.819 --> 00:06:05.040 I need something more. 00:06:05.040 --> 00:06:08.740 And this is where I think we are at the book of Ruth. 00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:21.980 As we look at chapter 3 together, we're going to see how God steps in and helps Naomi and helps Ruth see the kind of God he is. 00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:26.439 To see that he is a God who provides a redeemer that we really need. 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:30.120 So let's read this chapter together. 00:06:30.120 --> 00:06:34.560 You can look in your pew Bible. 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:37.399 It's on page, let me get it for you. 00:06:37.800 --> 00:06:39.040 Page 223. 00:06:40.540 --> 00:06:41.660 In your pew Bible. 00:06:41.780 --> 00:06:47.120 We're going to read the whole chapter of the book of Ruth and then explore it together. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:54.120 Page 223. 00:06:56.600 --> 00:07:00.420 Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, that is to Ruth, 00:07:01.319 --> 00:07:06.660 My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 00:07:06.840 --> 00:07:10.100 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young woman you were? 00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:14.100 See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:20.980 Wash, therefore, and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak, and go down to the threshing floor. 00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:25.920 But do not make yourself known to the man till he is finished eating and drinking. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:29.100 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. 00:07:29.600 --> 00:07:34.920 Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do. 00:07:35.939 --> 00:07:39.020 And she replied, all that you say I will do. 00:07:39.019 --> 00:07:46.299 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 00:07:46.659 --> 00:07:52.620 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:57.859 Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 00:07:59.159 --> 00:08:04.839 At midnight, the man was startled and turned over and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. 00:08:04.839 --> 00:08:06.479 And he said, who are you? 00:08:07.179 --> 00:08:09.779 And she answered, I am Ruth, your servant. 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:15.299 Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. 00:08:17.259 --> 00:08:20.599 And he said, may you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. 00:08:21.459 --> 00:08:30.539 You have made this last kindness greater than the first, in that you have not gone after young men, whether rich, whether poor or rich. 00:08:30.540 --> 00:08:33.080 And now, my daughter, do not fear. 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:36.320 I will do for you all that you ask. 00:08:37.259 --> 00:08:41.240 For all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. 00:08:42.180 --> 00:08:44.399 And now it is true that I am a redeemer. 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:47.399 Yet, there is a redeemer nearer than I. 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:51.460 Remain tonight and in the morning, if he will redeem you. 00:08:51.580 --> 00:08:52.680 Good, let him do it. 00:08:53.300 --> 00:08:58.460 But if he is not willing to redeem you, then as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. 00:08:58.460 --> 00:09:01.680 Lie down until the morning. 00:09:03.680 --> 00:09:08.740 So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:12.820 And he said, let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor. 00:09:13.280 --> 00:09:16.120 And he said, bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out. 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:21.060 So she held it and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. 00:09:21.440 --> 00:09:23.580 Then she went into the city. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:28.300 And when she had come to her mother-in-law, she said, how did you fare, my daughter? 00:09:29.420 --> 00:09:34.060 And she told her all that the man had done for her, saying, these six measures of barley 00:09:34.060 --> 00:09:34.960 he gave to me. 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:40.280 For he said to me, you must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law. 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:46.560 She replied, wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:50.759 For the man will not rest, but will settle the matter today. 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:53.639 Will you pray with me? 00:09:58.600 --> 00:10:00.299 Lord, we thank you for your word. 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:04.179 And we thank you that in its richness and in its diversity, 00:10:04.860 --> 00:10:08.819 Lord, you reveal the glory of your person and of your work. 00:10:10.120 --> 00:10:13.019 That is, in it we see you more clearly. 00:10:13.019 --> 00:10:21.980 God, I pray this morning that in my words, that you would speak to all of us about what 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:26.980 kind of God you are, who you are in this world and for us. 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:32.559 Lord, will you turn our hearts towards you as we see your greatness. 00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:36.699 We pray these things in Jesus' name. 00:10:37.619 --> 00:10:38.099 Amen. 00:10:43.019 --> 00:10:46.099 God provides a redeemer that we really need. 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:49.599 This story breaks down in some ways into two simple parts. 00:10:49.739 --> 00:10:52.839 Verses one through nine has to do with the women's initiative. 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:55.759 The bold ask for redemption. 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:59.980 And verses 10 through 18 is the response. 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:02.779 We see the great provision of a redeemer. 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:07.319 So we're going to explore it in those two sections. 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:11.700 So first, the bold ask for a fullness of redemption. 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:16.539 You have to get into the story to understand what's going on here. 00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:17.580 Right? 00:11:17.720 --> 00:11:20.600 At the end of chapter two, as I said, the women are alone. 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:24.799 Naomi looks at Ruth and she says to herself, 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:32.139 I can do nothing for myself now, but for you, at least, I want to take care of you. 00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:34.200 How can I give you rest? 00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:40.580 And by rest, Naomi means, how can I give you security, which really means a husband? 00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:43.299 In that culture, that's what it looked like. 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:50.340 A single woman, a widow, a foreigner, had no standing and was deeply, 00:11:50.340 --> 00:12:00.660 deeply hindered to provide for herself and extremely vulnerable to abuse or neglect and abandonment. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:07.180 And so Naomi, out of her love, says, I've got a plan for you. 00:12:08.019 --> 00:12:08.480 Right? 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:10.360 And she comes up with this plan. 00:12:10.440 --> 00:12:13.519 She says, the harvest time is almost over. 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:15.379 And Boaz may go away. 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:20.480 Do you remember in chapter two, it says Boaz came up from Bethlehem to the field? 00:12:20.679 --> 00:12:24.360 He's probably going to go away for the foreseeable future. 00:12:24.939 --> 00:12:26.699 And Naomi thinks, we've got to strike now. 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:29.659 We've got to try to grab this guy while he's close. 00:12:30.039 --> 00:12:33.059 Her desire is to get Ruth a husband. 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:35.240 And she thinks Boaz is a pretty good catch. 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:37.539 And so that's what she's doing. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:42.320 And so she concocts this plan. 00:12:43.100 --> 00:12:44.180 Make yourself attractive. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:45.860 Go down. 00:12:46.019 --> 00:12:47.019 Don't make a show. 00:12:47.680 --> 00:12:49.720 Honor him in how you approach him. 00:12:51.580 --> 00:12:56.259 But make a fairly bold and fairly countercultural 00:12:56.259 --> 00:13:02.919 and not necessarily how anyone would say you ought to do it approach to this man 00:13:02.919 --> 00:13:06.539 in hopes that he might, in his mercy, 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:10.240 take you in and provide for you and protect for you. 00:13:11.099 --> 00:13:13.360 That's what we see in verses one through five. 00:13:15.339 --> 00:13:17.539 Ruth says, okay, I'll do it. 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:22.279 So, in verses six and seven, we see that he does this. 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:25.339 Just to clarify a few things. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:31.219 Waiting for him to have eaten and drunk does not mean that he is drunk. 00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:36.540 She is not trying to take advantage of him in his impairment after partying too much. 00:13:36.660 --> 00:13:42.580 Despite the reputation that the threshing floor was a place of great partying 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:46.040 among the men who were working there long hours, 00:13:46.920 --> 00:13:49.759 it was a great place of celebration. 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:55.800 But there's no hint that Naomi and Ruth are trying to manipulate 00:13:55.800 --> 00:13:59.220 or trying to take advantage of the situation. 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:02.860 In fact, I believe they're seeking to honor him. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:09.639 And after he eats and drinks and his heart is happy because his work is done, 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:11.779 his stores of grain are full, 00:14:12.040 --> 00:14:19.420 he lies down to watch over his well-earned crop and goes to sleep. 00:14:19.419 --> 00:14:27.599 And she comes in and in an act of humility and yet bold faith, 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:35.120 she puts herself under the cover, the corner of his blanket and lies down and waits. 00:14:36.279 --> 00:14:37.399 It's a great scene, right? 00:14:37.479 --> 00:14:39.139 Again, think about this from a movie. 00:14:39.620 --> 00:14:40.620 There they are sleeping. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:44.659 And then suddenly, did you see how the story told it, right? 00:14:44.659 --> 00:14:49.379 Behold, behold only happens a couple of times in this story. 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:52.399 And behold, a woman was lying at his feet. 00:14:52.679 --> 00:14:53.500 He had no idea. 00:14:53.559 --> 00:14:54.419 He had gone to sleep. 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.860 He thought, I'm just going to sleep. 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:56.779 I'll wake up in the morning. 00:14:57.179 --> 00:15:00.199 Suddenly, in the middle of the night, he wakes up and there's a woman there. 00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:04.339 And he thinks, who are you? 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:05.219 What are you doing? 00:15:05.220 --> 00:15:10.259 And she replies, I am Ruth. 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:14.620 I am Ruth, your servant. 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:19.940 Now, if you look through, you could map through in chapters one and two, 00:15:20.560 --> 00:15:23.620 Ruth has grown in her self-designation. 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:25.340 She was a foreigner. 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:29.300 She was less than a servant. 00:15:29.299 --> 00:15:35.899 Here, she's presenting herself, actually, as one who might actually be his peer, 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:37.859 or at least a marriageable woman. 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:44.759 She'd never designated herself like that before because it wasn't necessarily appropriate. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:48.359 But in this context, she says, this is who I am. 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:49.359 I am your servant. 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:56.579 And then she goes beyond what Naomi had longed for and told her to do. 00:15:57.459 --> 00:15:58.120 Do you see that? 00:15:58.120 --> 00:16:00.539 Naomi gives all these specific instructions. 00:16:00.779 --> 00:16:03.899 And specifically, at this point, what is she supposed to do? 00:16:05.580 --> 00:16:08.980 Wait and let him tell you what to do next. 00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:15.360 But Ruth wants more than just provision and protection. 00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:19.580 Ruth wants more than just the rest of a husband. 00:16:20.620 --> 00:16:25.019 And so, she opens her mouth and makes an incredibly bold request. 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:28.419 Look with me again, verse 9. 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:33.000 Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:39.000 Now, if you have a different translation, you might be wondering why I'm reading it that way. 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:42.720 Because the phrase, spread your wings, is not an easy one. 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:45.199 And people translate it differently. 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:48.779 The NIV will tell you, spread the corner of your garment. 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:51.379 The King James will say, spread your skirt. 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:55.339 The NAS will say, spread your covering. 00:16:55.740 --> 00:17:01.779 So, why is it that the ESV says, spread your wings over me? 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.779 It's an image. 00:17:02.779 --> 00:17:04.839 It's an image. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:05.480 It's a phrase. 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:07.500 It's usually used for cloth or clothing. 00:17:07.700 --> 00:17:10.420 So, that's, the other translations are very reasonable. 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:18.639 But what she's asking for is actually what Boaz had asked for her in a blessing in chapter 2. 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:19.799 Look back real quickly. 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:21.000 Chapter 2, verse 12. 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:29.640 Boaz is honoring Ruth for her faithfulness to Naomi. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:35.599 She says, the Lord repay you for what you have done. 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:39.960 And a full reward be given you by the Lord your God of Israel. 00:17:40.619 --> 00:17:44.920 Under whose wings, that's the same word, the same phrase. 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:50.160 Under whose wings you have come to take refuge. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:59.339 Ruth says, I'm going to come, I'm asking you to be my protector, to be my provider. 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:01.480 This is a marriage proposal. 00:18:01.660 --> 00:18:03.240 Let's not beat around the bush. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:05.900 She is initiating this with him. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:14.099 But she says, not only that, spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. 00:18:14.359 --> 00:18:17.640 She's asking for more than just a marriage. 00:18:17.640 --> 00:18:25.259 Because by calling him a redeemer, she is calling upon him to respond to his role. 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:28.040 Not just to protect her. 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:30.300 But to protect Naomi. 00:18:30.860 --> 00:18:34.320 And to protect the house of her father-in-law, Elimelech. 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:35.460 Alright? 00:18:35.800 --> 00:18:43.060 To understand this, you have to understand there are a couple of traditions, there are a couple of legal threads that are coming together here. 00:18:43.059 --> 00:18:43.440 Right? 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:46.740 One is the threat of leveret marriage. 00:18:46.740 --> 00:19:01.859 When a man dies without having a child, his brother is bound by the law to marry that woman, take her in, and produce an heir so that that man's line will continue. 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:02.799 Okay? 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.859 So that's one strain of it. 00:19:04.859 --> 00:19:12.959 The other strand of it is this principle of being a kinsman redeemer. 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:16.459 Which has to do not with the line, but with the land. 00:19:17.439 --> 00:19:19.359 So the house of Elimelech had a land. 00:19:19.439 --> 00:19:28.039 If you notice in chapter 2, it says that Ruth ended up in a field, one of Elimelech's fields, that Boaz owned. 00:19:28.419 --> 00:19:30.779 It's a fascinating little detail back in chapter 2. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:41.180 Elimelech's land, the family still had this, but Naomi was cut off, and there was a sense of, what are we going to do with this land? 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:42.559 Right? 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:52.160 And so what she is saying is, not just take me as your wife so that you can be my protector, but redeem the household into which I married. 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.920 Redeem the land. 00:19:54.399 --> 00:19:57.700 Redeem my mother-in-law and give her a place. 00:19:58.259 --> 00:19:59.519 Give her an inheritance. 00:19:59.519 --> 00:20:07.920 Buy this land so that you might redeem me and all of my family. 00:20:09.339 --> 00:20:13.700 This is the request that she's making. 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:16.079 And it's a bold one. 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:17.920 It's a big one. 00:20:17.920 --> 00:20:36.240 And as we saw in chapter 2, I believe it's tied to her trust in the God of Elimelech, in the God of Naomi, in the God of Boaz, that she has embraced and put her faith in. 00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:45.079 Leaving her family, leaving her family, leaving her family, leaving her homeland in Moab to come and be among the people of Israel. 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:48.920 Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. 00:20:49.120 --> 00:20:49.859 Remember that? 00:20:49.859 --> 00:20:51.859 She did it in faith. 00:20:51.859 --> 00:20:53.899 She did it in faith. 00:20:54.699 --> 00:20:56.959 But she made a very bold ask. 00:20:57.099 --> 00:21:00.279 And you have to recognize that the risk was great. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:03.440 The risk was great for her. 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:09.779 What would have happened if he had looked at her and said, that's not my responsibility? 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:22.119 What would have happened if he had looked at her and said, oh, well, you're a vulnerable woman in the middle of the night with no one around, lying at my feet. 00:21:22.119 --> 00:21:23.319 I'm a man. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:26.299 I know what to do with this. 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:32.539 He could have easily violated her, taken advantage of her. 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:35.979 He could have dismissed her and shamed her. 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:42.699 She might have lost all the protection and provision that she'd gained in chapter 2. 00:21:42.700 --> 00:22:02.019 She risks all of that because she believes that there is something greater, that there is a greater redemption for her and for her family and for the family of Elimelech, for her mother-in-law, Naomi, who she loves so dearly. 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:07.740 And she didn't do it foolishly. 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:10.759 She had seen the character of Boaz. 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:14.779 She had seen his kindness, his honorableness. 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:22.559 She had a faith that wasn't willing to settle for just a benefactor. 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:26.079 She wanted a redeemer. 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:29.460 She knew how desperately she needed it. 00:22:33.680 --> 00:22:34.619 What about you? 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:39.359 What are you looking for here this morning? 00:22:39.359 --> 00:22:46.899 God who will help you long in life, try to make things a little better, work out a little easier. 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:53.439 Some of you may feel in great need and may be crying out for God to be a provider and to be a protector. 00:22:55.039 --> 00:23:01.619 Some of you may be pretty well set, may not even be thinking that's a desperate need right now. 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:07.979 But do you see that there's a greater need for you? 00:23:10.159 --> 00:23:19.519 Not just to be provided for or protected, but to be brought in to a full redemption with God. 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:21.519 One that has intimacy of relationship. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:26.200 One that has a certainty of status. 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:32.619 One that has an eternal nature to it that cannot be changed. 00:23:32.619 --> 00:23:43.579 Maybe you're like me and you've given up a little bit and hoping that God might do that for you. 00:23:47.079 --> 00:23:55.659 Don't let the fear of disappointment allow you to settle for less than all that God has for you. 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:58.759 Why do I say that? 00:23:59.120 --> 00:24:00.160 How can I say that? 00:24:00.840 --> 00:24:02.980 Well, because of the rest of the story. 00:24:03.600 --> 00:24:10.519 Because when Boaz responds, if you've ever studied literature, look for the high point of tension in the story. 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:14.720 Look for that moment where you think, this is where it all hangs. 00:24:15.140 --> 00:24:16.440 And this is where it all hangs. 00:24:16.440 --> 00:24:20.700 Ruth says, I am Ruth, your servant. 00:24:21.380 --> 00:24:23.259 Spread your wings over me. 00:24:24.620 --> 00:24:26.000 For you are my redeemer. 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:28.500 And all the weight of that ask. 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:31.279 And the question is, how will he respond? 00:24:32.160 --> 00:24:34.420 What will happen to him? 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:36.440 To her, I'm sorry. 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.980 What will happen to her? 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:41.480 How will he respond to this bold and desperate woman? 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:45.059 At his feet. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:51.740 Verse 11, we see clearly his response. 00:24:52.840 --> 00:24:54.519 I will do this. 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:58.320 I will do all that you ask. 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:01.900 But see how he does it. 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:04.779 Look at all the ways that he fleshes this out. 00:25:05.120 --> 00:25:07.279 First, in verse 10, he blesses her. 00:25:07.279 --> 00:25:12.160 He says, may you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:15.539 For you have made this first kindness greater. 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:19.019 This last kindness greater than the first kindness. 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:21.420 What is he talking about here? 00:25:21.839 --> 00:25:22.879 It's fascinating, right? 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:26.680 There are lots of different ways that people have understood this. 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:29.279 I think it actually has two different senses. 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:31.339 One is with regard to Naomi. 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:37.460 Your first kindness was not abandoning Naomi when she came back from Moab. 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:39.559 That was your first kindness. 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:41.600 But this last kindness is greater. 00:25:41.600 --> 00:25:46.259 You have longed for a redemption for Naomi that is beyond what she had hoped for. 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:55.400 And so he sees in her heart a generosity of spirit and a sacrificial love. 00:25:55.400 --> 00:26:01.519 But clearly, in the context, it is also about him. 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:15.539 This last kindness is that she has come to him and asked him to take this role of redeeming her. 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:20.240 Redeeming her by taking her as his wife. 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:26.960 Redeeming her family by taking responsibility for the land. 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:32.640 And she has done it in a way that honors him. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:39.079 She has done it privately so that he might respond without shame. 00:26:40.380 --> 00:26:51.000 She has done it apart from all of the suggestive undertones that may be throbbing through this story. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:27:01.140 I think the reason why those are in there is to highlight the fact that both Ruth and Boaz are completely above reproach. 00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:05.160 There is no hint of scandal in this story. 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:17.279 His concern for her is so great as he continues. 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:22.519 Not only does he bless her and say, this is a great kindness you have done to me. 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:25.139 He says, I will do this. 00:27:25.359 --> 00:27:26.119 I will make sure. 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:29.420 For everyone knows what a worthy woman you are. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:31.720 He recognizes she's a great match. 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.460 Go back to the beginning of chapter 2. 00:27:33.559 --> 00:27:34.980 Do you know how Boaz is described? 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.319 He's a worthy man. 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:38.460 Well, here's a worthy man and a worthy woman. 00:27:39.359 --> 00:27:43.680 And God has brought them together in this remarkable place. 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:52.060 And again, if this were Hallmark telling the story, we're at like 1052 in the movie that goes from 9 to 11. 00:27:52.380 --> 00:27:52.680 Right? 00:27:52.840 --> 00:27:57.440 And it's just about to hit that sweet spot where they all hug and kiss. 00:27:57.560 --> 00:28:03.340 And, you know, there's this last, like, lame scene about all, you know, they all live happily ever after. 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:04.400 Right? 00:28:04.400 --> 00:28:04.480 Right? 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:09.800 He says, I am a redeemer. 00:28:10.820 --> 00:28:12.259 I will do this. 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.060 But. 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:15.080 And you just think, no! 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:15.860 No! 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:19.980 But there is a redeemer closer than I. 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:24.140 And you see his honor in it. 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:36.980 I will not jeopardize this redemption by responding to you now in the fullness of what the Hallmark movie would want you to. 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:39.700 The music doesn't swell. 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:43.500 There's no passionate kiss on the threshing floor. 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:43.900 No. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:44.859 No. 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:54.299 He says, I'm going to protect you and protect the process of this redemption so that it is above reproach and with honor. 00:28:57.420 --> 00:29:02.319 There is another redeemer, and I will not jump the line and take his place. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:06.960 I need to honor him and let him do what he has the first right to do. 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:18.620 And so he cares for her by withholding more than he gives in the moment. 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:21.660 Greg's going to preach chapter 4 on how he works this out. 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:23.279 It'll be really fun to see. 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.819 But he does it. 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:29.400 He takes care of her. 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:34.720 Takes care of her by sending her home with grain. 00:29:35.280 --> 00:29:40.580 Which is both a good reason for anyone who might meet her in the morning walk to the well saying, 00:29:40.740 --> 00:29:41.860 Oh, what are you doing up? 00:29:42.300 --> 00:29:47.220 I've gotten grain from my household, from the house of Boaz. 00:29:48.519 --> 00:29:54.700 But it also might be, if you think about it, Boaz might not see her again in the same context. 00:29:54.700 --> 00:30:02.539 Because if this other redeemer steps up and redeems them, then they're in his house, not in Boaz's. 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:07.299 So this may be also a last blessing to Naomi. 00:30:10.080 --> 00:30:13.080 He honors her by telling his men. 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:18.640 It seems like that's the import of verse 14. 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:20.860 Let it not be known that the woman came. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:22.420 It seemed like he said that to someone. 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:26.539 I think he said that to maybe other men who were around, who were on the threshing floor. 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:29.620 This is not a public matter. 00:30:30.320 --> 00:30:31.519 Don't talk about this. 00:30:31.620 --> 00:30:33.320 There has been no unrighteousness here. 00:30:34.800 --> 00:30:41.700 But he's trying to protect her and protect him and protect the process of redemption that's going to happen. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:50.539 For if anything dishonorable had happened, that might have jeopardized that process. 00:30:52.420 --> 00:31:00.940 But I want you to see at the end that Boaz really wants to be the redeemer. 00:31:01.860 --> 00:31:04.200 He doesn't just say, ah, I'm second in line. 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:05.440 We'll see how this plays out. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:12.060 He says, I need to honor this man because he has the right of first privilege in this process. 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:16.240 But if he does not, I will redeem you. 00:31:17.299 --> 00:31:22.319 And as you'll see in chapter 4, he kind of works it out to make sure he does redeem her. 00:31:22.419 --> 00:31:23.500 And no one else does. 00:31:24.359 --> 00:31:26.940 There's no bait and switch at the end of this story. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:29.440 There will be a happy ending. 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:32.359 The redemption will happen. 00:31:32.359 --> 00:31:42.899 And yet, and so what you see in the course of that is that what Boaz is giving is not just, I'm going to honor you. 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:45.299 Not just, I'm going to protect you. 00:31:45.559 --> 00:31:52.379 Not just, I'm going to provide for you by making sure that there is some redeemer that will redeem you. 00:31:52.879 --> 00:31:54.279 But he gives himself. 00:31:55.859 --> 00:31:58.419 He says, I'm going to, I will redeem you. 00:31:58.420 --> 00:32:01.320 I am the one who will come and do this. 00:32:05.100 --> 00:32:14.640 And thus, Ruth's risky faith is matched by Boaz's abundant promise of redemption. 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:19.120 What a great story. 00:32:20.660 --> 00:32:25.960 But friends, is it not pointing to an even greater story that we know? 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:31.980 Is it not even more so for us and for our redeemer? 00:32:34.880 --> 00:32:37.420 For he has dealt honorably. 00:32:38.860 --> 00:32:44.360 He has not simply overlooked our sin and said, that's okay. 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:56.679 He has not come up with some backdoor way that he might rescue us from our rebellion and our darkness by waving a magic wand. 00:32:58.459 --> 00:33:08.899 But God has honored us and his own character of righteousness by coming to save us. 00:33:08.900 --> 00:33:11.880 By coming to die in our place. 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:18.720 And by his death and by his resurrection, he has worked a redemption for us. 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:24.380 That now he can look at us and say, to all who come to him in desperate need. 00:33:24.720 --> 00:33:29.620 To all who come and say, I'd want more than just provision and protection. 00:33:30.360 --> 00:33:32.780 I need redemption for my sin. 00:33:32.779 --> 00:33:38.000 Jesus comes and says, I will be your redeemer. 00:33:41.319 --> 00:33:48.639 Ruth points to this by saying that the offspring of Ruth and Boaz is the line of David, which is the line of Jesus. 00:33:51.460 --> 00:33:56.779 God gives not just provision and protection, but he gives himself. 00:33:58.700 --> 00:34:01.599 He gives his son for us. 00:34:02.779 --> 00:34:07.839 Jonathan Edwards wrote this. 00:34:09.320 --> 00:34:20.420 Those that give themselves to God and resign themselves to his will will find that his will is nothing but their eternal welfare and happiness. 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:26.840 They never need to fear to trust God, not knowing what his will will be. 00:34:26.840 --> 00:34:39.860 For as soon as you have heartily and entirely given yourself to him and retain nothing, God will set himself to make you happy. 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:50.559 You are sure that he will do nothing to you while here, but what will end in your glorious happiness hereafter. 00:34:50.559 --> 00:35:02.119 And when you die, you shall be received unto God as his own, very near to himself, into the closest union, and he will completely fill you with happiness. 00:35:02.119 --> 00:35:13.239 If you give yourself to God and obey him, he will receive you as his to make you blessed. 00:35:14.099 --> 00:35:19.139 If you give yourself to God, he will also give himself to you. 00:35:19.139 --> 00:35:22.379 You give yourself to him to be his servant. 00:35:22.379 --> 00:35:28.259 He will give himself to you to be your portion and everlasting happiness. 00:35:29.199 --> 00:35:37.920 And therefore, you are sure of eternal glory because the infinite source and fountain of eternal glory is yours already. 00:35:37.920 --> 00:36:07.900 He has given himself to you. 00:36:07.900 --> 00:36:21.920 Faith that with abandon throws itself into a desperate and risky and bold situation of trusting that she will actually be redeemed. 00:36:24.300 --> 00:36:27.420 And Edwards says, when you do that, you need not fear. 00:36:28.200 --> 00:36:29.980 For God will redeem you. 00:36:29.980 --> 00:36:37.780 And in redeeming you, he will make you full of happiness, of glory, everlasting. 00:36:38.700 --> 00:36:43.119 And friends, is this not, is this not what Christmas is about? 00:36:44.460 --> 00:36:50.680 The angel says, fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:56.820 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. 00:36:57.800 --> 00:36:59.680 This will be a sign for you. 00:37:01.720 --> 00:37:06.059 You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 00:37:06.059 --> 00:37:12.739 And the words that the angel spoke to Joseph in Matthew chapter 1. 00:37:12.739 --> 00:37:17.559 She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus. 00:37:18.659 --> 00:37:21.399 For he will save the people from their sins. 00:37:21.939 --> 00:37:25.339 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet. 00:37:25.479 --> 00:37:30.759 Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel. 00:37:31.019 --> 00:37:33.319 Which means God with us. 00:37:33.320 --> 00:37:38.220 What we celebrate in Christmas is that God has provided a Savior. 00:37:39.019 --> 00:37:46.760 And God has provided a Savior who has come to be with us so that he might redeem us for himself. 00:37:46.760 --> 00:37:53.060 Friends, this is the good news of the book of Ruth and this is the good news of Christmas. 00:37:53.059 --> 00:38:00.360 I'm going to pray by speaking the words of a familiar Christmas carol. 00:38:00.920 --> 00:38:01.860 It's an invitation. 00:38:02.299 --> 00:38:06.500 It's an invitation for Jesus to come and be our Redeemer. 00:38:07.480 --> 00:38:11.199 If you're here this morning and you have not placed your faith in Christ, 00:38:11.880 --> 00:38:14.980 this is an opportunity for you to say yes. 00:38:16.840 --> 00:38:18.880 Yes, that's what I want. 00:38:19.219 --> 00:38:21.179 That's what I desperately need. 00:38:21.179 --> 00:38:23.460 Is it God who will redeem me? 00:38:24.639 --> 00:38:30.699 And if you, like me, have hardened your heart and struggle with faith to believe that God will give more, 00:38:31.879 --> 00:38:33.779 may this restore your hope. 00:38:36.019 --> 00:38:37.139 Let's pray together. 00:38:39.519 --> 00:38:44.339 Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. 00:38:45.299 --> 00:38:47.899 From our fears and sins release us. 00:38:48.000 --> 00:38:49.779 Let us find our rest in thee. 00:38:49.780 --> 00:38:53.080 Israel's strength and consolation. 00:38:53.560 --> 00:38:55.820 Hope of all the earth thou art. 00:38:56.780 --> 00:38:58.780 Dear desire of every nation. 00:38:59.320 --> 00:39:01.180 Joy of every longing heart. 00:39:02.420 --> 00:39:03.940 Born thy people to deliver. 00:39:04.180 --> 00:39:06.160 Born a child and yet a king. 00:39:06.860 --> 00:39:08.780 Born to reign in us forever. 00:39:09.640 --> 00:39:11.820 Now thy gracious kingdom bring. 00:39:11.820 --> 00:39:14.920 By thine own eternal spirit. 00:39:14.920 --> 00:39:17.100 Rule in all our hearts alone. 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:21.260 By thine all sufficient merit. 00:39:21.920 --> 00:39:25.000 Raise us to thy glorious throne. 00:39:26.340 --> 00:39:27.559 May it be so, Lord. 00:39:27.640 --> 00:39:28.360 May it be so. 00:39:28.960 --> 00:39:29.280 Amen. 00:39:29.280 --> 00:39:29.380 Amen. 00:39:29.380 --> 00:39:29.440 Amen. 00:39:29.440 --> 00:39:29.460 Amen. 00:39:29.460 --> 00:39:29.480 Amen. 00:39:29.480 --> 00:39:31.480 Amen. 00:39:31.480 --> 00:39:31.519 Amen. 00:39:31.519 --> 00:39:31.559 Amen. 00:39:31.559 --> 00:39:33.480 Amen. 00:39:33.480 --> 00:39:33.559 Amen. 00:39:33.559 --> 00:39:35.559 Amen. 00:39:35.559 --> 00:39:37.559 Amen. 00:39:37.559 --> 00:39:37.600 Amen. 00:39:37.600 --> 00:39:38.559 Amen. 00:39:38.559 --> 00:39:39.559 Amen. 00:39:39.559 --> 00:39:39.640 Amen. 00:39:39.640 --> 00:39:40.559 Amen. 00:39:40.559 --> 00:39:41.559 Amen.