I. Intro: Ruth had received from Naomi instructions as to her part in accepting the love that Boaz had offered. The obedience of Ruth brought blessing and lasting benefits.
a.
God has revealed in His Word our part in
accepting the love of Christ displayed at
1. Like Ruth, who followed Naomi’s instructions, we must follow the instructions of the Bible in order to benefit from God’s love
a) Obedience to God’s Word will lead to acceptance of Christ which has present and future blessing
b. As we begin our study, I think it would be worthwhile to understand the place referred to as “the threshing floor”
1.
In II Samuel 24 we have an interesting account of
David numbering
a) God had laid out the order as to how this was to be done
1) All over 21 were qualified for war and were to bring one half shekel to the Priest called atonement money
b)
David failed to require the money and over his
captain Joab objecting he numbered the men of
1) God sent His prophet “Gad” in II Sam. 24:10-13 to let David choose his punishment for disobedience
2) In II Sam. 24:15 God slew 70,000 men
c) This was done by an angel of the Lord who was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite ( II Sam. 24:16)
1) The rest of II Sam. 24 reveals the threshing floor as a place of judgment
2)
As David bought this floor and built an alter so
the plague was kept from
d) So sin must be judged in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ of whom Boaz is a type
II. Ruth goes to the threshing floor (Vs. 6)
a. Ruth in a place of blessing
1. It was necessary for Ruth to ready herself and then go to the place of mercy and blessing (Vs. 3)
a) The invitation of Christ is to come (Isa. 53:1-6)
b. Ruth waits for Boaz to finish his work (Vs. 7)
1. After grain had been winnowed there was a meal served
a) This was a time to praise god for His goodness
b) Remember the threshing floor was a public place
c) They then laid down by there grain to protect the fruit of their labor
III. II. Ruth comes to Boaz (Vs. 7b-11)
a. Ruth’s actions are not indecent
1. Whole families would lie down on the threshing floor to sleep
a) This was a public place and all was done in the open
2. For Ruth to lie down at Boaz feet, she must take a place of humility
b. Boaz awakens and finds Ruth (Vs.8,9)
1. The cloak had been pulled off him and he got cold
a) When he reaches down there was Ruth
2. Here is a beautiful picture unfolding as Ruth tells Boaz she wants him to be her kinsman redeemer (Vs. 9)
a) Boaz dream has come true and he with joy responds
b) In Heaven there is a celebration over every sinner that gives their heart to Christ
c. Boaz acceptance of Ruth (Vs. 10-11)
1. That Ruth’s conduct was above reproach is seen in Boaz praise of her
2. Mention is made of her obedience and blessing in her recent years
a) She started in heathenism but changed and followed the God of Israel
b) Many start to follow God and then falter and fade out along the way
c) Others at first seek not God, but then turn to Him
1) Jesus made mention of this in the Gospels and reminds us that His blessing rest on those who seek His ways and do not turn back
3. Ruth’s character has been watched carefully by Boaz (Vs. 10b)
a) He commends her for not following the young men, whether poor or rich
1) Ruth’s character was upright and pure and thus she would make a good marriage partner
b) As Christians we are to be presented to Christ, “As chaste virgins” (II Cor. 11:2)
1) How unchaste conduct must grieve the heart of God by those who choose to dabble in the world
2) Christ reminds us the test of true Christianity is the willingness to follow Him
IV. III. Boaz response is music to Ruth’s ears (Vs. 11-13)
a. Boaz statement of purpose (Vs. 11)
1. Boaz states that he will assume the role of the kinsman redeemer and all responsibilities that it involves
2. Ruth who had been told no Moabite could enter the congregation of the Lord is now the object of grace
a) What a burden must have passed from Ruth because of these words ( Matt. 11:28-30)
3. Boaz again points to Ruth’s virtues and the fact is this was well known
a) Be well assured that if we are faithful daily to Christ it is well known
1) Our walk goes before us for our lives are eventually read by all men
b) How gladly Boaz would be to accept such a person of virtue
1) A virtuous women is a crown to her husband for he safely trusts in her (Prov. 31)
b. Boaz obtained Ruth only through just methods (Vs.12)
1. Boaz loved and desired Ruth and the fact she was a virtuous women no doubt added to this desire
a) However, Boaz knew that another man had a closer kinship
b) Boaz refused to tread on another mans rights until they were voluntarily surrendered
c) The character of Boaz was truly just and mighty
1) Next week we will look more closely at this nearer kinsman
c. Boaz promises Ruth action (Vs. 13)
1. Boaz tells Ruth he must give the nearer kinsman a chance, but if he can not redeem her, then Boaz will redeem her
2. The actual marriage will follow the night
a) Christ will be united at the marriage supper of the Lamb following the night of tribulation according to Rev. 19
d. Boaz seals the promise with an oath
1. With his oath Boaz puts himself up as the garantor of the promise
2. Lie down until the morning”
a) Ruth may now rest secure in the promise of Boaz to complete the relationship (Phil 1:6)