WEDDING BELLS
RUTH 4:9-13
I. Intro: A beautiful love story reaches it’s goal of marriage in the union of Ruth and Boaz. Through out this Book we have been provided rich insight into the relationship of Christ and His Bride, the Church.
a. In Boaz we see a type or picture of Christ
1. Boaz made the first overtures of love and provided for Ruth’s every need
a) Christ first loved us and daily meets the needs of those who have have trusted in Him
2. Boaz alone takes care of the debt of Ruth that she may become His bride
a) Our blessed Lord Jesus accomplished our redemption complete in Himself (Tit. 3:5)
b. In Ruth we have a type of the Church who as believers simple receive the love offered
1. We by faith must receive the love offered by Christ (John 3:16)
2. Having received this love we need to rest with confidence in Christ for our complete redemption (Phil 1:6)
c. As we brought our last study to a close our attention was focused upon the nearer kinsman who had relinquished all claim to Ruth in a colorful ceremony.
1. Because of his inability to redeem Ruth he removed his shoe and gave it to Boaz
a) This shoe received in a manner was legal proof that the nearer kinsman could not redeem
2. All obstacles have now been removed for Boaz to take Ruth as his bride
a) Boaz had met every demand of the law and Ruth could be his bride
b) Christ has met and fulfilled every righteous demand of God the Father and the law in order that He might redeem us to Himself
II. Boaz bears public testimony (Vs. 9,10)
a. Before the people he publicly announces that he is buying back the inheritance of Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon.
1. Here is a lesson on how changeable earthly properties can be
a)
Ten years in
b) We as Christians seek a better inheritance, one not made with hands and that passeth not away (Heb. 9:15)
b. Boaz is not ashamed of Ruth (Vs. 10)
1. He publicly declares that Ruth the Moabitess is to be his wife.
a) I’m reminded that Christ is not ashamed to have me as a member of His family regardless of my background
1) Ruth was from a despised people and yet Boaz loved her (Rom. 5:8)
b) Ruth was not ashamed to be publicly identified with Boaz
1) We may ask ourselves if we are ashamed to be be publicly identified with Christ (Luke 12:9)
c. Ruth is purchased by Boaz
1. It probably took a large sum of silver to redeem the land and Ruth
a) Silver is a type of redemption and the fact the amount is not stated is important
1) For our redemption was of infinite value and could not be tabulated
2. Christ redeemed us publicly and paid the price for our freedom from
sin and it’s guilt
d. To raise up the name of the dead (Vs. 10c)
1. Boaz purchased Ruth that the name of the dead be not cut off.
2.
If we receive Christ we are kept by God’s power,
(I Pet. 1:5) from passing into eternal death and separation from God
3. Boaz called on those present as witnesses of the transaction of that day and his purchase of Ruth as his wife (Eph 5:30,31)
III. The answer and prayer of those present (Vs. 11,12)
a. The people acknowledged as witnessed the transaction completed before them.
1. Boaz marriage was conducted publicly and with witnesses
2. So Christ publicly and with witnesses redeemed sinful man, who by faith accept His finished work on the cross
b. The prayer of blessing (Vs. 11,12)
1. Let Ruth be like Rachel and Leah
a)
Rachel and Leah are mentioned for they are
considered the general mothers of
1) Though Rachel was Jacob’s second wife, she was his favorite
2) Rachel was a standing example of God’s power over the womb
b) Leah is mentioned for she was more fruitful or had more children (Ps. 127:3-5)
1)
To be loved and to be fruitful was the prayer of
the people for Ruth and Boaz
2.
To be famous in
a)
A prophetic utterance as would come from the line
of Ruth (David), his great grandmother
b)
An even more important prophecy was that Christ
the promised Messiah would come and be born in
c)
Of course Micah 5:2 had not been penned yet, but
3. Let thy house be like Pharez
a) Pharez was the illegitimate son of Tarmar and Judah
1)
Background –
b)
As such it would be 10 generations before any
offspring could stand in the place of Kingship before
1) It’s interesting to see that David was the 10th generation and thus could be King
2) This all is a picture of God’s grace and forgiveness for sin
4. Again we note as verse 12 closes that the Lord would give children
a)
The ancients regarded children as a gift and
greatly to be
desired
IV. The marriage (Vs. 13)
a. Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife
1. Marriage reminds us of Gen. 2:18,23,24
2. Boaz did not go as a husband to Ruth until the marriage package was sealed and completed
a) This message is needed to our youth and older people in our day
3. God blessed them and she brought forth a son
a) God awaits to bless those who trust and honor Him
Conclusion:
A.
As a bride anxiously awaits the bridegroom so should we be awaiting the return
of Christ for His Bride the Church
1.
Let us look expectantly for our Wonderful Lord Jesus (Tit. 2:13, I Thess.
4:13-18)