Ruth 1 Ruth 2 Ruth 3 The Meddling

Ruth 1

Ruth 2

Ruth 3

The Meddling mother-in-law Rushing ahead (3: 1 -4)

Kinsman Redeemer 1. Keeps the property in the clan (Lev. 25: 25 -30) 2. Blood avenger (Num. 35: 12 -27) 3. Buys back relatives from slavery (Lev. 25: 47 -55) 4. Maintains the family name (Deut. 25: 5 -10)

Naomi’s matchmaking plan: 1. Take a bath. “Wash and perfume yourself”

Naomi’s matchmaking plan: 1. Take a bath. “Wash and perfume yourself” 2. “Put on your best clothes”

Naomi’s matchmaking plan: 1. Take a bath. “Wash and perfume yourself” 2. “Put on your best clothes” 3. “Go down to the threshing floor…uncover his feet and lie down. He’ll tell you what to do. ” Don’t rush ahead. Trust in God’s provision and wait on God.

Ruth and Boaz – a couple with character

Ruth – a virtuous woman • Tells Naomi: “I’ll do whatever you say. ” • Trusts Naomi. • Willing to take a risk again. • Takes the initiative in making a proposal: “spread your wings over me. ”

Boaz – responds with integrity 10 “The LORD bless you, my daughter, ” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You haven’t run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning. ”

Boaz – responds with integrity 2. 2. 1 Boaz sees the best in others.

Boaz – responds with integrity 2. 2. 2 Boaz is willing to enter a levirate marriage “As the Lord lives, I will do it. ” “Where thought of a living God governs the relationship between the sexes, a man and a woman may meet in the hour of midnight in a lonely threshing floor and part from each other as pure as when they came. ” (Breuer)

Boaz – responds with integrity 2. 2. 3 Boaz safeguards Ruth’s integrity “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor. ”

Boaz – responds with integrity 2. 2. 4 Boaz sends back a gift to Naomi to show his commitment - 6 measures of grain was a down payment of his commitment

Boaz – responds with integrity 2. 2. 5 Boaz keeps his promise to act quickly to seal the deal

What can we learn from this love story like no other? 1. Strong relationships are founded on character and commitment • They didn’t allow an ambiguous moment to lead to immorality • Honor each other and God with your bodies

What can we learn from this love story like no other? 2. Wait patiently for God’s partner in God’s time Ruth 3: 18 “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. ” While you’re waiting for God’s match for you, focus on developing the character you can bring to the relationship.

What can we learn from this love story like no other? 2. Wait patiently for God’s partner in God’s time

What can we learn from this love story like no other? 3. Recognize that God has already sent a kinsman redeemer Boaz is a kinsman redeemer that points us toward Jesus.