Story of Redemption: Ruth and the Providence of God

Scripture References

Galatians 3:28; Romans 8:28; Judges 10; Leviticus 23; Psalm 119:67; John 4; 1 Peter 3; Revelation 5; Matthew 13:44

Introduction

• The Book of Ruth (85 verses, 4 chapters) stands out as one of only two biblical books named after a woman and the sole book named after an ancestor of Jesus.
• Set “in the days when the judges ruled,” it unfolds against a backdrop of rebellion, relativism, and divine judgment (famine).
• Themes highlighted by the preacher: God’s providence, genuine conversion, and the doctrine of redemption showcased through an ordinary family saga that shapes salvation history.

Key Points / Exposition

1. Love’s Resolve (Ruth 1)

• Elimelech (“My God is King”) leaves famine-stricken Bethlehem for Moab—a move of distrust.
• Tragedies: Elimelech dies; sons Mahlon (“Sickly”) and Chilion (“Pining”) marry Moabite women (Orpah & Ruth) and then die.
• Naomi (“Pleasant”) returns to Bethlehem bitter (“Call me Mara”).
• Ruth’s conversion & covenant vow: “Your people … your God … where you die, I will die.”
• Historical hinge: Ruth’s decision secures the lineage leading to David and, ultimately, Christ.

2. Love’s Response (Ruth 2)

• God’s providence: Ruth “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field at the start of barley harvest—fulfilling Levitical welfare law (Leviticus 23).
• Boaz (“in him is strength”), a wealthy relative of Elimelech, greets workers with covenant language (“The LORD be with you”).
• Character studies:
  • Boaz—God-oriented employer; generous (“let grain fall purposely for her”).
  • Ruth—humble, industrious, consistently saying “please,” undiminished by loss.
• Boaz blesses her: “A full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

3. Love’s Request (Ruth 3)

• Matchmaker Naomi coaches Ruth: wash, anoint, go to the threshing floor.
• Ruth’s culturally appropriate proposal: uncover Boaz’s feet and ask, “Spread your wing over your maidservant, for you are a goel (kinsman-redeemer).”
• Boaz accepts but notes a nearer kinsman must first refuse; praises Ruth for seeking covenant redemption, not youthful passion.

4. Love’s Reward (Ruth 4)

• City-gate legal scene: ten elders witness land-purchase negotiations.
• The nearer kinsman declines once marriage responsibility is included; Boaz legally redeems the land and Ruth.
• Marriage, birth of Obed → Jesse → David.
• The narrative moves from famine and funerals to harvest, wedding, and genealogy—proving God overrules human failure.

5. The Doctrine of the Kinsman-Redeemer

• Qualifications: related, willing, able.
• Boaz fulfills each for Ruth; Jesus fulfills each for the world:
  • Related—incarnation (“The Word became flesh”).
  • Willing—“No one takes My life… I lay it down.”
  • Able—redeems “with His own blood” (Revelation 5).
• Parabolic echo: hidden treasure in a field (Matthew 13:44).

Major Lessons & Revelations

• God’s providence weaves natural events into supernatural outcomes; what looks like coincidence is divine choreography.
• Conversion demands wholehearted abandonment of former gods and cultures.
• Redemption costs the redeemer; love pays the price to restore inheritance and dignity.
• Dark times (Judges era) do not hinder God from raising a bride and advancing His kingdom purposes.

Practical Application

1. Trust God’s daily providence—look for His hand in ordinary circumstances.
2. Remain loyal in relationships; covenant faithfulness impacts generations.
3. Resist “doing what is right in your own eyes”; submit to Scripture when culture is relativistic.
4. Husbands-to-be: cultivate evident godliness (speech, work ethic, generosity).
5. Wives-to-be: value inner beauty—gentle, respectful spirit (1 Peter 3).
6. In hardship, recall: God’s worst for you is better than the world’s best; run back, not away, from Him.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The book opens with famine and death yet closes with a wedding and the spark of the Messianic line. Likewise, Christ, our greater Boaz, stands ready to redeem anyone who will say, “Spread Your covering over me.” The preacher invited listeners to surrender to Jesus—entering the eternal lineage of faith and awaiting the ultimate “closing” when the Lamb takes the scroll and restores all things.

Prayer

“Father, thank You for showing us, through Ruth and Boaz, a preview of Christ’s redemption. Draw every heart to take refuge under Your wings, to exchange bitterness for blessing, and to live in the security of Your providence. For any yet outside the covenant, grant faith to say, ‘Lord, I believe—redeem me.’ In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

References & Resources

• Augustine’s dictum: “The new is in the old concealed; the old is in the new revealed.”
• Fiddler on the Roof – “Matchmaker” illustration.
• Calvary Church teaching series: “The Bible from 30,000 Feet” – Skip Heitzig.