Welcome to the Sermon Recap!
When I was younger, I enjoyed detective stories. Now, I’m not a detective, but one of my favorite things to do is go from Genesis to Malachi and find types or pictures of Jesus. You can find types of Jesus in the Old Testament that foreshadow Him in the New Testament. Today, we are going to spend some time in the Book of Ruth, but first, a few Scriptures.
John 5:39 – “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Colossians 2:16-17 – “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
Hebrews 10:1 – “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”
Famine in the Land
The Book of Ruth starts out with a famine in the land. Now, if you live for the Lord long enough, there will come a time when famine strikes, but do not let it move you. Elimelech let this famine move him and his family to Moab. Later, Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Elimelech’s wife, Naomi, and his son’s wives, Orpah and Ruth, alone. After a while, Naomi hears that her home has been visited by the Lord and they have bread. She decides to leave but tells her daughters-in-law that they should go back to their homeland.
Ruth would not leave her. So, they made it to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
Naomi’s Story
The story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, is a profound example of unwavering devotion. However, at this time, Naomi believed the Lord had testified against her. Naomi’s change of name from “Naomi” (meaning “worshiper”) to “Mara” (meaning “bitter”) reveals her internal struggle. She labeled herself “Mara” in the depths of her despair, but I haven’t found any time where people called her that.
When we are reaching for someone and they label themselves while going through a storm, we should not accept that labeling. We shouldn’t let them call themselves depressed or beat down. Maybe they are being attacked right now, but they are still “Naomi.” They are still a child of God, a worshiper, and loved by Him. He has called them by name!
Hope Rediscovered
Ruth’s decision to glean in the field of Boaz, a kinsman, is a poignant choice. She could have chosen any field, but she was led her to the one where redemption and safety awaited. Boaz’s words, “Stay in my field,” echo the invitation of Christ: “Stay in my presence.” Just as Boaz became a provider and protector for Ruth, Jesus offers Himself as the Living Water and the Bread of Life for us.
Ruth came back to Naomi with plenty of food and more to spare. When Ruth told Naomi in whose field she gleaned, Naomi found hope again. Naomi saw before them a pathway leading to a life full of blessings without the hardship of just surviving.
Boaz: A Foreshadowing of Christ
Boaz emerges as a shadow of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer. Boaz redeemed Ruth, covered her with his wings of protection, and provided for her. She didn’t have to go hungry again, or go to sleep afraid again. All she had to do was give him her life and let him redeem her.
Our Boaz Is Jesus
They were both from Bethlehem. As Ruth and Naomi were without hope, we had no hope. (Ruth 1:21, Ephesians 2:12) Boaz saw Ruth and knew she was worth saving. Jesus saw each of us and said that even with all our faults and mistakes, He thought we were worth dying for.
The kinsman that was closer than Boaz that you can find in Ruth 4:1 was a picture of the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant was for the Jews and was not for outsiders. The kinsman was willing to take care of Naomi, but when he found out that he would have to take Ruth, a Moabitess, he would not do it. If Jesus would have died inside the gates of Jerusalem, this would still be a Jewish religion. But He was taken to Golgotha outside the city and now whosoever will can come to Him. Hebrews 13:12. Romans 9:24-25.
Boaz could be a kinsman redeemer because he had the money and the means to take care of Ruth. No one else could save us but Jesus. He didn’t come just to work miracles or preach. He could have sent anyone to do that. He came to be our sacrifice and redeemer. He was born with the purpose to die for you.
As we reflect on the story of Ruth and Boaz, let’s remember our Redeemer. The Lord gave His life for us. Let us take a moment to give Him thanks for being our Boaz. For while we were in a mess with no one to care for us, Jesus did, and He saved us. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can have a clean slate washed white as snow by the blood of the Lamb. Hallelujah!
If you enjoyed this blog, please click the play button below to watch the full sermon and dive deeper into this topic. I hope this message blesses you. Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful day!
Pastor Anthony Wynn