Sunday, September 10, 2000   

B. In Ruth two, we have Ruth's threefold request:

      1. "Let me go" (verse 2), here is pictured the desire of a new convert to go and do something for God.

      2. "Let me glean" (verse 7), the new convert gets into the Word of God and gleans from its page that which satisfies his soul.

      3. "Let me find" (verse 13), Ruth wants to find favor in the sight of her Lord and Master. She seeks his blessing, his smile. Every child of God should seek the favor of God.

As we study this chapter, you will see the gracious providence of our Sovereign God.

I. VERSE 1, THE PICTURE OF GOD'S SON (BOAZ)

      A. We are now introduced to Boaz, a very important character in the Romance of Redemption, as the book of Ruth is often called.

           1. Ruth two opens with the words: "And Naomi had a kinsman."

                  a. Boaz is a picture of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, our greater Boaz.

                  b. Boaz is important to Ruth for without him she would, could, have never entered into God's promises and covenant. Without this she would have been lost. Without the Lord Jesus Christ, our greater Boaz, we would be lost (Ephesians 2:12-13).

            2. Boaz was the one who was willing and able to save Ruth. Our greater Boaz, the Lord Jesus, is able to save all who come to Him (Hebrews 7:24-27).

      B. The very name Boaz means "in him is strength." This Boaz was a mighty man, a wealthy man.

           1. It is because of the great wealth of our greater Boaz, the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are saved (Ephesians 1:7; 2:4-7).

            2. We were spiritually bankrupt and without strength, but Jesus God's son came to redeem us (Romans 5:6,8).

II. VERSES 2-3, THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IN RUTH'S LIFE

      A. Verse 2, this verse speaks of grace as is seen in the opening words: "Ruth the Moabitess." This Moabitess seeks to glean in the field of "him in whose sight I have found grace."

           1. If you check your Strong's Concordance, you will I find that the term "Ruth the Moabitess" is only found in the book of Ruth; and that it is found exactly five times.

           a. Five is the number of grace, and this is exactly what Ruth needs. As a Moabitess she was forbidden to enter into the congregation of the Lord (Ephesians 2:12).

            b. Many illustrations of God's grace are given in our King James Version. We want to share just two:

                       1) David took five smooth stones from the book and went out to battle the giant Goliath. David used only one stone in defeating the Philistine. This left four stones. This says there was more than enough. The four stones leftover say that there is grace leftover for needs that will come later (I Peter 4:1 0).

                        2) When Jesus fed the five thousand, He took five barley loaves, blessed them, and had the disciples distribute the food. The five thousand were fed, and there were twelve baskets full left. God's grace is sufficient for all our life's journey.

           2. "Let me now go..." Ruth is an eager beaver. She pictures the new convert who loves to get into the scriptures and find spiritual food.

            3. Gleaning speaks of God's provision for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10).

                 a. Ruth acknowledged her poverty.

                 b. God offers the poor sinner salvation by grace.

      B. Verse 3, Here we have grace directed. Ruth leaves the house of Naomi having no idea where she needs to go. She doesn't know, but God does. God will direct.

           1. It is very important that she ends up in the right field.

                  a. If she goes to the wrong field, there will be no need for the Magi to bring their gifts to Bethlehem because Jesus will not be born there.

                  b. Tell the shepherds to stay in the field with their flocks. There will be no visit by the herald angels for Jesus will not be born in Bethlehem.

                  c. Let the choir know that "O little town of Bethlehem" is not appropriate. Ruth made a wrong turn.

            2. The Bible says "her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz." The word "hap" means: "a casual occurrence, happening, chance.... to happen, chance."

                 a. From man's point of view, it was just by chance or happenstance that Ruth ended up in the field of Boaz.

                 b. From God's point of view, it is providence. He led her to the right field.

           3. It was no accident that Ruth went to the field of Boaz. It was providence.

                  a. It was no accident, just as it was not accident that the Samaritan woman came to the well where Jesus found her. Jesus said: "I must needs go through Samaria." That's providence.

                  b. It was no accident when Abraham's servant met Rebekah at the well. It was providence.

                  c. It was no accident that I attended that Wednesday night service at East Howard Baptist Church, Biloxi, MS, back in 1970. It did not surprise God that I was at the right place at the right time. My salvation was not accidental; it was anticipated. If you'll trust Christ now, this will be the right place and right time.

            4. Ruth is a picture of Gentiles finding grace in God's eyes. It was so with Rahab; it was so with me.

III. VERSES 4-12, THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD OF HARVEST

      A. Verse 4, This verse speaks of a happy relationship between employees and employers--between workers and the boss. Boaz is the Lord of the harvest, and there is no better master to serve. That's the way it is with Jesus. He is the best Master.

      B. Verse 5, When Boaz saw Ruth, he really saw her. He wanted to know about all the gleaners, but he really wanted to know about Ruth. It looks like love at first sight.

      C. Verse 6, The unnamed servant who was "set over the reapers" is a picture of the Holy Spirit who is here on earth to help those who work in the lord's vineyard. The Holy Spirit is the one who walks alongside us and instructs us.

      D. Verse 7, The servant brought Ruth into the house.

           1. The Holy Spirit brings us into the family of God.

            2. The Holy Spirit leads us to the household of faith, the church.

      E. Verse 8, Ruth is instructed to separate and to have right fellowship.

           1. "Go not to glean in another field." That is instruction in separation. This is for Ruth's protection.

                  a. Friend, stay out of the devil's briar patch.

                  b. Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 6:17.

            2. "Abide here fast by my maidens."

                 a. We need to stay close together as Christians.

                 b. Hebrews 10:25.

      F. Verse 9, As long as she stayed in the field of Boaz, she was protected. She was not to be touched. We need to stay under the protective umbrella of God's authority on earth, the church.

           1. Ruth was to keep her eyes on the field of Boaz. We get in trouble when we let the neon light of the world attract us.

            2. "When thou art athirst..."

                 a. The Psalmist says: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord" (Psalms 116:13).

                 b. Isaiah 12:3: "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

                 c. When we are thirsty, we are invited to drink.

      G. Verse 10, She looks at the protection and provision of Boaz and exclaims, "Why have I found grace in thine eyes?"

           1. When I look at where He brought me from, and where I could have been, I say: "Why have I found grace in thine eyes?"

           2. How about you?

      H. Verse 11, Ruth had left family and religion, and Boaz knew it. God knows what you have or have not sacrificed.

      I. Verse 12, A full reward is promised. She had put her trust in God, and her faith was secure. Not all will get a full reward (I Corinthians 3:11-15).

CONCLUSIONS: Are you saved? Are you under the wings of God?