Sermon Audio: LINK
Opening:
As we have seen over the last three weeks, the story of Ruth is one that begins with tragedy, and yet gradually unfolds with hope. In the first chapter, Naomi and her family leave Bethlehem during a famine, but after the loss of her husband and sons, Naomi returns home with her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth. Ruth’s loyalty shines in her words: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.”
In chapter two, Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for Naomi, and God’s providence leads her to Boaz, a kind and godly man who protects and provides for her. By chapter three, Naomi encourages Ruth to seek Boaz as her kinsman-redeemer, someone who can secure their future. Ruth humbly approaches Boaz, and he promises to do what is right.
Now, in the final chapter, we see the story come together in a powerful moment of redemption. Boaz steps into his role as kinsman-redeemer, marrying Ruth and securing her future. Ultimately, this simple act carries deep meaning as it becomes part of God’s greater plan. From their union comes Obed, the grandfather of King David, and through this family line, Jesus Christ, our ultimate Redeemer, will come.
Let’s turn to Ruth 4 now and read how this beautiful story concludes.
Scripture Reading:
Ruth 4:1-22 ESV
Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal.Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
Opening Prayer:
Gracious and loving Father, we come before You today in awe of Your redeeming love and faithfulness. As we look at the story of Boaz and Ruth, we see a beautiful reflection of Your grace at work in our lives. Just as Boaz stepped in to redeem Ruth and Naomi, we are reminded of the greater redemption that Christ has accomplished for us. We thank You, Lord, for the sacrifice of Your Son, who paid the ultimate price to secure our salvation. Open our hearts and minds as we reflect on Your Word today. Help us to see the beauty of Your redemptive plan, to trust in Your perfect will, and to live faithfully, knowing that You are always at work in our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Boaz Fulfills the Role of Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4:1-10)
This moment in Boaz’s life beautifully reflects God’s love for us. Many in Boaz’s day would have hesitated (or even been ashamed) to take a wife like Ruth. She was a foreigner, a widow, and a poor woman in need of redemption. Ruth had nothing to offer Boaz but her love and loyalty. Yet, despite the great cost, Boaz willingly chose her and paid the price to redeem her.
In the same way, God is not ashamed to love you. He doesn’t love you reluctantly or begrudgingly. He loves you with joy and willingly paid the ultimate price to redeem you through Jesus Christ. And just as Boaz’s love for Ruth was on full display at the city gate, God’s love for us was on full display at the cross.
If you take nothing away from my message this morning, take this truth “I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ, and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.” Do you believe that? I mean do you really believe that?
“God loves you. Not the person next to you. Not Billy Graham or Mother Teresa. Not the church or the world in some vague way. Not simply the whole human race. But you.” – Brennan Manning
God loves you in such a way that He’d rather come to earth, take on flesh, and die on a cross in your place than be without you. Think about that. Do you think a God who loves you that much is going to be ashamed of you after all He did to redeem you. Do you think He’d ever be ashamed to call you His own, if He paid such a price for you while you were at your worst, your lowest, your most irredeemable self.
Let me tell you today, God loves you. He wants you. And if you are his child, when you get to glory he will not be ashamed to welcome you home. He will be eagerly waiting for you at the gate of heaven and he will boldly and proudly declare before all the heavenly hosts, this is my child and I delight in them! I bought them with a great price, and nothing will ever separate us again.
In a small way, what Boaz does here is a tiny reflection of that immeasurable love of God. Boaz does not halfheartedly take Ruth as a bride. He does not do a secret ceremony somewhere to avoid the embarrassment of liking himself to a woman of her status. No, he goes to the center of town, calls the elders and witnesses together, and boldly declaring his intention to redeem Naomi’s land and Ruth’s future. This was no small task. According to Leviticus 25:25, a kinsman-redeemer was responsible for buying back a relative’s property if they had fallen into poverty. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 adds that if the relative had died, the redeemer was also to marry the widow and preserve the family line. But like Christ, Boaz was more than willing to pay the price to redeem his bride.
The only obstacle for Boaz and Ruth was that a nearer kinsman was in town, who had the first right to redeem the land if he so chose. For a brief moment, the love story between Boaz and Ruth seems in jeopardy, as the nearer kinsman is initially interested in redeeming Naomi’s land. He doesn’t care for Ruth, but if he puts up an initial investment in the land there is potential financial gain to be made. However, when Boaz clarifies that redemption includes marrying Ruth, a Moabite widow, to continue the family line, the man backs out, saying, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance” (Ruth 4:6). For him, the cost is too great.
This man approached redemption like a business deal, calculating risks and benefits. Sometimes I worry we make the horrible mistake of seeing God through the lens of this nearer kinsman than through Boaz. We think God sees us as an investment. We believe that God loves us enough to save us, but then he expects us to somehow pay Him back or to make the investment worthwhile. Let me tell you this, even with all of eternity before you, you will never be able to pay back God for what He has done to save you through Jesus Christ. Let me also say this, if you make the mistake of thinking of God as a miserly God weighing costs and gains, then you do not know the God of the scriptures, and you will spend the rest of your days living out of a sense of guilt for not measuring up to an impossibly high standard.
Here’s the good news. That is not God. Christ does not look at His bride, the church, in the same way this nearer kinsman looked at Ruth. Christ never once looks at you and sees a liability, a disappointment, or a waste.
Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God didn’t weigh the cost and walk away. He saw our brokenness, our sin, and our unworthiness, and chose to redeem us because of His immeasurable love.
You may be tempted to say, “Yes, but I’ve been such a bad christian. I’ve committed so many sins. I’ve had a wishy-washy faith. I’ve been inconsistent, cowardly, cruel, and hypocritical.”
That may be true, but does God’s Word say?
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Here’s a comforting thought for you today. God knows you better than you know yourself. He knew every mistake you would make, every bad thought you would think, every sin you would commit, and every opportunity you would squander and He chose to love you still.
Where the nearer kinsman saw risk, Christ saw redemption. Where the kinsman prioritized himself, Christ chose sacrifice. Where the kinsman saw a burden, Jesus sees the beloved. And where the kinsman walked away, Christ stepped in and paid the ultimate price.
The Blessings of Redemption (Ruth 4:11-17)
Once the nearer kinsman renounces his claim on Ruth, the union of Boaz and Ruth can commence. The elders and townspeople bless Boaz and Ruth, invoking the names of Rachel and Leah, the matriarchs of Israel, blessing Ruth, a Moabite, with equal honor. What a powerful picture of God’s inclusive grace! Ruth, once an outsider, is now celebrated as a vital part of God’s covenant people. She becomes a matriarch in the lineage of the Messiah.
This is the heart of the gospel: in Christ, there only outsiders are the ones who refuse to come in and join the wedding feast. Everyone is welcome and no one who comes to Christ will be turned away. Paul captures this beautifully in Ephesians 2:12-13: “Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ… But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ruth’s story is our story. Once alienated, now embraced. Once lost, now found. Once without hope, now heirs to the promises of God. Just as God drew Ruth into His redemptive plan, so too does He draw us, making us His beloved children through Christ.
And what of Naomi? Her journey is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and power to restore. When we first meet her in Ruth 1, she is broken, bitter, and empty. But now, as she cradles her grandson Obed in her arms, she holds more than a child, she holds a symbol of redemption, a sign of God’s gracious provision. As Psalm 30:11 declares, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” And so it is true for us, if we will only believe it and live our lives in the abundance of His love.
God’s Grand Plan of Salvation (Ruth 4:18-22)
The book of Ruth concludes with a genealogy, just a list of names, it might seem. But this list carries eternal significance, unveiling God’s sovereign hand weaving His redemptive plan through ordinary people and everyday circumstances. From Perez to King David, we see God orchestrating His promise to redeem and restore His people.
Pause for a moment and consider this. Ruth and Boaz could not have imagined the eternal impact of their faithfulness. They lived humble lives, simply responding to God’s call in the moment. Yet their story reveals an important truth, God often accomplishes His greatest purposes through what appears small, ordinary, and unnoticed.
Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, writing:
“God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27-28
Ruth was a Moabite widow, an outsider with no claim to Israel’s covenant promises. Boaz was a landowner, simply living an ordinary life of integrity. Yet, through their faithfulness, God chose them to be part of something eternal: the lineage of King David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Their story is a reminder that the same God who worked in their lives is at work in ours, unfolding His plan of redemption across generations.
This is not just a historical connection; it is deeply theological. Boaz’s role as a redeemer points directly to the gospel. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi, securing their future and inheritance, Jesus Christ has redeemed us, not with silver or gold, but with His own precious blood. As Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:18-19:
“You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19, ESV
Boaz’s redemption was a costly act of love and sacrifice, but it was only a shadow of the ultimate redemption accomplished by Christ. Boaz redeemed a family; Jesus restores the world. Boaz acted at the city gate; Jesus triumphed on the cross. Boaz paid the price to secure a future for Ruth and Naomi; Jesus paid the ultimate price to reconcile us to God, tearing down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14) and bringing us into His eternal family.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
This is the heart of the gospel. No matter your background, your failures, or how insignificant you feel, Jesus offers you redemption. Just as Ruth, a foreigner and widow, was brought into the covenant community of God, you too are invited into God’s family through faith in Christ. The redemption He offers is complete, eternal, and freely given.
If you have not yet received this redemption through Jesus, the invitation is open. He has paid the price. Come to Him, and He will restore you, redeem you, and give you a place in His eternal story. Will you receive Him today?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible truths we have learned from the story of Boaz and Ruth. We praise You for sending Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, who gave His life to restore us from sin and death. Lord, as we leave here today, may we be filled with faith and gratitude for the redemption You have provided. Teach us to trust in Your sovereign plan, even in the ordinary moments of life, knowing that You are always weaving Your purposes together for our good and Your glory. Help us to walk in obedience and hope, confident in the assurance of Your covenant blessings. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Devotionals:
On Sunday, we explored the powerful conclusion of the story of Ruth, a journey that began with loss and despair but ended in redemption and hope. We saw how Boaz, acting as Ruth and Naomi’s kinsman-redeemer, willingly stepped into their brokenness to restore their future, a beautiful reflection of God’s redeeming love for us in Christ. Boaz’s sacrifice and bold declaration at the city gate remind us of the ultimate redemption accomplished on the cross, where Jesus willingly paid the price for our salvation. We also marveled at how God’s blessings overflowed through their union, bringing joy to Naomi and weaving their story into His eternal plan, culminating in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Just as Ruth, an outsider, was brought into God’s covenant family, we too are invited into His grace and redemption. Today, we are reminded that God sees us not as liabilities but as His beloved, and His love is complete, eternal, and freely given. Let us trust in His faithfulness and live as participants in His grand story of redemption.
Monday: “A Redeemer Who Steps In”
Scripture Reading:
Ruth 4:1-6
Devotional:
The story of Ruth takes a significant turn as Boaz confronts the nearer kinsman at the city gate. In this moment, we see a contrast between two responses to the call of redemption. The nearer kinsman hesitates and ultimately declines the responsibility, weighing the cost and finding it too great. Boaz, however, is willing to step in and take on the role of redeemer. This act of selflessness and courage reflects God’s heart for us.
Like Boaz, Jesus willingly took on the role of our Redeemer. He saw the cost, the cross, suffering, and separation from the Father, and chose to pay the ultimate price for our salvation. Where others might see risk or loss, Christ saw the joy set before Him: the joy of redeeming His people and bringing them into eternal relationship with God. His love knows no bounds, and His sacrifice secures our eternal inheritance.
Take a moment today to consider the courage and love it takes to step into someone’s brokenness as Boaz did for Ruth and as Christ did for us. Jesus didn’t turn away; He entered into our world, bore our sins, and redeemed us. Are we willing to reflect His heart by stepping into the lives of others in need of grace and redemption?
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth mirror Jesus’ love for us?
2. Are there moments when you’ve hesitated to step into someone else’s need? What held you back?
3. How can you reflect Christ’s redemptive love in your relationships this week?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping into our brokenness and paying the price for our redemption. Help us to understand the depth of Your love and to reflect that love by stepping into the lives of those in need around us. Teach us to walk in selflessness and courage, trusting in Your example. Amen.
Tuesday: “A Costly Love”
Scripture Reading:
Romans 5:8
Devotional:
Boaz’s decision to redeem Ruth wasn’t a small one. It required sacrifice and a willingness to tie his future to hers, despite the risks. This mirrors the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus, who gave His life to redeem humanity. Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. His love wasn’t conditional or hesitant; it was full and freely given.
This truth should reshape how we view God’s love. It’s not a love we earn or deserve; it’s a gift of grace. Jesus saw us at our worst (broken, lost, and hopeless) and chose to redeem us anyway. His love is costly, but He gave it freely because of His great desire to restore us to Himself.
As you reflect on God’s love today, think about how it transforms your view of yourself and others. If Christ was willing to give so much for you, how does that shape your response to His love? Are you living in the freedom and gratitude that His redemption provides?
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean to you that Christ loved you while you were still a sinner?
2. How does this truth challenge the way you view yourself and others?
3. In what ways can you live out gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice this week?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your unconditional love that met me in my brokenness. Help me to live in the freedom of Your grace, knowing that I am redeemed and deeply loved by You. Show me how to share this love with others, reflecting Your heart of redemption. Amen.
Wednesday: “The Blessing of Redemption”
Scripture Reading:
Ruth 4:11-17
Devotional:
When Boaz and Ruth marry, the blessings flow abundantly. The people bless Ruth, comparing her to Rachel and Leah, matriarchs of Israel, and asking God to make their family fruitful. God not only blesses their union with a son, Obed, but He also restores Naomi’s joy and future through this child. This moment highlights the blessings that come from God’s redemptive work in our lives.
Redemption transforms not only individuals but also entire families and communities. When we accept God’s gift of redemption, we become part of His larger plan, bringing hope and restoration to others. Naomi, once bitter and hopeless, now cradles her grandson with joy, proclaiming God’s faithfulness.
What areas of your life or relationships need redemption today? Trust in God’s ability to bring restoration and blessings, even in places of brokenness. Like Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, let us wait in faith for God to work His redemptive power in His perfect timing.
Reflection Questions:
1. How have you seen God’s redemptive work bring blessings in your life or others’?
2. What broken areas in your life are you trusting God to restore?
3. How can you be a vessel of blessing and redemption to others?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings of redemption. Restore our broken places and use us to bring hope and joy to others. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan and timing, knowing that You work all things for good. Amen.
Thursday: “A Heart of Gratitude”
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 100
Devotional:
The story of Ruth is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, and it inspires a heart of gratitude. As Ruth’s journey unfolds, we see God’s hand at work, providing through Boaz, restoring Naomi’s hope, and ultimately weaving their story into His eternal plan. In our own lives, God is constantly working behind the scenes, orchestrating His will and showering us with grace.
Psalm 100 invites us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise. Gratitude flows naturally when we remember His goodness, mercy, and love. Even in challenges, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast. Just as Ruth’s story turned from sorrow to joy, we can trust that God is working to bring about His good purposes in our lives.
Take time today to reflect on God’s blessings in your life. From the big moments of redemption to the small daily graces, He is present and active. Let your heart overflow with gratitude, lifting praise to the One who never leaves or forsakes us.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are three specific blessings you can thank God for today?
2. How does reflecting on God’s faithfulness inspire gratitude in your heart?
3. In what ways can you cultivate a habit of thanksgiving in your daily life?
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for Your unchanging faithfulness and abundant grace. Help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude, praising You for the ways You bless and sustain us each day. May our lives overflow with thanksgiving and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Friday: “From Mourning to Joy”
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 30:11
Devotional:
Naomi’s transformation from bitterness to joy is one of the most beautiful aspects of Ruth’s story. In the beginning, Naomi declares herself empty and hopeless, but by the end, she is filled with joy as she cradles her grandson, Obed. This journey reflects the promise of Psalm 30:11: God turns our mourning into dancing and replaces our sorrow with gladness.
God’s redemptive work doesn’t simply restore what was lost; it goes beyond, bringing abundance and joy. Naomi’s joy came not just from the birth of Obed but from the reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. Even in our darkest moments, God is at work, weaving together a story of hope and restoration.
As you reflect on Naomi’s journey, consider how God has brought joy and restoration in your life. Even in seasons of sorrow, His faithfulness remains. Trust Him to turn your mourning into dancing as you walk in His grace.
Reflection Questions:
1. How has God brought joy and restoration into your life after a season of sorrow?
2. What does it mean to you that God can turn mourning into dancing?
3. How can you encourage others who are walking through seasons of grief?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for turning our mourning into joy. Help us to trust in Your faithfulness, even in difficult seasons. May we find comfort in Your promises and share Your hope with those who are hurting. Amen.
Saturday: “God’s Eternal Plan”
Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 1:7-10
Devotional:
The genealogy at the end of Ruth connects her story to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. This reminds us of God’s sovereign plan to bring redemption through Christ. Boaz and Ruth could not have imagined the eternal impact of their faithfulness, yet their obedience became part of God’s grand story of salvation.
Ephesians 1:7-10 declares that in Christ, we have redemption through His blood, according to the riches of His grace. This redemption isn’t just for the present; it secures an eternal inheritance. Just as Ruth was drawn into God’s redemptive plan, so are we, called to live as part of His greater purpose.
As you reflect on Ruth’s story, remember that God is at work in your life, even in the ordinary and unseen moments. Trust that He is weaving your story into His eternal plan and walk forward in faith, knowing that His grace is sufficient for every step.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Ruth’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy inspire your faith?
2. What steps of faithfulness can you take today, trusting in God’s greater plan?
3. How does God’s eternal plan give you hope and assurance?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for redeeming us through Jesus Christ and including us in Your eternal plan. Help us to walk in faithfulness and trust, knowing that You are working all things together for Your glory. May we live as part of Your redemptive story, bringing hope and light to the world. Amen.
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