THE FAITH OF A FOREIGN WOMAN
CHAPTER 9, “THE STORY”
RUTH 1-4
INTRODUCTION
We are studying the Bible this year from the beginning to the end. We are watching as God enfolds His Story for us to see. We are seeing how God weaves together lives, purpose, sin, attitudes, mistakes, humble willingness, and now even disasters all for His Glory. The Book of Ruth comes in your Bible after the Book of Judges, but before 1 Samuel. It is a short book of four little chapters, but it has much to say and has a story to tell all its own.
As we move through The Story, we want you to see the “Upper Story” which is God’s redemptive hand at work all throughout history. We also want you to see the “Lower Story” which is how our lives interact with that “Upper Story” and what it means for each of us. Today, when we look in the Book of Ruth, the “lower story” becomes very real.
I. SCENE I: BITTER BEGINNINGS
Our historical Biblical story begins as all good stories should… once upon a time. The time and setting of the Book of Ruth is set when the judges ruled the land which places the life of Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, Kilion, Ruth, and Orpah somewhere in the time span of the Book of Judges. The Book of Judges gives us an overview of the time in Israel’s history between the death of Joshua and the installation of kings in 1 Samuel. The Book of Ruth is a special narrative from the time of the judges.
The Bible uses the word râ`âb to describe the hunger of the people that came to pass… it was a severe famine. The same word is used in Genesis 41-47 to describe the famine that drove Jacob and his family to travel all the way to Egypt in search of food. According to worldhunger.org, there are specific reasons a famine may occur in our world today and probably in history as well. First, it may happen because of poverty; people do not have the resources to buy food or grow food. Second, conflict and war has created situations where people are cut off from food or the growing cycle has been interrupted or crops have been destroyed. Third, climate change such as drought, flooding, and storms may combine to produce a famine because people cannot grow food properly. To be honest, we are not told why, in verse 1 of Ruth that a famine exists. I can imagine based on reading the Book of Judges that it is most likely that a battle or war occurred and that crops were destroyed and that also because of the faithlessness of the people and God’s removal of blessing, a drought occurred. The famine is so bad that Elimelech decides to uproot and move to Moab, a neighboring country, to provide for his wife and kids.
Whatever the cause, the Book of Ruth begins with hardship. We are not told the reason for the famine and we are not told the reason for further hardships either because the hardships increase as we move along the page and further into the book. We don’t get past verse 5 before further heart-breaking life-changing disaster strikes. Elimelech dies. His two sons die. Elimelech’s wife Naomi is left along with her two daughters-in-law… Ruth and Orpah… we don’t know why. Naomi is experiencing life that seems unfairly difficult and it leaves her feeling empty and her emptiness turns to bitterness. Naomi tells her daughters-in-law in verse 13, “It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!" In fact, when she returns home to Bethlehem, Ruth 1:20-21 records her words to her welcoming neighbors, “Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me."
Naomi blames God for the famine. Naomi blames God for the death of Elimelech. Naomi blames God for the death of Mahlon and Kilion. She blames God for being destitute and hungry and lonely and for grieving and ruining the lives of Orpah and Ruth and this blame towards God has taken root in her heart and it turns to bitterness.
We know of course that there are situations that we bring on ourselves because of our sin and the bad choices that we make. If you make a series of bad life choice, chose to sin, there is little room for blame as you have brought disaster upon yourself. However, we live in a sinful world and disasters just happen sometimes. There are hard situations that we can anticipate, but other times it comes on us with a surprise. Ecclesiastes 9:12 tells us, “Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.” Job 5:6-7 tells us similar things, “For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground. 7 Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” What do these verses tell us? It tells us that bitter times just happen and sometimes they are no one’s fault. We live in a sinful world that groans under the yolk of sin (Romans 8:22) and bad things occur and we are left to deal with them.
Have you ever been in a season like that? Maybe your whole life feels like Naomi? Naomi faced loss after loss and it brewed bitterness in her heart. Bitterness, when present in our lives, is something that runs deep into our hearts. 1 Samuel 1:10 speaks of the deepness of this emotion and describes it as “bitterness of soul” as does the Book of Job (7:11, 10:1, 21:25, 27:2). The Bible describes bitterness as a deep emotion of the heart (Proverbs 14:10) and it is a strong negative emotion that can take us captive (Acts 8:23). Naomi’s pathway into captivity to bitterness was blame. She blamed God for disaster. She blamed God for taking her husband and sons! It was His fault! I can imagine her asking what kind of God sends a famine and takes away families and leaves people destitute.
Maybe you have asked those same kinds of questions:
What kind of God allows cancer or a heart attack or a stroke to happen to me?
What kind of God allows someone to be raped or abused?
What kind of God allows me to lose my job and my house and my car?
What kind of God allows me to suffer from addiction or depression or unending grief?
If Naomi were to sit down and write her life story as she returns home to Bethlehem, I can imagine that it would be angry, filled with grief, asking unanswerable questions, and lots of words of anger towards God. But her story is still in progress.
II. SCENE II: KINDNESS SHOWN
In the midst of disaster, we see that kindness comes to Naomi’s life and it comes from two unexpected places. We find first that she finds kindness from one of her daughters-in-law. While in Moab, Naomi instructs her daughters-in-law to return home to their families and begin their lives over. Orpah is sad, but leaves. Ruth is said, but refuses to leave. Ruth 1:16-18, “But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.” In the midst of her disaster, she receives kindness unexpectedly from Ruth who should return home and should start her life again, but commits herself to Naomi. Naomi did not have to travel home alone. Naomi did not have to face life alone. Ruth would stand beside her mother-in-law and share her fate for better or worse. This was indeed a kind unexpected blessing.
That is the way it happens at times. In the midst of disasters in our lives, we have a relationship that gives us strength. It is not always a relationship or a person that we anticipated. This happened in the life of Moses in Exodus 18. Moses meets up with his father-in-law Jethro who after hearing about all the hardships Moses and Israel faced, spends time encouraging Moses and encouraging him towards Mount Sinai. The Apostle Paul was someone in the New Testament who was well acquainted with hardship and yet he received blessings from those around him often (Romans 16:1, Philippians 2: 25-30, 4:18) and it was one of the reasons he surrounded himself with good people in his often life-threatening ministry.
ILLUSTRATION… personal time of trial (p)
My ministry in Pennsylvania before I came to NBCC was very different. I remember going through a very hard time in life around 8-9 years ago when we lived in Pennsylvania and during that time it seemed like everything I did was a mistake and every decision I made was wrong. I could say nothing right and I could do no good thing in the church I served. I was in a difficult position in the church I was in at the time and it affected everything around me. I felt a lot like Naomi that perhaps the hand of the Lord was against me… it was a personally trying time. In fact, I had made the decision to get out of the ministry entirely because obviously I was not fit to be a minister and no other church would ever have me as a minister. I found a group of fellow ministers by accident that became a wonderful place for me to ask questions and retain my sanity in what seemed to me like an insane situation. It was unexpected kindness in my life. All I’m saying is… this does happen... people do unexpectedly come into our lives that can help when disaster strikes.
This was not the only unexpected kindness that Naomi received. When Naomi and Ruth returned home, they were without a way to make money or get food. Ruth went out each day and picked up leftovers from the fields around Bethlehem to provide for her and her mother-in-law.
It just so happens that Ruth gleaned in a field belonging to a man named Boaz.
It just so happens that Boaz notices Ruth and takes care of her.
It just so happens that God is not done writing this “lower story” after all.
Ruth 2:17-20 tells us, “So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. 18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough. 19 Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!" Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. "The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz," she said. 20 "The LORD bless him!" Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. "He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead." She added, "That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers."
We see a change in bitter Naomi. We have seen her blame God over and over for the life of disaster that has befallen her… and yet now she sees kindness and a bit of light amongst the darkness in her life. She specifically says to Ruth that God has shown kindness to her and Ruth as well as the dead members of her family by placing Ruth in the field of Boaz. The kindness extends even further in that Boaz noticed Ruth and seems to have taken more than a casual interest in her… judging by the amount of food she brought home! In fact, Ruth 2:20 is a key verse in the Book of Ruth. Bitter Naomi sees God moving and extending kindness in the situation… something she does not expect.
If Naomi were to sit down and write her life story at this point in her life, I can imagine that it would be angry, filled with words of need, reflecting on happenstance, and lots of questions towards God about what He is doing and what He has planned. But her story is still in progress.
III. SCENE III: REDEEMER FOUND
The next part of the Book of Ruth is significant in the life of Naomi and Ruth… and Boaz as well. It is harvest time and Boaz is working himself, his hired hands, and everyone in his employ very hard to get the harvest in and get it to market. He is even sleeping at the threshing floor assumingly because he finishes well into the night and gets up early in the morning. Naomi sees an opportunity and instructs her young daughter-in-law about her next encounter with Boaz. You see, chapter 2 not only introduced us to Boaz, but also called him a “kinsman-redeemer.” A kinsman redeemer is described in the Law (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) as a male relative who can help destitute family members and widows by redeeming property, buying back slaves, avenge wrongful deaths, marry widows, help with court cases, and generally be an advocate for family members who are in need.
What does this mean exactly? This means that if Ruth were to become part of Boaz’ household, they would no longer be destitute, they would be able to buy Elimelech’s land back, and they would be provided for. Ruth arrives at the threshing floor and lays at Boaz’ feet. Make no mistake, this is a very sexually charged situation, but the integrity of both Ruth and Boaz is without question in the book and she comes to ask something very specific. She asks him very respectfully and with such need in Ruth 3:9, “I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer." She asks him to do something very specific when she asks him to “spread the corner of your garment over me.” She is asking Boaz to take her under his wing and protect her. She is asking Boaz to buy back all the debt of Elimelech and provide for her and Naomi by taking her as his wife. She is proposing marriage to him! This same word is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to refer to the spreading out of the wings of protection of eagles, angels, and even God. She needs Boaz to cover her and redeem everything that has been lost.
Boaz is shocked. He responds right away. Instead of shooing her away or cursing her, he blesses her instead. Ruth 3:10-13 tells us, “The LORD bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not 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 my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it.” Boaz is willing to shelter and redeem Naomi and Ruth’s situation. There are some legal issues to work out, but Naomi and Ruth have found a willing kinsman-redeemer. I have to laugh, I think Boaz had already considered the situation and figured out that he was not first in line… someone else was. To seal his promise that he will not let the matter drop, he gives Ruth six measures of barley as a symbol of his promise. She has asked him to pursue her and he is willing.
Ruth returns to her mother-in-law. The chapter concludes with these two ladies comparing notes. Ruth 3:16-18, “When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, "How did it go, my daughter?" Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her 17 and added, "He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, 'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.'" 18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." Notice what Boaz said to Ruth, “'Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.” He knows that when Naomi returned home, she said matter-of-factly to the entire town, “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21). Boaz is promising to do what he can to fill her emptiness and redeem the situation.
If Naomi were to sit down and write her life story at this point in her life, I can imagine that she would not be able to write a single thing. She would look down at the page and if she were able to write anything, it would be a huge question mark. Why was all this happening? Would Boaz be able to make a difference? What about the other family member… what would his attitude be? God what on earth are you doing in this situation? Her story is still in progress.
IV. SCENE IV: UNEXPECTED ENDINGS
The last part of the Book of Ruth centers on Boaz confronting the nearer-kinsman-redeemer with the purpose of having the matter resolved. Boaz mentions the land which his kinsman is keen on acquiring, but mentions Ruth as part of the deal after he has the man on the hook. Taking on Ruth and all of the family responsibilities is a lot. The man withdraws out of concern for his own wife, his own children, and his entire estate. None of this is coincidence. I believe we see the hand of God at work moving people’s hearts and making a way for His Will to be done. It is unexpected that this man would withdraw and allow Boaz to step in.
Boaz wastes no time. Ruth 4:8-10, “So the kinsman-redeemer said to Boaz, "Buy it yourself." And he removed his sandal. 9 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, "Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion and Mahlon. 10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon's widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records. Today you are witnesses!"
What is also unexpected is the three-fold blessing that the elders of the town give to Boaz and also to Ruth. They make a blessing that Ruth would have many children for Boaz and that they would have a strong family. They make a blessing that Boaz would be a man of standing and good character. They also bless that the children of Boaz would be leaders and men of renown.
In a matter of moments, Naomi and Ruth are now cared for by a Godly, generous, and caring man that will see to it that they are cared for. Boaz gets the hot foreign woman as his wife and she is a faithful giving woman as well!
Life has shifted for the better.
Blessing has come.
Healing has begun.
Disaster and hunger have lifted.
The situation has been redeemed.
Ruth 4:14-17, “The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth." 16 Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, "Naomi has a son." And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
If Naomi were to sit down and write her life story at this point in her life, I can imagine that she would put a picture of her grandson. I imagine the pages stained with tears. Tears because she has endured so much and yet God had not abandoned her, but was working amidst the situation. The faith and devotion of this foreign woman who had married her son was an unexpected kindness in the midst of absolute disaster. God had made a way for a redeemer to be found and her life had not ended up at all the way she would have guessed. Her story is still in progress. Her new blessing, Obed, had a son named Jesse. Jesse was the father of the second king of Israel… David.
APPLICATION
I can imagine that many of us can identify with Naomi and Ruth. They experienced a time of life changing disaster. Naomi felt like God’s hand was against her. Life was not what she thought it would be. Life has taken twists and turns and the plot was not what she wanted. What are we supposed to do when we feel like our life is not the life we want?
Faithfulness.
* Hear now the Word of the Lord that in the midst of disaster and questions and bitterness and anger and hopelessness, that what we need is faithfulness:
Joshua 24:14-15 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
* Hear now the Word of the Lord that He remains ever faithful to us:
Psalm 36:5-7 “Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
* Hear now the Word of the Lord that the result of faithfulness is righteousness and peace and goodness especially when we can’t explain it:
Psalm 85:10-13 “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.”
* Hear now the Word of the Lord that those who are the people of God belong to Him and He is always working for our good:
Hosea 2:19-23 “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. 20 I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD. 21 "In that day I will respond," declares the LORD-- "I will respond to the skies, and they will respond to the earth; 22 and the earth will respond to the grain, the new wine and oil, and they will respond to Jezreel. 23 I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one. 'I will say to those called 'Not my people, ''You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'"
Faithfulness.
CONCLUSION
