Ruth

RUTH: Its all About Commitment

INTRODUCTION:





Background

In the days of the judges


Moab




Famine











Read 1:1-7













*Elimelek: his name Means God is King


A symbol of false faith? God is King, is he his king?



1:13 Naomi’s condemnation and God’s Providence (see also 1:20-21)



Read 1:16-17

Ruth is a woman of faith in contrast to many Jews who were only Jews by name


Compare Ruth to the Patriarchs who failed (brothers of Joseph; Exodus generation; days of the judges, Elimelek?)


A type of Joseph




A Symbol of true commitment





God’s mercy and providence has always been to all nations- his goal has always been the church












Tell the rest of the story

2:1-23 Ruth sent to work in the field





3:1ff Naomi hatches a plan


This plan was in the mind of God before Naomi was born




Example of Boaz’s righteousness:




























Application


Illustration: Vietnamese prisoner’s testimony


Sometimes God changes lives and the course of history at times when we least expect it










Always expect God to act