God’s Temporal Provision for His Loyal Servants
RUTH 2
November 21, 2010
21 Fellowship, SBC
Simon Goncharenko
I. God is sovereignly at work, even if often behind the scenes – vv. 1-4.
A. We usually have no idea what God is setting up for us next – v. 1
B. When the time is right God brings us to the right place – v. 3.
C. Then, when all is set He puts all the pieces together – v. 4.
II. Our commitment to the Lord will be rewarded – vv. 5-23.
A. What is commitment ?
B. What did Ruth’s commitment to the Lord entailed? – v. 11, 7.
i. Leaving her family
ii. Leaving her country
iii. Coming to a land previously unkown
iv. Dilligent work to provide for her mother-in-law
C. How was Ruth’s commitment rewarded?
i. By God – graciously accepting this gentile, placing her in Boaz’ path, turning Boaz’ attention and heart to her – vv. 1-23.
ii. By Boaz – vv. 8-9, 12, 14-15, 21.
1. Allowing her to stay in his fields exclusively – v. 8.
2. Ensuring her safety & increased productivity by inviting her to stay with his young women – v. 8.
3. Ordering his male servants to not harm her – v. 9.
4. Providing for her thirst – v. 9.
5. Blessing her in the Lord’s name – v. 12.
6. Encouraging her – v. 12.
7. By feeding her at the mealtime & letting her take leftovers home – v. 14.
8. By creating a special preferred arrangment for her work – v.15
9. By inviting her to come back until the end of the harvest – v. 21.
D. How will our commitment to God be rewarded?
III. Put God First!
A. In our families
B. In our jobs
C. In our finances
When we do, I earnestly believe that we too, like Ruth, will have placed ourselves under the protective wings of the God of Israel – v.12.
God takes care of those who place Him first in their lives!
