This Week at Hope: Ruth 4 – No Matter the Cost
Hi Brothers & Sisters,
This coming Sunday we will finish the final chapter of Ruth – the climax of this little book. At first glance, it appears the crescendo is the marriage, the baby and the future security for Naomi. But that’s not really it at the core. God is at work in much grander ways.
So, what is the real significance of this narrative? Redemption is the crux of the gospel. In the darkest period of Israel’s existence, the Lord proves His power to save using the canvas of the lives of ordinary people. He is at work to redeem a people for Himself. Just as Boaz “acquired” Ruth the Moabitess as his wife, the Apostle Paul tells believers that “you were bought at a price…” (1 Cor 6:20).
On Sunday, I hope to focus on two primary things:
- Costly Redemption: In the scene at the gate (:1-12) we see the costliness of Ruth and Naomi’s redemption. In stark contrast to the nameless redeemer, Boaz is determined to settle the matter God’s way with zeal and urgency
- Unfolding Hope: in the closing verses (:13-22) we begin to grasp more fully the power of this book. It looks beyond “empty” Naomi now filled with Obed, to the beloved King David. But the true fulfillment will come in the much greater, much worthier King – Jesus Christ the Righteous.
Ladies, please remember Women’s Mentoring at the Browns Wednesday morning at 10 am.
This Wednesday, Prayer will be held at the Brown Barn.
The songs we will be singing this Lord’s Day are:
Redeemed By The Blood Of The Lamb
How Deep The Father’s Love
In Christ Alone
His Robes For Mine
Happy Day
May the Lord bless you for the rest of the week!
Your brother in Christ,
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Paul Carrington