Message: “Grace in Action” from Pastor Martin Chappell

Ruth 2:4-9

 

Boaz took special notice of Ruth, vv. 4-7

• Faith was a genuine part of Boaz’s daily life.
• He is described as a man of noble character like Gideon, 2:1/Judges 6:11-12.
• Faith was reflected in greeting his workers and how he treated Ruth, v. 4.
• Something about Ruth immediately drew Boaz’s attention.
• The harvesters had already noticed Ruth.
• She was the foreign woman (Moabite) who had returned with Naomi.
• She was a hard worker, v. 7.

 

Boaz went to great lengths to help Ruth, vv. 8-9

• As God led Ruth to the field, He now led Boaz to notice Ruth.
• According to culture/position Boaz would not notice Ruth: she was young/poor/foreign.
• Boaz offered Ruth provision and protection.
• He told her to stay in his fields with his female servants – no longer alone.
• He told his workers not to harm her – no longer an outsider.
• He offered his own food and water – no longer living in need.
• Because of his faith, Boaz did far more than the law required.
• By law he only had to allow her to glean.
• God’s grace in his heart compelled him to do much more than required.
• Boaz was living out the teachings of Moses (scripture), Deuteronomy 10:12-19.
• Out of his love for God, he actively showed love for Ruth, the resident alien.

 

Live It Out

There are many ways to apply these truths, but consider two primary applications of this story.

• The grace Boaz showed Ruth is a picture of God’s grace to us.
• God reaches out to us in love before we know or care about Him, Romans 5:8.
• Through His grace, God provides everything we need for now/eternity, 2 Peter 1:3-4.
• To live by God’s grace means we give grace to the people we meet in life, 1 John 4:19-21.

 

Based on these truths, what can we do this week?

• Ask God to open your eyes to people in need of His love.
• Offer to pray with someone who is struggling.
• Be ready to seize opportunities God places before you.

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