Message: “The Unseen Hand of God” from Pastor Martin Chappell

Ruth 2:1-3

August 7, 2022

 

Life is full of choices, Jeremiah 6:16 CSB

16 This is what the Lord says: Stand by the roadways and look. Ask about the ancient paths, “Which is the way to what is good?” Then take it and find rest for yourselves.

• How do we find and follow the will of God?
• Walk with God in a close relationship daily.
• Make the best decisions you can based on God’s leading and truth (Bible).

 

There are three ways we see God’s unseen hand at work in Ruth 2:1-3.

2 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. His name was Boaz.

2 Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?”

Naomi answered her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family.

• The Right Man – Boaz, v. 1

• The mention of Boaz gives us a clue that God is at work in an unseen way.
• God was setting things in place to provide a kinsman redeemer (Boaz/Jesus).
• Naomi was so consumed with discouragement that she had not considered Boaz.
• Boaz was an honorable man of faith who was highly respected in Bethlehem.

• The Right Woman – Ruth, v. 2

2 Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?” Naomi answered her, “Go ahead, my daughter.”

• Ruth showed her diligent, loyal character by asking to go glean in the fields.
• Keep in mind she was a single, foreign woman who would be alone in the fields.
• Ruth relied on the Jewish law that provided for the poor and needy, Leviticus 19:9-10.

9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edge of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the resident alien; I am the Lord your God.

• Landowners of faith used the harvest as an opportunity to show generosity.

• The Right Place – Boaz’s field in Bethlehem, v. 3

3 So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the harvesters. She happened to be in the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from Elimelech’s family.

• God led Ruth to the exact field in Bethlehem that He wanted her to go.
• Angels told the shepherds to find the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem, Luke 2:15-16.

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

• The star led the wisemen to the exact location of Jesus in Bethlehem, Matthew 2:9-11.

9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

• How did Ruth know to go to that particular field?
• Out of her relationship with God she made the best choice she could.

 

Live It Out

How do we find and follow the will of God in life?

• Trust God to be at work doing what is best.
• There is a mystery: God’s sovereign will and our personal will (our ability to choose).
• God’s will never contradicts the truth of the Bible.
• Develop your relationship with God so He can work effectively in your life, Philippians 2:12-13.

12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. 

• When you feel certain of God’s will, do not fail to obey.
• When you are uncertain of God’s will, make the best decision you can.
• Cover everything with prayer.

 

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