Volume 2 - Number 8
Loudonville Community Church
The week of December 4, 2016
THE ROMANCE OF REDEMPTION:
God’s Perfect Timing
Ruth 2:1-23
THIS WEEK’S CORE STATEMENT
Peace: We believe that when we follow Jesus Christ, He gives us an abiding sense of harmony. Ideally, our relationships with
our brothers and sisters in Christ will be filled with unity and free from friction.
The following is an Advent devotional written by Daphne Delay. Delay is the founder of Mirror Ministries in Seminole, Texas.
She is the author of Facing the Mirror: Finding a Self to Live With. Delay blogs nuggets of spiritual growth and encouragement
every week at mirrorministries.org on the subjects of faith, purpose, and self.
Top News Headlines this week: Young Mother dies ... 12 Arrested in Terrorist Raid ... City Devastated by Oil
Blast ... Man accused in Hate Attack ... But in contrast, the message of Christmas is Peace On Earth. In fact, the
message of the Bible is peace.
The word peace . . . is used in all but one New Testament book. It seems the angels had it right when they declared,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” They were declaring God's desire for
harmonious relationships between men and nations. Peace also describes friendliness, freedom from attack, order,
and a sense of rest and contentment. Yet, despite the meaning and purpose, a countless number of people lack
peace in their lives.
Many see and hear the sights and sounds of Christmas, and in despair they say, “There's no peace on earth.” And
it's not just this particular year. For centuries, people have struggled with the notion of peace on earth. During the
American Civil War, Henry W. Longfellow wrote the lyrics of ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.’ With heartfelt
candor, he wrote, ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good will to men.” His honesty pricks
my heart.
The news headlines are [discouraging]. The reality of war and hate among nations is too close to home. And it is
sometimes hard to know what to say to those enduring this season without their loved ones for the first time. Yet
despite all this, there is still a message ringing through the air: Peace On Earth.
The scriptures are clear: “For it pleased the Father that in [Jesus] all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to
reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on Earth or things in heaven, having made Peace through
the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
He came for this purpose: “For He Himself is our Peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both
[Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed and abolished) the hostile dividing wall between
us” (Ephesians 2:14, Amplified).
His goal was sure: Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). His words encouraged.
The Apostle Paul also said, “I beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called ... endeavoring
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace” (Ephesians 4:1, 3). The message remains the same.
Yet, although [more than] a century has passed since Henry W. Longfellow struggled writing the lyrics to his nowfamous song, we understand every word. Like so many this time of year, his heart hurt with the despair, hatred,
and horrors of war his eyes saw daily. However, regardless of these things there was something unseen which
nudged his writing: “And the bells are ringing ... Peace On Earth ... Like a choir, they're singing ... Peace On
Earth ... In my heart I hear them ... Peace On Earth ...”
As if the angels who met the shepherds long ago were still singing, their message has carried through the ages.
Longfellow was right. Tragedies constantly bombard our doorsteps, yet there is a reverberation ringing through the
air. If we listen with our hearts, and not judge with our eyes or our minds, we can hear it too.
“Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor does he sleep ... Peace on earth, Peace on earth ... The
wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with Peace on Earth, goodwill to men.”
With great compassion, God saw the condition of earth and made provision for change.
“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so
that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, and be lost) but
have eternal (everlasting) life” (John 3:16, Amplified).
In other words, Peace. So despite the news and loss, peace is not only available, it is possible.
“May the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all”
(2 Thessalonians 3:16).
Our prayer is that the people of Loudonville Community Church will connect deeply with the Prince of Peace this
Advent season and so be enabled to live in peace with one another.
This Week’s Complementary Passage
Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)
8
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel
of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And
the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto
you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find
a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God and saying,
14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found
Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been
told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary
treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
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STEP ONE . . .
READING what the passage says
(Read it at least three times)
Ruth 2:1-23 (ESV)
1
Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech,
whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field
and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she
said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after
the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who
was of the clan of Elimelech. 4 And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to
the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.” 5 Then
Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is
this?” 6 And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young
Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said,
‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and
she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”
8
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field
or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that
they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch
you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have
drawn.” 10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I
found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a
foreigner?” 11 But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law
since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father
and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know
before. 12 The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by
the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” 13 Then
she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and
spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”
14
And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your
morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain.
And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. 15 When she rose to
glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves,
and do not reproach her. 16 And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it
for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”
17
So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and
it was about an ephah of barley. 18 And she took it up and went into the city. Her
mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food
she had left over after being satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did
you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of
you.” So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man's
name with whom I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,
“May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the
dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our
redeemers.” 21 And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close
by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth,
her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women,
lest in another field you be assaulted.” 23 So she kept close to the young women of Boaz,
gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her
mother-in-law.
©preceptcamden.com
3
STEP TWO . . .
OBSERVING how the passage moves
•
Circle all of the words in these passages that speak of the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit, etc.).
•
Underline the significant verbs/action words in these passages.
•
In Ruth 2:3, underline the phrase: “she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan
of Elimelech.”
•
Underline Ruth 2:4.
•
In Ruth 2:8, underline the phrase: “Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another
field or leave this one.”
•
Underline Ruth 2:10.
•
Highlight Ruth 2:11-13.
•
Underline Ruth 2:15-16.
•
In Ruth 2:19, underline the phrase: “Blessed be the man who took notice of you.”
•
In Ruth 2:20, underline the phrases: “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the
dead!” and “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
•
Highlight Ruth 2:22-23.
STEP THREE . . .
Ask the five “W” questions and the one “H” question:
1. WHO is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters? And, to whom is it speaking?
2. WHAT is the subject of the passage? What does the passage say about the subject?
3. WHEN do or will the events occur? When did something happen to a particular person, people, or nation?
4. WHERE did or will this happen?
5. WHY is something said or mentioned? Why would or will this happen? Why at this time? Why this person?
6. HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?
4
STEP FOUR . . .
UNDERSTANDING what the passage means
This commentary is intended to enhance your own study of the text.
Ruth 2:1-23 (ESV)
2:1 - “Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man.”
The word “relative” could also be rendered as a kinsman or as
a friend. The title “worthy man” can refer to the man’s
honorable standing within his community.
“Boaz.” Although the exact Hebrew meaning of this name is
uncertain, it does bear the idea of prosperity or success.
2:2 - “Let me go to the field and glean.” To glean is to gather
or to pick up. Deuteronomy 24:19-24 relates a law which
states that farmers should not harvest every last stalk of
grain but should leave some for the poor of the community to
gather. Ruth’s offer to put in a very long and a very hard
day’s work for just a small reward indicates her strength of
character.
2:3 - “She happened to come to the part of the field belonging
to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.” The word
“happened” seems to indicate that this was some sort of
accident when in reality God’s hand was guiding Ruth
exactly where He wanted her to work.
2:4 - “And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!”
Boaz’s greeting reflects the character of a humble man of
God.
2:5 - “Whose young woman is this?” Boaz was immediately
aware that Ruth was not one of the regular harvesters.
2:7 - “She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the
sheaves after the reapers.’” As a foreigner, Ruth did not have
the right to glean; therefore she graciously (and boldly) asked
that she be allowed to do so.
2:8-9 - Boaz provides for Ruth’s safety from insult and
physical assault, as well as offering her the opportunity to
quench her thirst from the well. Water was a valuable
commodity and was not free for everyone who wanted to take
a drink.
2:10 - “Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and
said to him, ‘Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you
should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?’” Ruth’s
posture reminds us of the posture one might take before the
Lord or before a king. This is a beautiful expression of
humility and gratitude in ancient Jewish culture.
2:11-12 - Boaz observed all that Ruth had abandoned, but his
foremost emphasis lies on her acceptance of the God of Israel,
the only true God, who would surely reward her for her trust
in Him. The image of God in verse 12 is that of a hen who
spreads her wings to cover and to protect her baby chicks.
2:13 - “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have
comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am
not one of your servants.” Ruth is both surprised and grateful
that she has been accepted by Boaz. Ruth realized the
favored position of Boaz’s handmaidens and as an alien in
Israel did not dare to put herself on that same level.
2:14-16 - In these verses, the author subtly reveals Boaz’s
increasing interest in Ruth. He invited Ruth to join him for
the standard midday meal. He also warned the other workers
to exercise extreme care so that they did not embarrass the
young woman. He went so far as to instruct the other
workers to leave extra grain behind so that Ruth could have
an exceptional amount of grain for her and Naomi.
2:17 - “Ephah.” This measurement represents between 2/3
and one bushel of grain. This amount demonstrates both the
generosity of Boaz and the industry of Ruth!
2:18 - This verse reveals Ruth’s gratitude and pride for an
excellent harvest. We may also infer that Naomi was
wonderfully surprised by the amount that Ruth had
gathered.
2:19 - In this verse we get a sense that Naomi excitedly
wanted to hear every detail of Ruth’s experience harvesting.
Excitement was certainly building to a high point when
Boaz’s name is finally mentioned.
2:20 - “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has
not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi offers praise to
the Lord for the encounter that took place between Ruth and
Boaz. She saw this meeting as the Lord’s way of providing for
her and Ruth’s future.
“The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
Naomi understood the Hebrew practice of Levirate marriage
which was used to preserve the name of someone who had
died. This meant that Boaz could purchase the lands which
formerly belonged to Naomi’s husband and sons. In doing so,
Boaz was expected to protect and take care of the helpless
family members who remained alive.
2:21-23 - In these finals verses, Naomi and Ruth decide that
Ruth should continue to harvest only in the fields of Boaz and
to stay close by the others that work with him. They clearly
view this turn of events as a blessing from the Lord.
Resources for Commentary:
The Pulpit Commentary: Volume 4, Ruth, I & II Samuel edited by H.D.M.
Spence and Joseph S. Exell and The Interpreter’s Bible: Volume II edited by
Louise Pettibone Smith and James T. Cleland.
5
STEP FIVE . . .
SUMMARIZING the message
In an uncertain and often unpredictable world, one of the steadying truths Christ followers possess is the assurance that God
is intimately involved in the circumstances of our lives. He is continually working behind the scenes to accomplish His
purposes. Sometimes we long for our circumstances to be different. We want to be rescued from the hardships of life. Grief,
suffering and loss are experiences most of us would rather avoid. Yet our hope is in Jesus who is both good and sovereignly
reigning over the world.
The story of Ruth grants us a bird’s-eye view into the lives of two downcast and marginalized widows, Naomi and her
daughter-in-law, Ruth. Upon returning to Bethlehem and by the providence of God, Ruth unknowingly wanders into the field of
Boaz who graciously allows her to gather grain (glean) left behind by those harvesting his fields. Gleaning was one means that
God, through the actions of His people, displayed love and compassion to widows, orphans and non-Jewish people. Leviticus
19:9-10 states, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you
gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of
your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”
As the story progresses, the reader becomes acutely aware of God’s direct involvement in the lives of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
Chapter 2 details the kind actions of Boaz to Ruth. Those harvesting his field are instructed to intentionally leave behind some
of the grain for Ruth to collect as she gleans. Even more importantly we learn that Boaz is related to Naomi’s deceased husband
and is able to serve as a kinsman-redeemer. Deuteronomy 25:5-10 prescribes that when a Hebrew husband perished, his
brother or nearest kin must marry the widow as a way of redeeming and perpetuating the deceased’s lineage.
Ultimately, the book of Ruth pictures the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer. His incarnation (in human
form) made Him a next of kin to us authorizing Him to take our place. His sinless perfection qualified Him to serve as our
Kinsman-Redeemer. We enter this Christmas season hopeful because Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has bought us
back from sin and death.
STEP SIX . . .
EXPLORING the passage through discussion
1.
What does Ruth 2 teach us concerning God’s provision and His timing for doing so?
2.
How did gleaning grant dignity to the poor? Were there also risks associated with gleaning?
3.
Deuteronomy 23:3-6 forbade Israel from having any relationship with Moabites. What rationale do you think Boaz
employed in welcoming Ruth into the Jewish community and inviting her to partake of the harvest from his fields?
4.
Ruth and Naomi had no idea of all that God had in store for them upon their return to Bethlehem. What does this
teach us about God’s plans for our lives?
5.
In what ways did God challenge Naomi through Ruth and Boaz?
6.
Describe a time in life when you doubted God’s love and compassion for you.
7.
Have you ever had to assimilate into another culture? How might that be similar to what Ruth experienced?
6
8.
Is there an area of your life where you are reticent to trust in God’s provision to care for you? What does Ruth’s
example of faith teach you about your own struggle?
9.
Boaz’s example of caring for a Moabite immigrant is a vivid illustration of our own need to care for the marginalized of
society. Are there certain people whom you might not want to interact with? Why?
10. How does Boaz’s gracious conduct towards Ruth picture the greater work of Jesus on behalf of sinners?
STEP SEVEN . . .
APPLYING the passage to my life
Our desire is to not be merely hearers of the Word but doers ~ James 1:22
When you apply God’s Word, you are thinking about what God might be saying to you through the Scriptures. Application
involves action. Application makes your reading become a reality in your own life. Make your applications specific (state who,
what & when). You are encouraged to use the S.P.E.C.K. method to apply God’s Word to your life. Remember that each passage
of Scripture may not lend itself to answering all five of these questions.
S - SINS to confess and avoid (Are there sinful actions, attitudes, or thoughts that you need to confess to God
based upon your study of these Scriptures?)
P - PROMISES to claim (List God’s promises for you from these Scriptures.)
E - EXAMPLES to follow (What examples, for right thinking or right actions, can you take for you own life from
these Scriptures?)
C - COMMANDS to obey (List God’s commands for you from these Scriptures and seek to be obedient to them.)
K - KNOWLEDGE of God to apply (God’s character is visible throughout the Scriptures as an example to us.
What attributes and/or attitudes does God display that you can apply to your own life?)
This Week’s Memory Verse
10
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for
you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those
with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:10-14 (ESV)
7
Sermon Notes:
# OT in 52
(52 weeks through the Old Testament)
© The Abide in Me Bible study series is
written by the pastoral staff of
Loudonville Community Church
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE READING IN A YEAR
Monday, December 5 thru Saturday, December 10
Ezekiel 45-47, 48-Daniel 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-10
374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211
www.lcchurch.org