The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Redemption

Temple Baptist Church - 9-29-2019

Ruth 4:1-11

Introduction:

A.  We have looked at:

1.  Love’s Resolve – both Naomi and Ruth made choices that involved great resolve.  Ruth was “steadfastly minded.”

2.  Love’s Restoration – Both Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem, “The House of Bread,” in the beginning of Barley Harvest.

3.  Love’s Redeemer – the right place “hap” and the right time, when Boaz came to the field.  Today is the day of salvation, today is the accepted time.

4.  Love’s Rest – placing our needs and fears into the hand of another and resting there.

B.  I think it of great importance for God’s children to often think upon the price of our redemption.  The saved know that they are saved but often get caught up in living or some dire circumstance that has befallen them.

C.  Chapter 4 of the Book of Ruth is a very important one.

1.  The Great Need of Redemption.  Verses 1-3.  THE NEED WAS GREAT!

a.  Redemption was needed because of what Naomi had lost. 

1)  Elimelech’s poor decision cost his entire family both their lives and possessions.  The price of Naomi’s redemption had to be paid. 

2)  Adam’s poor decision cost the entire human race as Adamic sin was born in every human except Christ.  The Promised Seed, the Lord Jesus Christ, was promised for the redemption of mankind.

Romans 5:12a  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin …

b.  Redemption was needed because of what Ruth never had! 

1)  A Moabite girl raised in a heathen, godless land.  Helpless and hopeless in her sinful condition.  The time was right because she was brought in the 10th generation.

Romans 5:12b  … and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

2)  Through the providence of God, she married into the right family and followed Naomi to Bethlehem.  Naomi’s God became her God and Boaz, when he paid for the redemption of Naomi.  Ruth’s choice brought her in under the same redemption.

2.  The Great Need of a Kinsman Redeemer.  THE REDEEMER WAS WILLING!

a.  The Kinsman Redeemer had to be right. 

1)  He had to be a near kinsman.  Boaz was such a man.  He was of the family of Elimelech.

2)  Our Redeemer had to be a near kinsman.  The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  The Lamb of God, our Perfect Sacrifice.  The Lord Jesus Christ was the only One who could redeem us from the curse of sin.

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  (The Creator, the great I AM, Jehovah God, The Only Begotten of the Father.)

b.  The Kinsman Redeemer had to be willing.  The closest kinsman redeemer was willing to redeem Naomi’s possessions but was not willing to redeem Ruth, the Moabite widow.

1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

3.  The Great Need of Redemption.  Verse 5.  THE REDEEMER WAS ABLE!

a.  It took a mighty man of wealth with the power to redeem what Naomi had lost. 

b.  Only the precious blood of Christ could pay the cost of our redemption.

1 Peter 1:18-20  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (20)  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

4.  The Great Need of Assurance.  Verses 9-11.  THE REDEMPTION WAS SECURED!

a.  All that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, Mahlon, and Naomi was purchased and possessed by Boaz.  Boaz left nothing unpaid, he left nothing undone. 

John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

b.  Ruth, the Moabite or Gentile Bride, was securely purchased and possessed by Boaz.  He is mine and I am His!

Song of Solomon 6:3a  I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine …

“OH, WHAT A SAVIOUR!  OH, WHAT A SALVATION!’

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.