Ruth Chapter 3” God in My Risk”

Ruth’s Options:

#1 THE BIBLICAL WAY (Dad Get’s Involved)

#2 THE MOABITE WAY (Live Together, Sleep Together)

Naomi’s Risky Advice:

PUT YOURSELF IN FRONT OF THE MAN YOU ARE INTERESTED IN See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor Ruth 3:2-3

TIMING IS EVERYTHING but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Ruth 3:3

LIE DOWN AND LET THE MAN TELL YOU WHAT TO DO (Are you kidding!!!!) But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.” Ruth 3:4

RUTH PROPOSES THAT PROPOSE I am Ruth, your maidservant. Spread your wings over your maidservant, for you are a redeemer.” Ruth 3:8

Bo’s Response:

BOAZ PRAYS FOR RUTH And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. Ruth3:10

IN HUMILITY BOAZ CONSIDERS RUTH OUT OF HIS LEAUGE You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. Ruth3:10

BOAZ SEES RUTH AS WORTHY I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman Ruth 3:11

BOAZ WANTS TO MARRY RUTH NOT BECAUSE OF OBLIGATION BUT BECAUSE OF LOVE And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I Ruth 3:12

BOAZ OBEYS GOD’S LAW SO THAT HE CAN REMAIN IN THAT PLACE OF GOD’S BLESSING Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.” Ruth 3:13

BOAZ PROTECTS RUTH’S REPUTATION So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another. And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” Ruth 3:14

BOAZ ACTS AND ACTS DECISIVELY She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” Ruth 3:18

Going Deeper

• Reread Ruth 3:1-5 and reflect on the plan and motivation of . Consider how her attitude and focus have changed since chapter 1. • What agreements or objections do have with Naomi’s plan for connecting Ruth and Boaz? • How is Naomi’s plan related to God’s providence? • In what ways can a Godly woman follow Ruth’s example in today’s context? • Read Ruth 3:6-18. Look at this text in two ways: First, consider the actions of Boaz and Ruth within the context of courtship. Up to this point Boaz has looked after Ruth as one would a sister and his priority remains her protection even after she makes her intentions clear. Second, meditate on these scriptures as a analogy of our redemption in Christ. Remember that Boaz initiated their relationship through his unmerited favor in chapter 2. • In what ways does Ruth’s action display her character? • How does Boaz’s reaction and following actions display his character? • Have you ever been disappointed by your own actions? • How does Ruth embody your submission to Christ? • Reflect on the attributes of God and the elements of the Gospel you see in this passage. • How do your thoughts and actions testify to the truth you see in these Scriptures? • Pray that this scripture would transform your life and renew your mind.

Sources

Mark Driscol “Redeeming Ruth“ - Mars Hill John Piper “ Ruth-Strategic Righteousness” – Desiring God ESV Study

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