blessings in the corners
DESCRIPTION
The second of four Ruth sermons, Tabernacle Baptist Church, February 2013TRANSCRIPT
Blessings in the CornersRuth 2:1-23
Introduction• What do you want from God? – Power/Position– Riches– Strength/Health– Beauty– Wisdom– More?
• I want to find favor in His sight.
Introduction• Levirate law begins to color the
edges of this story.– Lev 19:9-10, 23:2– Deut 24:19
• God cares about people, especially vulnerable people.– He provides protection and
provision
It’s off to work we go• Ruth makes two requests (2:2, 7)
– She asks Naomi if she might go and work in the fields
– She asks the field manager if she might work in THIS field
• Then she works hard (2:7)
• and Boaz notices (2:5)
on the field? on the couch?
God favors workers not slackers.
An offer you can’t refuse• Boaz offers Ruth a regular spot
in his fields (2:8-9)
– He offers permanence– He offers protection– He offers refreshment
• Ruth is amazed and grateful (2:10, 13)
• and Boaz notices (2:11-12)
making sparks?causing sparks?
God favors humble dependence not defiant entitlement.
A free lunch• Boaz invites Ruth to the
company picnic (2:14)
– He offers bread AND vinegar– He serves her much roasted grain
• Ruth goes back to work (2:15)
• Boaz bestows even more blessings on Ruth (2:15-16) – He offers bonuses AND validation
A story around the table• Ruth finishes the work and the
day (2:17)
• Ruth shares her blessings with Naomi (2:18-19, 21)
– She has grain reaped, roasted and remaining
• Naomi shares a bigger blessing with Ruth (2:20) – He is our closest relative– It is good
being a blessing?
saying a blessing?
God favors people who favor other people with His favor.
Conclusions• Are you a favored person? (Eph.
1:3-14; 2 Cor. 8:9)
• Now that you have favor with God, what will you do with His blessing?
Conclusions• Enjoy it! His favor is for living!• Recognize its source,
acknowledge Him, be thankful. • Consider who may be favored
by your redistribution of favor. (2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thes. 2:16-17)
• Grow in favor with God and man.
The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Num 6:25-26