‘Three characters’ (Ruth 2:1-23)

After telling of Naomi and Ruth’s tragic loss and their eventual trip back to the land of Judah in Israel, the text of chapter two (Ruth 2:1-23) brings us face to face with three central characters. The two widows, Naomi and Ruth, and one man, new to the plot line of the story, Boaz, a wealthy landowner. While Naomi and Ruth’s plight has been noted, now there is a silver thread, a small shining light of hope introduced, and Boaz begins to notice and care for Ruth. Could this be God’s plan for the continuation of the line of Elimelech?

Message

Radio service

00:00 Welcome
Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
00:17 Introduction
00:34 Prayer
02:28 Bible reading: Ruth 2
Song: Be Unto Your Name
06:08 Shorter Catechism Introduction
07:35 Catechism Questions 140-145
14:05 Bible reading: Romans 8
Song: How Deep the Father’s Love
Sermon: Ruth 2
Song: Teach Me Thy Way
15:07 Closing

Outline

• When and where we last met Ruth and Naomi
• How would they survive?
• The fields of Boaz…
• See how the text speaks of the characters in the story…

Ruth the dutiful worker (v.1-3, 10, 17-18, 23)

Boaz the generous protector (v.4-9, 11-16)

Naomi the hopeful schemer (v.19-23)

Insignificant things…and the plans of our God!