In The Midst Of The Mess: A Study of Ruth Week 4: The LORD Provides Message Summary: The thrilling story of Boaz and Ruth ends with a marriage and a Messiah hinting genealogy, proof that God was up to something good in the midst of the mess. Those who call Christ their spiritual husband hold on to that same hope, that God is working out all things for the good of his people, even if the greatest good is generations into the future. ✦ Matthew 15:28 — “Woman, you have great faith.” ✦ Ruth 3:18 — “Wait my daughter until you find out what happens.” Ruth 4:1 — Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there. ✦ 2 Peter 3:9 — The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness, God is patience with you, not wanting any one to perish but everyone to come to repentance. ✦ Takeaway 1: Lord, please give me patience. ✦ Ruth 4:2-6 — Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. 3 Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek. 4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said. 5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.” 6 At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.” ✦ Takeaway 4: God is faithful to you. Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Ruth gathered grain so she and Naomi could survive. How does gathering with fellow Christians help us not only to survive but thrive? GROUP — Boaz, Ruth, Naomi and Obed became family. They also served as a Life Group during a horrific time in Israel’s history. How was Ruth’s faith handed down to her great grandson David? GROW — Naomi was emptied by God when he took her husband and two sons from her. Naomi was bitter. God didn’t forget about Naomi but he filled her up again. List some of the blessings that she enjoyed in her senior years. Reflect. Has there been a time when God emptied you but then filled you up in even greater ways (blessings)? GIVE — Boaz was a generous man. As a Guardian Redeemer he purchased the land that Naomi owned and brought Naomi into his home. Is there someone in your life that you can show generosity to? GO — The only way Ruth (remember, she’s a Moabite) could have learned about the LORD was through her first husband Mahlon and mother-in-law Naomi. Is there a Ruth in your life that you could share Jesus with? May God’s Spirit give you the right words. Homework: Jonah 1 (Hashtags: kindness, redeemer, hope, providence)