Sermon Title: A Kinsman Redeemer
Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18 (NIV)
Contributed by David Buschart
… Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye, but Ruth clung to her. —Ruth 1:14
… the LORD enabled [Ruth] to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. —Ruth 4:13
By the time one finishes reading Judges one has been confronted with a sometimes horrifyingly realistic description of the depravity and evil of which human beings are capable (e.g., Judg 19) when we do what is right in only our eyes (Judg 17:6; 21:25). The book of Ruth functions as an epilogue and by the time one finishes reading Ruth one has been given a story of faithfulness and sacrifice, of love and affection, even in the face of severe trials, loss and grief. For example, in response to the faithfulness of her daughters-in-law, Naomi releases them to “find rest” elsewhere and pronounces divine blessing upon them (Ruth 1:8-9). Despite this release, Ruth “clung to” Naomi, pledged to sojourn with her (1:16-18), and was faithful to that pledge. We human beings are capable of incredible cruelty and evil, and we are capable, when submitted to doing the will of God in the power of God, of life-giving kindness and faithfulness.
If we were to read these books (Judges, and Ruth) with only “our own eyes” we may mistakenly conclude that God, too, is capable of both kindness and faithfulness and of cruelty and evil. But this is not the case. While God is the God of both Judges and Ruth, a careful reading reveals that God is always faithful, compassionate, persevering, and ultimately Redeemer … even when it may not appear so to us.
God and His ways are much bigger, longer-term, and, yes, more complex than we often can see or understand. This lack of seeing and understanding can be a function of sinfulness (e.g., Judges) but not always (e.g., Ruth). Sometimes it is simply a manifestation that God is God and that we are not God. He is the Creator; we are finite creatures. Throughout both Judges and Ruth, God is present and perseveringly working toward His ultimate ends.
Clearly, Ruth is a very capable and virtuous person. Her life and character are to be emulated. Yet, unlike what we might expect in a book that bears her name, Ruth is not the main character. Ultimately, the book is not about her. When Ruth eventually gives birth to a son all attention and celebration immediately shifts to Naomi, the mother-in-law whom she has faithfully served (4:14-15). Ruth disappears. And “Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him” (4:16).
However, Naomi is not the main character either. The person to whom the narrative leads is merely named—they do not act within the book—but is extremely important to God’s larger unfolding narrative. Ruth gave birth to Obed, who was “the father of Jesse, the father of David” (4:17, emphasis added; also 4:22).
Consequently, when the book of Ruth is read within the context of the rest of scripture there is another character who can be described as “hidden” in the book of Ruth but has, nonetheless, been present and active: God. The very first words of the gospel according to Matthew are: “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David” (Matt 1:1). Though she likely had no idea of the significance of her motherhood, in God’s eyes Ruth is not overlooked. Ruth is seen and not forgotten. Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reports that Jesus’s earthly lineage runs through, among others, Ruth and Boaz, and David (Matt 1:5-6).
God’s ways are indeed higher than our ways, his ways are often beyond our understanding (Is 55:9). Yet thankfully, whether or not we see or understand, God is present and at work. Our highest calling is not to see or understand but to be faithful. Our call is to trust and serve the one and only God.
Consider—
╬ Is there a situation in your life where you don’t clearly see or understand what God is doing? If so, look to scripture (e.g., Matt 22:36-40) and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into persevering and faithful service to God and others.
╬ Thank you, Father, for the example and faithfulness of so many of your people, like Ruth. By your Holy Spirit guide and enable us, particularly when we feel “unseen,” to faithfully participate in your redemptive work in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.