"Safe In the Arms of God"

Scripture Reading:  Ruth 3
Memory Verse:  He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” Ruth 3:9 ESV

God provides His rest and security for us by providing redemptive marriage relationships!

1.  Looking for a place of rest/provision:

• Naomi’s Desperate Ploy for “Rest”
  
• This is an act of self-sufficiency. Verse1 “I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.”
  
• Although the end result is righteous, the decision caused a compromising situation.
  

2.  Righteous Covering or Compromise?

• Ruth obeys Naomi 
  
• Ruth puts herself in the humble position of requesting Boaz to be her covering. 
  
• Ruth is asking Boaz to “incarnate” the blessing he gave her earlier! Ruth 2:12 
  

          a.  This is a symbolic request: Requesting a literal action, “cover me”, with a meaning that goes well beyond the action.
          b.  She was offered Refuge under God’s wings/Boaz’ field and provision/protection: 
               Psalm 91:4, Psalm 36:7, psalm 57:1, psalm 17:8, psalm 61:4, 63:7, Luke 13:34

• Ruth is asking Boaz to perform the role of the redeemer, near Kinsman.  Ruth 2:20 "That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers."
  

         Kinsman, guardian-redeemer is a legal term for one who has the obligation to redeem a relative in serious difficulty 
         (see Lev. 25:25-55); also in verses 12 and 13.

         Male relative who, according to various laws found in the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act for a 
         relative who was in trouble, danger, or need of vindication.

• When a widow requested the next of kin to perform the role of the goel, or kinsman-redeemer, he wasn’t forced. In fact, there were three conditions to be met:
  

         a.  He had to be qualified as a kinsman; 
         b.  He had to be able to perform; 
         c.  He had to be willing.

3.  Respond in righteousness!

• Ruth is the object of redemption! Verse 9, Who are you?" he asked. 
  
• Two kindnesses of Ruth toward Naomi!
  
• Ruth will receive redemption in righteousness!
  

         a.  Noble character:  And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people 
              of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.
         b.  Nearer Kinsman? Someone else will have the first chance. 

• Ruth asked. Boaz acted. Boaz affirmed with an oath. God orchestrated it all!
  

SO WHAT?

• God brings together husbands and wives in righteousness. 
  
• God provides husbands to express His own promise of protection!
  
• All physical acts of provision and comfort are symbolic of God’s own provision!
  
• The sexual relationship is reserved for those who have made the commitment of marriage.
  
• We endanger ourselves and others when we seek to take matters into our own hands entirely.
  
• Propriety should be carefully maintained, even in appearances!!