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RUTH 3:18

"WAITING ON GOD"

Intro:  The story of Ruth is a beautiful love story of redemption.

I. RUTH'S DESTITUTE CONDITION.
        A. Her husband Mahlon had died.
        B. Her mother-in-law Naomi had decided to return home to
                Bethlehem.
                1. Ruth left her family and friends to go with her, that she might
                   care for her in her old age.
                2. So here was Ruth destitute in a strange country.
        C. Their only sustenance was for her to join the gleaners in the fields.
                1. The law concerning gleaning.

II. BOAZ'S LOVE FOR RUTH.
        A. Ruth happened upon the fields of Boaz, a very wealthy and Godly man.
        B. Boaz saw Ruth and was attracted to her.
                1. He discreetly inquired about her.
                2. He gave orders concerning her.
                       a. They were not to chide her if she wandered into the
                          unharvested portion.
                       b. They were not to touch her.
                       c. They were to let handsful drop on purpose for her.
        C. Ruth was being blessed and protected by his love though she was not
           aware of it.
                1. Just as the Lord, in love, is watching over you.
        D. Naomi who is more experienced than Ruth figures something's up when
           Ruth brings home a bushel of grain.
                1. She suggests Ruth to stay in Boaz's field.
                2. And at the end of harvest she sends Ruth to the threshing floor at night.
                        a. Out of the darkness she watched as they ate and partied
                           and finally settled down to rest.
                        b. She slipped silently to the sleeping Boaz and uncovered
                           his feet.
                        c. At midnight he awoke and was startled that a woman was
                           lying at his feet.
                        d. He inquired as to her identity and Ruth asked him to spread
                           his skirt over her. (to fulfill his duty as goel..
                        e. At early dawn, Ruth slipped back home to Naomi, who advised
                           her to sit still and wait.
        E. Boaz went to city gate and made the transaction to redeem Naomi's field.
                1. The marriage to Ruth was consummated and she bore a son
                   whom they named Obed or "worshipper" who became the grandfather
                   of King David.
                2. The story of Boaz buying a field that he might obtain a gentile bride.

Ill. MATTHEW 13: 44.
        A. Jesus redeemed the world that He might obtain His gentile bride.
        B. He loves you and has been watching over you though you have been unaware.
        C. He wants to spread His skirt over you.