Hope: Baby

Ruth 4:13-22

The book of Ruth seemingly ends with a baby.  With that baby came great hope.  Ruth's arms would no longer be empty; her heart had a fullness where there once was despair.  She had a man who loved her, who redeemed her and gave her security and hope.  He was related, he was able and he was willing, so he did it.

Notice I said seemingly. Ruth's story doesn't end in the book of Ruth.  Ruth's son had a son, who had a son whose name was David, who became king over all Israel.  David had a son, who had a son, and so on and so on, until we find ourselves back in Bethlehem in a stable, looking into a manger.  Yes, as many of you know, Ruth is in the messianic line of Jesus.  A Moabite. A hopeless woman who found hope through a kinsman redeemer. And this baby in the manger also brings great hope.

You see, because of our sin, our relationship with God is dead.  As dead as Ruth's husband.  Sin has eternally separated us from God.  It has left us not only hopeless, but helpless.  We can't bridge that gap.  Like Ruth, there is no way to improve our standing.  Just as she needed a kinsman redeemer, we need a Kinsman Redeemer and God's law provides for it.

I have often looked at the manger and thought, Why this? Why a baby?  Why become human?  Couldn't the wrath of God have been poured out on Jesus up in the throne room of heaven and He could have just gotten it over with up there?  Why suffer the humiliation and frustration of 33 years here on earth?

What I didn't understand is the Kinsman Redeemer's requirements.  In order for Jesus to be our Redeemer, He had to be related, He had to be able and He had to be willing.  Then and only then, would He qualify.

So He put on flesh. While still 100% God, He became 100% man. Trust me, I don't get it, but I believe it. He walked.  He talked.  He got hungry. He cried.  He slept. He lived.  He became human so that He was related.

Then He lived a perfect life.  Though tempted in all ways, He never succumbed to the temptation.  In His short 33 years, He made good decisions, spoke with kindness, was angered but didn't sin, humbled Himself over and over again - all because I failed miserably at all those things. His perfection was then exchanged for my imperfection to establish a pure record to prove He was able to redeem.

Then comes the hardest part of redemption. Jesus was related and He was able, but would He be willing? The nearest kinsman to Ruth's late husband was related and able to pay, but when it came to the willing part, he walked away.  Jesus had the option in eternity to reject the plan to redeem fallen humanity. He could have said, If that's what it costs, then forget about it. But He didn't.  His willingness is seen in the fact that before the foundations of the world were laid, Jesus chose for Himself a people that He would redeem. (Ephesians 1)  The wrestling we see in the garden the night of His arrest is a second proof. Jesus laid aside His anxiety about bearing His Father's wrath and chose to willing lay down His life (John 10:18).

The final proof of His willingness is the cross.  There's no arguing what was accomplished there. The Kinsman Redeemer stepped up and proved His humanity by suffering, proved His ability by bearing the wrath of God and proved His willingness by stretching out His arms to be nailed in place.  A true redemption - qualified and paid for.

Tomorrow morning Christmas is celebrated around the world.  Gifts are exchanged, meals are shared, laughter and family and music and memories will fill many homes.  Let us agree not to forget the central character of the Christmas story:  a baby.

A baby who brought hope at His arrival.

A baby who began the process to qualify Himself as our Redeemer in a manger.

May we never look at the manger again the same way.

Merry Christmas - you are loved.

Hope: Redeemer

Ruth 3:6 - 4:12

Boaz wasn't alone on the threshing floor, but thankfully he was off to one side by himself.  The men were sound asleep from a long day's work and Ruth quietly weaved her way through the sleeping men to Boaz.  She did exactly as Naomi had instructed.  She uncovered his feet and then laid down, waiting.

It was only a few minutes that Boaz stirred. He sat and threw the blanket back over his feet, then paused.  "Who is there?"

Ruth sat up, as her heart skipped a beat.  Actually, it skipped a few.  "It's me, Ruth.  I am in need of a covering, as well, and I am praying you would be willing to help in this manner."  She could feel her heart beating in her temples. "You are a relative after all. "

Please, please, Boaz, understand my request.

He was silent for a moment, but in the darkness Ruth could see his head drop.  He brought a hand to his forehead and sat.  She was tempted to explain further, but chose silence instead.  This man knew the law, he understood what she was offering.  She didn't want to make it awkward for him, but the longer it took him to respond, the more she was confident this plan was failing.

He finally spoke, but in hushed tones.  "Ruth, you have honored me by requesting this of me.  There are so many younger men who would be willing to redeem you."  He reached for her hand and she willingly gave it. It was rough and yet gentle at the same time.  "You are a woman of excellence and it would be an honor to have you as a wife.  But there is one complication.  There is a relative who is closer than I am to your late father-in-law.  The law requires that he be offered the redemption first.  I will go in the morning and make the offer.  If he accepts, then your future will be with him.  But if he declines, then you and I will be married."

Ruth processed his words.  She was beginning to feel like property, like an item at auction, but the law must be upheld.  Then she saw it.  Boaz wiped a tear from his cheek.  He really did want her.  Ruth's heart swelled with love for this man.  He now fulfilled the three requirements to be her kinsman redeemer - he was related, he was able and he was willing.  Now her conversation with the Lord changed from requesting a redeemer, to requesting a specific one.

She stayed until the break of dawn, when she slipped out and returned home.  

Later that day, she stood with a group of women, as they watched the business of the town being discussed in the gates of the city.  After some time, it was Boaz's turn.  He stepped up and addressed one of the men.  Ruth couldn't hear the conversation, but she was watching the body language.  Boaz was talking, using a lot of gestures.  The man's face lit up and a couple of other men stepped forward and patted him on the back.  This was not good.  It was as if they were congratulating him.  Then she saw Boaz shake his hand.  

Ruth could feel tears welling up in her eyes.  The lump in her throat was growing and she was forcing herself to stay composed.  The men were laughing and talking.  She saw Boaz glance over to her and their eyes met.  In that brief moment, Ruth knew it was going to be okay.  He turned his attention back to the men, rubbed his head and then gestured at her.  Ruth realized that Boaz had just informed this gentleman that she came with the deal.  The celebration died down, as the realization of the obligations that came with the land settled upon the man.  

Then he shook his head.  She could see him talking,  She didn't know if it was his wife, her color or the inheritance issue, but it worked.  There was an exchange of a sandal (another interesting Israeli custom) and another handshake, and it was done.  Boaz was then the one being congratulated and after the excitement died down, he walked towards her.

Hope.  The things Ruth didn't dare let her mind imagine started to flood her heart.  A husband.  A home.  Children.  Grandchildren.  Love.  Security.  Someone to care for and sleep next to.  Someone to cook for and cheer on.  A bright future, not a hopeless one.  

All these thoughts flooded her soul and she struggled to remain composed as Boaz approached.  The women standing around her quieted, not knowing the transaction that had just transpired.  "Ruth, would you walk with me?"  Boaz smiled as he led Ruth away from the crowd.  "There's only one thing I have left to do."

Ruth's eyes were wide with wonder, and yet the tears had already started to fall.  

"Let's go talk with Naomi..."

Hope: Offer

Ruth 3:2-5

Ruth went to wash up and put on her best dress.  Her head was spinning.  It had only been three months since she arrived in Bethlehem, two months since she had her first encounter with Boaz. But Naomi's plan was risky.  If she failed, her ability to glean in Boaz's fields was at jeopardy.  Was this really worth the risk?  Naomi's words rang in her ears...

"Our land must be redeemed.  It cannot sit as a wasteland.  So our laws lay out a process. Because we have relatives who are nearby, they get first option.  They can redeem it buy purchasing it from me, but when they purchase it, you and I are a part of the sale price.  They will be obligated through their purchase to let us stay in the house and to give you progeny."

With that, Ruth sat up straighter.

"What are you saying, Naomi?  They would have to marry me?"

"Yes, that is part of the redemption process.  They would be required to take you as a wife and give you a child. Then that child would inherit our family land.  His other children would not have access to it.  So that way the land would stay in our family with our family name."

Ruth felt herself scowl.  "What if he has a wife?  This is not a great process."

Naomi nodded.  "Most wives aren't happy about this but sometimes the men do it to acquire the land. It might come with a wife but it brings in an income, as well and an automatic inheritance."

"I still don't think this sounds like any fun.  To be a second wife for financial gain doesn't sound like a  love-filled marriage."

"It may not be romantic but it gives you offspring and a future.  You won't have to beg with the poor for droppings in the field and you won't have an empty house to come home to.  But I am not finished.  Boaz is a kinsman to my late husband.  He would be the perfect kinsman redeemer!  He's not married and has no children, and you yourself said he's kind and friendly with you!" Ruth felt her cheeks go flush.

Now she found herself standing in front of the mirror, dressed in her finest, and prepared to go to Boaz to ask him to redeem her.  Her cheeks were still warm.  It sounded so desperate. Then again, she was desperate.  He could offer a future that she thought was lost.  Naomi had said there were three requirements - he had to be related, he had to be able to pay the price and he had to be willing. She knew that the first two wouldn't be a problem, but would he want her?

Naomi had also said the day was today.  The end of the harvest was at hand and her access to Boaz would soon end until the next harvest.  Apparently she had been concocting this plan for a month now, but thought it was best to spring it on Ruth that day so she didn't have much time to think about it.

As Ruth walked to the threshing floor, she rehearsed what Naomi told her to do.  Boaz will be staying on site until the harvest is done. After he falls alseep, uncover his feet and then lay down at his feet.  With his feet uncovered, he will wake up and find you.  Then just do it - just say it.  And then pray.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever done, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  He is a good man, fears the Lord, is kind to his servants.  Why wouldn't he make a good husband?  Then again, why isn't he a husband? Oh, dear...this is frightening...

Ruth quietly made her way through town and out towards the fields.  Instead of worrying about the thousands of reasons not to do this, she talked to her God and asked for His will to be done.  The thought of a real husband and children was too good to be true...hope was rising in her heart and she had to be careful not to let it overwhelm her...

Hope: Provider

Ruth 2:4-3:1

Ruth could see the man talking with his reapers.  She assumed he was the owner of the field.  He was not dressed like the workers, but she could tell he was not a stranger to the land.  The men were attentive to his conversation - he was important.  She also noticed that he looked her way several times and then suddenly he was coming her way.  She averted her eyes and tried not to look frightened, but the kindness and warmth of the women may not be an indicator of how the men felt.

As he got nearer, all the women stood from where they were eating their lunch.  Ruth stood as well and remained quiet, head and eyes remained on the ground.  Then she saw his feet stop in front of her and she slowly looked up.  His face was worn with years of sun exposure, his hair - dark and wavy, gray accents at his temples.  She could see the family resemblence, as he had the kind eyes of her father-in-law and was the same frame and coloring as her husband.  There was not anger in his eyes, but she spied a definite curiosity.

"Good afternoon, ladies.  May the Lord be with all of you," he warmly greeted the women.  Then he turned to her. "Ruth?"

"Yes, sir." She lowered her eyes again, not out of fear but respect. 

"Welcome to Bethlehem.  I am pleased that you have chosen to come and glean in my fields.  I have instructed my men that I want you to stay and glean here."

She looked up at him again and there was smile on his face.  He continued, "When you are thirsty, I have water here for my servants.  You are welcome to it.  My men will not harm you - they will make sure you are safe in the fields."

Ruth was overwhelmed with his generosity.  She was expecting to be dismissed, but instead, this man was giving her a great gift - safety and provision.  She dropped to her knees and bowed her head and asked, "Why would you treat a foreigner with such kindness?"

He reached for her hand and helped her stand. "I have heard of the kindness you have shown to Naomi.  It takes a brave woman to leave her family and her home, and come to a strange land, all for the love and care of an old woman.  The kindness I extend to you is not of my doing - this is God's blessing upon a faithful woman.  You have sought shelter under His wings and I am just fortunate enough to be used by Him to help you."

"Thank you, kind sir.  Naomi will send her thanks, as well, when she hears of your goodness towards us."

"Boaz.  My name is Boaz."

Ruth smiled as he turned to leave.  Today was turning out to be a much better day than she had thought it would be.  By the afternoon break, Boaz was eating and laughing with the workers and he made a point of serving Ruth some of his lunch, as well as the other women.  Ruth thought to herself, No wonder this man is wealthy - his generosity makes his workers loyal to him.

As she was leaving, she overheard Boaz tell his men to let her into the fields tomorrow.  Rather than just gleaning the corners, he wanted them to pull wheat for her in the fields and leave them for her to gather.  She shook her head in disbelief.  Not only was he generous in letting her glean his leftovers, but now he was giving her some of the best of his crops.

When Ruth arrived at home, Naomi was waiting at the door.  She wanted to hear all about her day and at the mention of Boaz's name, Naomi nodded her head and said a prayer. 

"He is one of our closest relatives.  A good man - God is blessing us, Ruth!" 

Ruth continued to glean in Boaz's fields through the barley and wheat harvests.  She believed that Naomi's depression was lifting a bit, because every day, she could see that Naomi was doing things around the home that indicated her energy was returning.  Then one day she came home and saw that the table was set for dinner, a candle was lit and the smell of fresh bread and stew filled the house.  

"Well, this is a fine sight!  Naomi, you have outdone yourself!"

Naomi served the dinner and then sat beside Ruth. "I want to talk with you about something. I have been thinking about it for some time and because the harvest is nearly over, I think now is the time to discuss it.  I have been racking my brain to figure out how I can provide for you, and I think I have come up with an answer!"

Ruth smiled and squeezed Naomi's aging hands.  "Oh, Naomi - you don't have to provide.  The Lord has already provided beyond my imagination.  We have a home, we have food, I have a safe place to work.  Life is fine right now."

"I want more for you, Ruth. I want a future for you that is greater than watching me grow old and die. Now, listen closely as I tell you how we are going to change our lives for good."

And then, this little, aging Hebrew woman leaned in and laid out the strangest plan Ruth had ever heard...

Hope: Faithful

Ruth 2:1-3

The journey to Bethlehem was long, hard and frustrating.  Naomi's ability to see the dark side of everything was truly impressive.  Ruth had hoped her decision to go with her would be a source of healing for Naomi, but it seemed to only stir up more fear and concern.  Apparently the race card which Ruth had ignored in her home town would now be a real issue in Israel.  Naomi worried about covering her arms, so as not to draw attention to Ruth's dark complexion.  She didn't want her to stand out.  Israel was not friendly, by any means, with the Moabites and bringing a woman from an enemy country into their hometown was not going to be easily accepted.

But Ruth chose not to set her mind on that.  She had too much to do.  They would initially stay in the family homestead, but Naomi would have to contact the nearest relative to offer the land purchase first to him.  It was important to keep the land within the family tree and Naomi said there were several options.  Since all the men had died in her family, the land would need to be worked, especially now that the famine was over.  

Ruth was in charge of food.  If they were going to survive, she would join the poor in the community, gleaning in the fields that had previously been harvested.  The jewish law made provisions for the poor, leaving corners unharvested so that they could feed the needy.  They weren't given handouts - they would have to work for the grain, but the generosity of the community was great provision for those who needed the help.  So when they got settled in, Ruth would roll up her sleeves and join the harvesters.

She could feel the stares and hear the whispers as she entered town.  But she chose to shut her ears and keep her focus on the task at hand.  These people didn't know her.  They didn't know she feared the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and that she was committed to serving her mother-in-law until death parted them.  As time passed, Ruth was confident they would learn to trust her.  She may be a Moabite, but Ruth had placed trust and hope in God, and would prove to be faithful to her husband's faith and family.

The family home was just as Naomi had left it, with the addition of a few cobwebs.  A neighbor had kept an eye on it and upon hearing that she had returned, quickly spruced it up for them.  The news of Naomi's husband and sons deaths spread quickly through town and soon the old friends were stopping by with food and gifts for the grieving widow.  When they met Ruth, they were surprised that she would choose to stay with Naomi and leave her people, but they respected her choices. After all, she was in mourning, as well.

Though the generosity of the community had given them provision for many months, Ruth knew the harvest was at hand and she couldn't sit and wait until their supply was gone.  So she headed out to the fields to begin the task of harvesting.  

Naomi had told her of a wealthy cousin of her late husband, who owned a great estate.  "He is an older man with no wife or children, but his servants have been known to call him, 'Father.'  He is a kind man.  He will let you glean his fields."  As Ruth turned to head out, Naomi added, "And if he gives you a hard time, send him to me."  A twinge of fear squeezed Ruth's heart, but she pushed it away, knowing this was her life now.  Whispering a prayer, she made her way to the fields.

Gleaning was hard work.  There wasn't much time for talking, but the women in the field were curious about the years the family had been in Moab, so they were full of questions for Ruth.  Ruth was respectful and kind, speaking highly of her husband and mother-in-law, but her heart was set on finding out more about the God of Israel.  He was why she was here and she didn't want her education of Him to wane.  So the women told many stories, some her husband had shared but the details the women gave were much more colorful and dramatic.  Despite her color, Ruth was being accepted.

Then one day, things changed.  The owner of the land, Boaz, had come out to inspect the harvest and he noticed the dark skinned woman in the fields.  He was man of few words, but when he saw Ruth, his eyes narrowed and before she knew what hit her, Ruth's position in his field was quickly changed...

Hope: Determination

Ruth 1:6-22

Naomi asked her to come have tea.  Ruth knew what was coming because the rumor mill was never silent in their town.  When she arrived at Naomi's house, her sister-in-law was already sitting at the table with a cup in hand.  She sat and Naomi set a cup in front of her but she wasn't interested in drinking.  She wanted to get to the issue at hand.

Naomi sat opposite the two younger women and cleared her throat.  For a moment, she thought that the dark circles under Naomi's eyes had lightened, but then, when her eyes adjusted to the dim light in the room, she realized that they were still there, accentuated by her blood shot eyes.

"You have been my joy these past ten years, " Naomi began.  "I had asked the Lord for a daughter and He gave me two with you.  But the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, and when He took my sons, He also took you from me."

Ruth leaned forward and grabbed Naomi's clasped hands.  "I'm not going anywhere."  She looked at Orpah, who sat expressionless.

Naomi pulled her hands away and shook her head.  "You have no future with me.  I have nothing to give you.  When I get back home, I will sell our land and live off the proceeds until they run out.  Then I will die."

Ruth smiled.  "Oh, come, on, mother!  It won't be that bad.  The people will be so happy to have you back and they will have compassion on you because the men are gone.  You'll see, we'll be fine!"

"There's no we, Ruth." Tears filled Naomi's eyes. "Please listen to my words.  I have nothing to offer you.  There is no future with me.  I have no more sons, no more money and I can't go back to Israel, find a husband, have two more sons, raise them and then give you to them as wives.  It's over.  Our family is finished.  I will go back to Israel and die."

Ruth leaned in, eyes darting between Naomi and Orpah.  "What are we to do?  Our people have rejected us.  When we married your sons, we made our choice.  We can't go back home."

Oprah finally spoke. "I can go home.  My family has already made plans for me to return." She looked at Ruth. "I need a husband.  I want children.  I don't want to be an outcast in a land I do not know."  She stood. "I'm staying here.  Thank you, Naomi, for understanding."  With that Orpah turned and left.

"You must go, too, Ruth.  You are too young. You are a good wife.  Any man would be blessed to have you."  Naomi stood and gestured towards the door. "Don't worry about me.  I will die in peace sooner than later."

Ruth jumped to her feet and instead of heading towards the door, she fell at Naomi's feet.  There were no tears, just determination.  She held onto Naomi's robe and lifted her head.

"You are my family, Naomi.  You are not alone.  I will go to my death, caring for you.  If you're going back to Israel, I am going with you.  They are my people now and your God is my God.  I cannot return to the false worship of my family.  I will help you sell the land and I will figure out how to provide for the two of us.  I am strong. I am young.  And I am going with you."

Naomi opened her mouth to protest but Ruth stood and said, "Pack your bags, mother.  We are going home."

She left the mourning mother standing in the middle of her kitchen, alone.  She didn't dare turn and look at her, for fear that Naomi would voice her objections.  She ran out the door, back to her home, and sat on her bed.  Looking around her room, the walls started to close in on her.  She didn't have any good options.  There wasn't man in Moab who would look at her because she was a widow of an Israelite.  And the same was true in Israel, because she was a Moabite.  She would never hold her baby in her arms, watch his first steps, sing him lullabies or feel his little arms around her neck.  It would be better to care for Naomi than have nothing.  To stay in Moab would mean to return to the idolatry of her people and that was the worst option of all.

Ruth took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her eyes.  Though her future seemed bleak, she would seek God's face and serve Him in Israel.  She had a lot of packing to do and though she had no idea what would happen when they returned to Bethlehem, she was confident of at least one thing:  the God of Israel did not abandon His people and He would not abandon her either...

Hope: Tragedy

Ruth 1:1-5

For him, it wasn't love at first sight.  As a matter of fact, he looked right through her the first time he saw her.  But it was different for her.  She was smitten the moment she saw him.  It didn't matter that he was a foreigner. She never thought much about racism.  She was too much of a romantic to worry about race.  His mother was wild about her - that was a big plus in her favor.  She won over both his parents before he ever really took a second look at her, but the death of his father lit a flame under him and before she knew it, she was betrothed.  Her friends weren't happy he was a Hebrew boy, but again, she didn't care.  She wanted out of her loser town in her loser country and he promised to take her to Israel as soon as the famine had passed.

But years passed and though her love for him grew, she wasn't able to give him a child.  But they were young - her mother told her worry would make it worse, so she threw herself into caring for her husband and learning about his people and his God. The more time she spent with his mother, the more excited she was go go to Israel.  She was learning the language, cooking the food and hearing the law from her mother-in-law and her husband was so proud of her.  She longed for the day she would return to his hometown, see the land he had spoken of so fondly, see the home he grew up in and watch as he would build their own home.  But most of all she wanted to meet his people.  They were her people as well now and she longed for the day when she would meet them all.

Then the unimaginable happened.  Death came to the family.  A double blow.  Her husband and his brother, gone.  When the news came from the field of the accident, she felt her knees give way and the next thing she remembered was waking up in her bed, two days later.  She floated through the funeral, as if watching a play.  It all seemed so unreal.  

What made it worse was the reality that not only was her husband gone, and her brother-in-law and of course, the father-in-law, but they never conceived the little ones that would be her future.   The men of the family were gone, and with no future progeny to care for, she was left trying to hold two other women together.  There was little time for her to grieve.  

But in the quietness of her bedroom, reality was starting to sink in.  In one afternoon, she had lost everything, and now she had overheard her mother-in-law saying that when the days of mourning were done, she was heading back to Israel. Alone.

Husband - gone.

Family - gone.

Future - gone.

Hopes and dreams - gone.

Her new God - well, some things were worth fighting for...