1 00:00:01,640 --> 00:00:04,840 We're going to turn tonight in our Bibles to Ruth Chapter 3, 2 00:00:08,840 --> 00:00:13,640 Ruth Chapter 3, and we'll take time to read the chapter, 3 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:22,520 encourage you to read the book of Ruth, make a pot of tea, have 4 00:00:22,520 --> 00:00:35,280 some coffee. Ruth chapter 3 Let's hear the 5 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:40,400 word of God reading from verse one. 6 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:43,880 The words will come up and scream for those on the 7 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:50,520 Internet. Then Naomi, her mother-in-law 8 00:00:50,520 --> 00:00:57,280 said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, 9 00:00:58,160 --> 00:01:03,120 that it may be well with thee? And thy is not Boaz of our 10 00:01:03,120 --> 00:01:06,480 kindred, with whose maidens thy was? 11 00:01:07,480 --> 00:01:11,280 Behold, he went with barley tonight in the threshing floor. 12 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:17,400 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment 13 00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:20,800 upon thee, and get thee down to the floor. 14 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:26,800 But make not thyself known unto the man until he shall have done 15 00:01:26,840 --> 00:01:31,400 eating and drinking. And it shall be when he lieth 16 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:36,440 down that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie. 17 00:01:37,400 --> 00:01:43,880 And thou shall go in and uncover his feet, and lay thee down, and 18 00:01:43,880 --> 00:01:46,160 he will tell thee what thou shall do. 19 00:01:47,600 --> 00:01:53,720 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do. 20 00:01:54,880 --> 00:01:58,080 And she went down onto the floor, and did according to all 21 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:03,520 that her mother-in-law bade her. And when Boaz had eaten and 22 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:09,039 drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end 23 00:02:09,039 --> 00:02:13,120 of the heap of corn. And she came softly, and 24 00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:16,280 uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 25 00:02:17,360 --> 00:02:23,000 And it came to pass at midnight that the man was afraid, and 26 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:27,880 turned himself, and behold, a woman lay at his feet. 27 00:02:28,840 --> 00:02:33,600 And he said, Who art thy? And she answered, I am Ruth, 28 00:02:33,600 --> 00:02:36,760 thine handmaid. Spread therefore thy skirt over 29 00:02:36,760 --> 00:02:40,360 thine handmaid, for thou ward a near kinsman. 30 00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:44,920 And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter. 31 00:02:45,640 --> 00:02:48,920 For thou was shown more kindness in the latter end than at the 32 00:02:48,920 --> 00:02:53,640 beginning, in as much as thy followers, not young men, 33 00:02:54,240 --> 00:02:58,720 whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not, 34 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:02,920 I will do to thee all that thy requirest. 35 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:06,680 For all the city of my people don't know that thou art a 36 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:11,880 virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy 37 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:17,440 near kinsman. Howbeit there is a kinsman near 38 00:03:17,440 --> 00:03:21,080 the nigh. Tarry this night, and it shall 39 00:03:21,080 --> 00:03:25,040 be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part 40 00:03:25,040 --> 00:03:30,440 of a kinsman, well, let him do the kinsman's part. 41 00:03:31,520 --> 00:03:36,240 But if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will 42 00:03:36,240 --> 00:03:38,720 I do the part of a kinsman to thee. 43 00:03:39,080 --> 00:03:44,520 As the Lord liveth, Lie down until the morning, and she lay 44 00:03:44,520 --> 00:03:48,880 at his feet until the morning, and she rose up before 1 could 45 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:52,720 know another. And he said that it not be known 46 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:56,240 that a woman came into the floor also. 47 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:59,800 He said, Bring the veal that thou hast upon thee, and hold 48 00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:02,280 it. And when she held it, he 49 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:05,920 measured 6 measures of barley and let it on her. 50 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:11,680 And she went into the city. And when she came near to her 51 00:04:11,680 --> 00:04:16,160 mother-in-law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? 52 00:04:17,079 --> 00:04:20,360 And she told her all that the man had done to her. 53 00:04:21,959 --> 00:04:25,800 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me. 54 00:04:26,640 --> 00:04:30,920 For he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother-in-law. 55 00:04:32,200 --> 00:04:39,160 Then she said, Sit still my daughter until thy know how the 56 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:44,120 matter will fall, for the man will not be in rest until they 57 00:04:44,120 --> 00:04:46,720 have finished the thing this day. 58 00:04:47,160 --> 00:04:48,720 Amen. We know God will stamp with its 59 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:52,320 own approval and blessing this reading of its own precious and 60 00:04:52,320 --> 00:04:57,200 infallible word. Now my text tonight is taken 61 00:04:57,200 --> 00:05:04,360 from Ruth chapter 3 and it says in verse 11 And now my daughter, 62 00:05:04,360 --> 00:05:10,120 fear not I will do to thee all that they requirest for all the 63 00:05:10,120 --> 00:05:15,440 city of my people don't know that thou art a virtuous woman. 64 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:23,120 Now from this text of entitled the theme A love story in the 65 00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:27,760 dark or the redemptive power of love. 66 00:05:28,960 --> 00:05:31,440 Now, those of you who are familiar with the book of Ruth 67 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:35,720 know that the book of Ruth unfolds during the days of the 68 00:05:35,720 --> 00:05:39,120 Judges. It's the season when every man 69 00:05:39,120 --> 00:05:41,400 did that which is right in his own eyes. 70 00:05:41,720 --> 00:05:46,880 Judges chapter 2125 is the key text of the book. 71 00:05:47,640 --> 00:05:53,120 It's a dark and difficult day. It's a day of moral crisis. 72 00:05:53,640 --> 00:05:59,160 And in that day God wonderfully reveals to US one of the most 73 00:05:59,160 --> 00:06:02,520 beautiful love stories in all of the Bible. 74 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:07,280 And the love story is between a woman called Ruth, described, as 75 00:06:07,280 --> 00:06:13,840 we'll see, Ruth the Moabite S, and Boaz, who is a mighty man of 76 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:19,000 wealth, a near kinsman to Naomi and her family. 77 00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:22,840 This love story is not loud or dramatic. 78 00:06:23,600 --> 00:06:26,800 It's certainly not steamy or seedy. 79 00:06:27,720 --> 00:06:31,000 It's not like the Hollywood love stories. 80 00:06:31,720 --> 00:06:36,160 No, this is a love story in dark times. 81 00:06:36,880 --> 00:06:42,600 It's a revelation of a love that is faithful and patient and 82 00:06:42,600 --> 00:06:46,560 tender hearted and redemptive. And you know what? 83 00:06:46,560 --> 00:06:50,360 It's not just a love story simply between one man and 84 00:06:50,360 --> 00:06:53,200 woman. And it is that, but it's more 85 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:56,720 it's a revelation of a covenant love. 86 00:06:57,280 --> 00:07:03,120 It's a revelation of redeeming grace for faithful obedience. 87 00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:09,840 Now, in Chapter 3 in the book of Ruth, the scene unfolds in the 88 00:07:09,840 --> 00:07:13,680 threshing floor. It's after the harvest has been 89 00:07:13,680 --> 00:07:17,360 gathered in. It's dark, in fact. 90 00:07:17,360 --> 00:07:22,680 It's the midnight hour. It's an hour when reputations 91 00:07:22,680 --> 00:07:26,160 could be ruined, an hour when intentions could be 92 00:07:26,160 --> 00:07:30,720 misunderstood. And yet it's here, in the 93 00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:35,080 darkness of the night, in the midst of the threshing floor, 94 00:07:36,160 --> 00:07:43,520 that Boaz speaks to Ruth. And when he speaks to Ruth, he 95 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:48,640 speaks one of the most wonderful affirmations of Holy Scripture. 96 00:07:49,120 --> 00:07:54,680 Listen again to what he says. And now, my daughter, fear not. 97 00:07:55,240 --> 00:07:58,440 I will do to thee all that thy requires, for all the city of my 98 00:07:58,440 --> 00:08:01,640 people don't know that thou art a virtuous woman. 99 00:08:02,560 --> 00:08:08,920 Now, these words reveal a love story in the dark, or if you 100 00:08:08,920 --> 00:08:14,800 want a little add to that, a love story in the dark of the 101 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:20,520 redeeming power of love. Now, as I read these words and 102 00:08:20,720 --> 00:08:23,560 thought about it, and I was challenged by a member of the 103 00:08:23,560 --> 00:08:28,560 congregation here about Ruth a few weeks ago, there's four 104 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:32,080 things come to my mind. As you think of this love story 105 00:08:32,080 --> 00:08:35,240 in the dark, here's the first thing that you can learn. 106 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:39,559 It rejoices in Ruth's conversion. 107 00:08:41,840 --> 00:08:46,640 Look at the text. It says, and now, my daughter, 108 00:08:47,920 --> 00:08:52,800 fear not. Notice how Boaz begins. 109 00:08:53,680 --> 00:08:56,640 He begins with a word of great comfort. 110 00:08:57,680 --> 00:09:01,160 Fear not literally. Do not be afraid. 111 00:09:01,720 --> 00:09:03,680 Ruth, of course, is every reason to fear. 112 00:09:05,480 --> 00:09:10,440 She was a foreigner and more by this, she was a widow. 113 00:09:11,680 --> 00:09:16,760 She's a woman alone in the threshing floor at night, a 114 00:09:16,760 --> 00:09:20,000 woman with no claim on Israel's promises. 115 00:09:20,680 --> 00:09:24,800 And she was vulnerable to misinterpretation, being in the 116 00:09:24,800 --> 00:09:31,160 threshing floor around about midnight, a Jet Boaz removes 117 00:09:31,160 --> 00:09:35,360 these fears. Hi, notice what he says. 118 00:09:35,920 --> 00:09:40,960 And now my daughter. Notice these words, my daughter. 119 00:09:41,280 --> 00:09:46,520 They're actually quoted five times in this chapter. 120 00:09:49,120 --> 00:09:53,440 These two words my daughter, I believe are full of grace and 121 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:58,160 covenant love five times. The words my daughter's found in 122 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:00,240 this chapter. But do you know in the book of 123 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:04,960 Ruth five times in the book Ruth is called Ruth the Moabite S. 124 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:10,640 In chapter 1 verse 22 it says so Naomi returned and Ruth the 125 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:17,280 Moabite S her daughter-in-law come to chapter 2 and verse 2 126 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:21,880 and it says this. And Ruth the Moabite S said unto 127 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:28,640 Naomi, chapter 2, verse 21. And Ruth the Moabite S said, 128 00:10:29,120 --> 00:10:37,520 chapter 4, verse 5. Then said Boaz, what day thou 129 00:10:37,520 --> 00:10:40,040 buyest the field of the hand of Naomi? 130 00:10:40,800 --> 00:10:45,160 Thy must buy it also of Ruth the Moabite S, the wife of the dead, 131 00:10:45,160 --> 00:10:48,680 to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. 132 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:53,920 And then we've got as well chapter 4 and verse 10, and it 133 00:10:53,920 --> 00:10:58,680 says, moreover, Ruth the Moabite S, the wife of Mallow. 134 00:10:59,400 --> 00:11:05,480 Five times in the book of Ruth, Ruth is called Ruth the Moabite 135 00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:08,960 S. Now that title reveals her 136 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:13,000 background. And five in biblical numerics 137 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:15,480 has to do with the number of grace. 138 00:11:15,720 --> 00:11:18,880 So five times she's called Ruth the Mobite S. 139 00:11:19,080 --> 00:11:23,520 And five times in chapter 3 where Ruth the Mobite S is not 140 00:11:23,520 --> 00:11:26,520 mentioned, she's called my daughter. 141 00:11:27,800 --> 00:11:31,160 That's significant. See, Ruth's a woman who has 142 00:11:31,160 --> 00:11:33,160 found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 143 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:36,720 She's a woman to whom the Lord has been merciful to. 144 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:40,400 She's a woman who's been brought out of heathendom and brought 145 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:42,960 into the company of the people of God. 146 00:11:43,240 --> 00:11:46,760 Remember her momentous decision? And what does it say there in 147 00:11:46,760 --> 00:11:49,800 Ruth chapter 1, verses 16 and 17? 148 00:11:50,080 --> 00:11:52,840 And Ruth said, this is her speaking to Naomi. 149 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:57,360 Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after 150 00:11:57,360 --> 00:12:00,240 thee, for whether thy goest I will go, and where thy lodgest I 151 00:12:00,280 --> 00:12:02,600 will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, 152 00:12:02,760 --> 00:12:07,880 and thy God my God. Where thy dieest will I die, and 153 00:12:07,880 --> 00:12:12,080 there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more 154 00:12:12,080 --> 00:12:16,200 also if aught but death part thee in me. 155 00:12:17,160 --> 00:12:22,080 Roof leaves her homeland, Moab. She leaves the community of her 156 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:24,800 people. She leaves her family. 157 00:12:25,360 --> 00:12:28,960 She leaves her Pagan gods. See, these words were not 158 00:12:29,240 --> 00:12:32,120 sentimentally spoken. They were spoken literally. 159 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:39,000 But they were also spoken heartily, spoken confidently. 160 00:12:39,400 --> 00:12:43,680 This was an expression of her true love toward the God of 161 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:47,120 Israel and towards the people of God. 162 00:12:48,240 --> 00:12:52,720 And of course, true love towards God and man must begin with a 163 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:57,520 momentous decision, and that momentous decision will involve 164 00:12:57,520 --> 00:13:02,200 denial and sacrifice. And that dementous decision, 165 00:13:02,560 --> 00:13:06,760 this decision of Ruth, changed the entire course of her life. 166 00:13:07,480 --> 00:13:09,920 You see, it's not true of the life of every Sinner. 167 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:14,880 The moment a Sinner trust in Christ, their life changed, 168 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:19,240 transformed by the grace of God. They're different, but a man be 169 00:13:19,240 --> 00:13:22,520 in Christ is a new creature. All things are passed away and 170 00:13:22,520 --> 00:13:24,880 all things have become new and all things are of God. 171 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:28,080 They're born of God. Now you see, the life of God is 172 00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:30,400 in their heart. They're washed in the blood of 173 00:13:30,400 --> 00:13:32,960 Christ. They're infused with the love of 174 00:13:32,960 --> 00:13:35,640 God. They're connected to true 175 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:40,560 conversion because God has worked in one's heart in life. 176 00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:46,120 The Spirit of God brings them to make that momentous decision. 177 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:49,800 You think of the words of the little chorus. 178 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:54,920 I have decided to follow Jesus. That's an expressing a desire. 179 00:13:55,560 --> 00:13:59,200 That's the Spirit of God enabling you to make a choice 180 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:02,160 for Christ, Christ for me, the hope of glory. 181 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:06,560 Didn't Joshua say in Joshua 24 and 15 choose you this day whom 182 00:14:06,560 --> 00:14:11,200 you will serve the Lord Jesus said in Matthew chapter 16 verse 183 00:14:11,200 --> 00:14:13,240 24. If any man will come after me, 184 00:14:13,360 --> 00:14:18,280 let him deny himself. See, See, the gospel begins with 185 00:14:18,280 --> 00:14:24,400 the grace of God. Romans 8 And one says there is 186 00:14:24,680 --> 00:14:29,800 therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, 187 00:14:29,880 --> 00:14:34,920 in Christ, in union with him. You're not only born of the 188 00:14:34,920 --> 00:14:37,560 Spirit, but become a babe in the family. 189 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:43,160 You become a son or a daughter. A new life has begun and here's 190 00:14:43,160 --> 00:14:47,160 Ruth now and she's living out that new life in Bethlehem, 191 00:14:47,160 --> 00:14:51,000 Judah, and she has a testimony to the saving and keeping power 192 00:14:51,000 --> 00:14:54,440 of God. And then chapter 3 in this love 193 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:57,680 story in the dark, she's called five times. 194 00:14:57,760 --> 00:15:03,760 My daughter, this woman has decided for Christ. 195 00:15:04,320 --> 00:15:09,480 Ruth, 116 and 17. This woman is desirous of 196 00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:14,320 Christ, devoted to Christ. She she's willing to deny and 197 00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:17,920 sacrifice for Christ. Here she's saying, Thy God will 198 00:15:17,920 --> 00:15:20,920 be my God, thy people will be my people. 199 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:25,280 It's not similar to what David said in Psalm 48, verse 14. 200 00:15:27,480 --> 00:15:33,080 For this God will be my guide, even unto death. 201 00:15:35,440 --> 00:15:39,000 I asked the question tonight lovingly, personally. 202 00:15:39,440 --> 00:15:43,320 Are you really converted? Have you been born again of the 203 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:46,840 Spirit? Has Jesus Christ become the Lord 204 00:15:46,840 --> 00:15:51,280 of your life? Do you live for Christ? 205 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:54,440 Is he the real love of your life? 206 00:15:55,480 --> 00:16:02,440 Are you loyal to Christ? Think of Boaz, the threshing 207 00:16:02,440 --> 00:16:08,320 floor at midnight. And he's speaking to Ruth and he 208 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:13,480 removes her fears. He tells her fear, not great 209 00:16:13,480 --> 00:16:18,280 comfort, because there's a great call he can say to her. 210 00:16:18,880 --> 00:16:24,800 And now my daughter, he's speaking a good, faithful word. 211 00:16:26,080 --> 00:16:33,080 Do I ask the question, are you a son or a daughter of God in this 212 00:16:33,080 --> 00:16:35,880 love story? In the dark, there's a rejoicing 213 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:40,640 in her conversion very quickly. And secondly, there's a ruffling 214 00:16:41,160 --> 00:16:44,600 in Roof's character. If you look again at the text 215 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:50,400 that says, for all the city of my people don't know that thou 216 00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:54,720 art a virtuous woman, think of those words, that thou art a 217 00:16:54,720 --> 00:16:56,680 virtuous woman. Now what does that mean? 218 00:16:57,400 --> 00:17:00,320 Well, you see the word virtuous. If you look up a dictionary 219 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:04,319 definition, you'll get one who is morally upright, one who is 220 00:17:04,319 --> 00:17:08,440 pure of heart and mind, one who's innocent of character. 221 00:17:09,560 --> 00:17:15,920 And here's Boaz and he's looking for a bride, he's looking for a 222 00:17:15,920 --> 00:17:22,480 wife. And he says to Ruth, thy art, a 223 00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:26,240 virtuous woman. Let me explain that. 224 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:32,120 You see, being a virtuous woman is a priceless commodity. 225 00:17:33,080 --> 00:17:37,680 I've got a book in the Porter cabin and it says be a Proverbs 226 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:41,200 31 woman. Sometimes those that are 227 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:44,200 preaching in the States of America on family conferences 228 00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:48,240 will ask the young ladies and the women didn't the grannies, 229 00:17:48,400 --> 00:17:55,560 are you a Proverbs 31 woman? And that should be inspirational 230 00:17:55,560 --> 00:17:58,640 to every woman. And I believe it was 231 00:17:58,640 --> 00:18:03,920 inspirational to Naomi, her mother-in-law, but it was also 232 00:18:03,920 --> 00:18:07,640 inspirational to Ruth herself. It's recorded of her. 233 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:12,320 Thou art a virtuous woman. And if you look over there at 234 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:16,880 Proverbs 31 verse 10, we read these words. 235 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:22,680 Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above 236 00:18:23,560 --> 00:18:28,000 rubies. In Proverbs 31 and verse 30 we 237 00:18:28,000 --> 00:18:33,520 read favour is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that 238 00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:37,000 feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 239 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:39,360 Now if I went round some of the men folk tonight. 240 00:18:39,360 --> 00:18:44,320 In fact, if you ask me and we're talking about being saved and 241 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:46,800 saying well you know, do you profess to be saved? 242 00:18:46,800 --> 00:18:48,600 Yes. Do you love the Lord Jesus 243 00:18:48,600 --> 00:18:49,640 Christ? Yes. 244 00:18:49,640 --> 00:18:51,240 Have you tasted the grace of God? 245 00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:54,080 Yes. Well, we'll ask a second 246 00:18:54,080 --> 00:18:55,960 question. Well, what do you look for, 247 00:18:55,960 --> 00:19:00,240 first of all, in a partner that you want to be joined to for the 248 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:03,400 rest of your life? And of course, part of the 249 00:19:03,400 --> 00:19:06,840 answer, now listen to me carefully, is physical 250 00:19:06,840 --> 00:19:10,680 attraction. Physical attraction is a part of 251 00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:14,640 it, but it's a part, only a part. 252 00:19:15,640 --> 00:19:19,640 And you see, we have to at times encourage the young people to 253 00:19:19,640 --> 00:19:23,160 look beyond physical appearance. Why? 254 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:26,840 Because beauty fades in the passing of time. 255 00:19:27,560 --> 00:19:30,440 The the young bride will become an older bride. 256 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,480 Beauty. Someone has said it's only skin 257 00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:38,720 deep. Someone said to one of our 258 00:19:38,720 --> 00:19:42,080 ministers one time, did you know that beauty's only skin deep 259 00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:44,960 brother? And you have been peeled and he 260 00:19:44,960 --> 00:19:48,200 wasn't too pleased and not say who it was. 261 00:19:49,320 --> 00:19:52,920 Abraham remembered was physically attracted to Sarah 262 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:55,360 because she was fair and beautiful to look upon. 263 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:58,200 The same happened to Jacob and Rachel. 264 00:19:59,120 --> 00:20:03,280 Physical attraction, young man and young woman plays a part, a 265 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:07,640 real part. But a small part, you see, 266 00:20:09,200 --> 00:20:13,400 coupled with physical attraction is when they get to know each 267 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:16,360 other. Young girls particular. 268 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:20,800 Does he have a car? Does he have a good job? 269 00:20:21,960 --> 00:20:23,600 Has he got some money in the bank? 270 00:20:24,400 --> 00:20:28,080 What's his mother like? Does he have brothers and 271 00:20:28,080 --> 00:20:30,160 sisters? And you see the list goes on and 272 00:20:30,160 --> 00:20:34,720 on and on, but often last in that list, which should be the 273 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:38,280 top is this question. Is she saved? 274 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:42,360 Does he know and love Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? 275 00:20:42,520 --> 00:20:45,000 Or is he a spiritual minded young man? 276 00:20:45,080 --> 00:20:47,400 Does he go to the House of God in the day of God? 277 00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:51,680 Does he read and know his Bible? Does he go to the prayer 278 00:20:51,680 --> 00:20:54,800 meeting? Is he a worker? 279 00:20:54,800 --> 00:20:57,760 Does he want to help out? Does he want to be involved? 280 00:20:58,040 --> 00:21:03,160 Is he signed in the faith? That would be the Protestant 281 00:21:03,160 --> 00:21:07,360 Reform faith. You see, this is a priceless 282 00:21:07,360 --> 00:21:11,560 commodity. Notice also, this is a peculiar 283 00:21:11,960 --> 00:21:15,480 community. You see, I would encourage the 284 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:19,360 young men and the young women in our churches, including this 285 00:21:19,360 --> 00:21:23,920 church, when they're thinking of a partner for life, then look 286 00:21:23,920 --> 00:21:27,640 within the Christian community. Certainly don't be going to the 287 00:21:27,640 --> 00:21:30,480 pub, don't be going to the clubs. 288 00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:34,600 Think about the church, the neighbouring churches, 289 00:21:35,600 --> 00:21:38,480 missionary work, the Bible college, the castle whale and 290 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:41,800 weekend see and why I emphasise that. 291 00:21:41,800 --> 00:21:46,120 I emphasise that for this reason the unequal yoke is wrong. 292 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:49,680 It's not according to the mind and will of God. 293 00:21:50,760 --> 00:21:54,600 Second Corinthians 6 and 14 says, be ye not unequally yoked 294 00:21:54,600 --> 00:21:56,840 together with unbelievers for what fellowship of 295 00:21:56,840 --> 00:21:58,400 righteousness, with unrighteousness of what 296 00:21:58,400 --> 00:22:00,960 communion have laid with darkness. 297 00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:07,080 Not only is it wrong, the unequal yoke tied into that, 298 00:22:07,080 --> 00:22:11,200 it's not God's will, but so often it doesn't really work 299 00:22:11,280 --> 00:22:13,240 out. And for those who have entered 300 00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:17,160 into an unequal yoke as far as marriage is concerned, where 301 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:21,040 you've got maybe a husband who's a believer and, and the bride is 302 00:22:21,040 --> 00:22:25,000 not, or the bride is a believer and the husband is not, they 303 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:27,760 often individually have a hard life. 304 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:32,200 And so often they're pulled down in a spiritual sense. 305 00:22:32,720 --> 00:22:37,320 And it is important that this virtuous woman is found in a 306 00:22:37,320 --> 00:22:41,920 particular community. You see a professing Christian, 307 00:22:42,840 --> 00:22:44,920 one who's saved and spiritually minded. 308 00:22:46,800 --> 00:22:51,120 That individual's rare to find. It's rare to find people that 309 00:22:51,120 --> 00:22:54,520 are morally upright and pure of heart and mind because we live 310 00:22:54,520 --> 00:22:57,960 in an ungodly world. We live in a world of atheists, 311 00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:01,360 a world of atheistic ideology, no God, no absolutes. 312 00:23:01,480 --> 00:23:05,760 We live in a world of agnostics. It's it's for them, it's cool 313 00:23:06,040 --> 00:23:09,840 not to believe in God. And of course, because they're 314 00:23:09,840 --> 00:23:13,040 atheistic and agnostic, they haven't much time for holy jokes 315 00:23:13,440 --> 00:23:16,880 and they haven't much time for apron string Marys who are pure 316 00:23:16,880 --> 00:23:19,680 and clean living. They haven't much time for those 317 00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:23,320 who refuse to go out and get drunk and do drugs and who 318 00:23:23,320 --> 00:23:26,920 reject the nightclub when the party's scene, who who say no to 319 00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:32,600 an immoral lifestyle. And on top of that they oppose 320 00:23:32,600 --> 00:23:37,600 things like abortion, they reject the LGBT agenda, they 321 00:23:37,600 --> 00:23:40,920 reject so much of the government's anti God ways and 322 00:23:40,920 --> 00:23:42,360 laws. And what are they called? 323 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:45,840 They're called a square. They're called a religious nut 324 00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:49,080 job, they're called a Bible crackpot. 325 00:23:49,520 --> 00:23:52,440 I remember one time the late Doctor Paisley was on the radio 326 00:23:52,440 --> 00:23:55,800 many years ago, I think it was David Dunceeth and the Talkback 327 00:23:55,800 --> 00:23:58,680 programme. And whatever Doctor Paisley was 328 00:23:58,680 --> 00:24:03,200 saying, Mr Duncef said to him, you're a bigot, Dr Paisley. 329 00:24:04,240 --> 00:24:07,720 And he said in his big deep voice, I take that as a 330 00:24:07,720 --> 00:24:10,800 compliment. Yes, I'm a Bible bigot for 331 00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:14,920 Jesus. She's a particular community. 332 00:24:15,680 --> 00:24:19,000 I would encourage the young ones, as I've always done, to 333 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:22,120 dress smart, shunned immodest apparel. 334 00:24:22,800 --> 00:24:24,520 Be willing to be the odd one out. 335 00:24:24,560 --> 00:24:27,120 You know, a mother was speaking to another mother one day about 336 00:24:27,120 --> 00:24:30,320 her daughter and said your daughter's too well dressed to 337 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:33,880 take her place in the world. And the mother replied back, 338 00:24:33,880 --> 00:24:38,160 well, I view that as a badge of honour, that my daughter's too 339 00:24:38,160 --> 00:24:41,360 well dressed to take her place in the world. 340 00:24:42,440 --> 00:24:47,240 It's also a pleasing commentary. See, Ruth's virtue was 341 00:24:47,240 --> 00:24:51,240 recognised by Boaz. It was him that was saying it as 342 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:55,720 a potential husband, as the a kinsman Redeemer. 343 00:24:56,320 --> 00:25:00,000 Thou art a virtuous woman. And remember, this is the days 344 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:02,920 of the judges. This is a a day where there's a 345 00:25:02,920 --> 00:25:07,680 morally unstable culture. And of course, the setting here, 346 00:25:07,680 --> 00:25:11,160 the flashing floor at midnight when the men were asleep, having 347 00:25:11,640 --> 00:25:15,720 eaten and drank it was right for a scandal. 348 00:25:16,840 --> 00:25:19,440 And yet Ruth wasn't known for her vice. 349 00:25:21,040 --> 00:25:24,640 She's known for her virtue. And over there in the book of 350 00:25:24,800 --> 00:25:31,040 Philippians, in Philippians chapter 2 and in the verse 15, I 351 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:36,720 believe God honours holy living, that ye may be blameless and 352 00:25:36,720 --> 00:25:40,360 harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of 353 00:25:40,360 --> 00:25:46,120 a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in 354 00:25:46,120 --> 00:25:48,480 the world, what should our aim be? 355 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:50,560 Our aim should be to please the Lord. 356 00:25:50,880 --> 00:25:53,120 Remember we read in Philippians 4, verse 8. 357 00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:55,880 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever 358 00:25:55,880 --> 00:25:58,520 things are on us, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever 359 00:25:58,520 --> 00:26:00,800 things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever 360 00:26:00,800 --> 00:26:03,360 things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if 361 00:26:03,360 --> 00:26:06,240 there be any praise, think in these things. 362 00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:09,320 Put the Lord first. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God 363 00:26:09,320 --> 00:26:12,040 and His righteousness, and all these other things shall be 364 00:26:12,040 --> 00:26:16,360 added unto you. That's a good motto for living 365 00:26:16,360 --> 00:26:19,800 by. This is a priceless commodity. 366 00:26:20,520 --> 00:26:24,880 This is a particular community. This is a pleasing commentary. 367 00:26:24,960 --> 00:26:28,800 Thy art a virtuous woman. Notice also. 368 00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:33,720 Thirdly, he recounts Ruth's consideration. 369 00:26:34,680 --> 00:26:37,200 If you go back to our text, what does it say? 370 00:26:37,200 --> 00:26:40,680 He, he, he, He says to her on the threshing floor. 371 00:26:41,960 --> 00:26:46,680 For all the city of my people dost know that thou art a 372 00:26:47,080 --> 00:26:52,360 virtuous woman. He's speaking about Bethlehem, 373 00:26:52,360 --> 00:26:55,320 Judah. How did they know? 374 00:26:57,080 --> 00:27:00,600 Well, here's the answer. They watched her, they observed 375 00:27:00,600 --> 00:27:02,680 her. They took note of her. 376 00:27:03,720 --> 00:27:08,880 She was recognised by others. Her testimony had to be built 377 00:27:09,320 --> 00:27:13,800 over time. It was there in Moab when she 378 00:27:13,800 --> 00:27:19,720 made that momentous decision in the border Route 116 and 17, in 379 00:27:19,720 --> 00:27:23,120 her faithfulness, Tiomi, in that she refused to leave her, even 380 00:27:23,120 --> 00:27:27,120 to the point where she said where you die, I'll die and 381 00:27:27,120 --> 00:27:30,360 where you're buried. That's where I'll be buried in 382 00:27:30,360 --> 00:27:35,120 the harvest field. Chapter 2 in her humble 383 00:27:35,120 --> 00:27:38,040 obedience to Boaz, listen to what he said. 384 00:27:38,080 --> 00:27:41,360 Verse 10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter, 385 00:27:41,560 --> 00:27:44,560 for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than 386 00:27:44,560 --> 00:27:47,560 at the beginning. In as much as thou followest not 387 00:27:47,560 --> 00:27:55,360 young men, whether rich or poor, in her marriage and family life. 388 00:27:55,360 --> 00:27:58,200 In chapter 4, you see there's a spiritual principle here. 389 00:27:59,560 --> 00:28:04,200 People are watching us. Your life and mine is being 390 00:28:04,200 --> 00:28:10,800 observed on a daily basis in the home, in the school, in the 391 00:28:10,800 --> 00:28:15,760 university, in the workplace. And even though you're being 392 00:28:15,760 --> 00:28:18,720 observed and watched, I can tell you they'll try to tempt you and 393 00:28:19,120 --> 00:28:23,200 they'll try to trip you up. They'll do their best tomorrow 394 00:28:23,200 --> 00:28:27,000 and destroy your testimony. Do you know whenever you're 395 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:29,920 coming out to church in the Lord's Day, you're coming out 396 00:28:29,920 --> 00:28:32,160 with a new suit on or a good suit? 397 00:28:32,600 --> 00:28:36,320 Your dress, ladies, you've got your hat on, you've got your 398 00:28:36,320 --> 00:28:38,720 Bible in your hand. You're getting into the car. 399 00:28:39,320 --> 00:28:42,440 That's a repeated pattern. People in the housing estates 400 00:28:42,440 --> 00:28:45,120 that see you getting into your car, they know that your 401 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:48,640 repeated church scores, they know you're not going shopping. 402 00:28:48,640 --> 00:28:50,000 They know you're not going to work. 403 00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:51,520 They know you're not going golfing. 404 00:28:51,520 --> 00:28:53,680 And on one hand we could say, well, I don't care what people 405 00:28:53,680 --> 00:29:01,640 think, but it does matter. Did the Lord Jesus care what 406 00:29:01,640 --> 00:29:05,520 Peter's people think? Remember what we read of him in 407 00:29:05,520 --> 00:29:09,720 Luke chapter 2 and verse 52. Listen to these words. 408 00:29:10,040 --> 00:29:15,560 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with 409 00:29:15,560 --> 00:29:20,560 God and men. As a young boy of 12, he sought 410 00:29:20,560 --> 00:29:24,000 to have the favour of God and the favour of men. 411 00:29:24,160 --> 00:29:28,360 Paul talked in Acts 24 verse 16. A conscience void of offence. 412 00:29:29,360 --> 00:29:33,520 In First Thessalonians 2 and 10, Paul talked about how I behaved 413 00:29:33,520 --> 00:29:37,760 myself. In First Timothy 3:00 and 7:00 414 00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:40,920 it says an elder should have a good report of those that are 415 00:29:40,920 --> 00:29:43,120 without. That's outside the household of 416 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:47,800 faith, those outside in society and remember the Lord Jesus said 417 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:52,160 let your light shine before men. Matthew 5 and 16. 418 00:29:52,240 --> 00:29:55,000 Isn't that a real challenge? What does that mean? 419 00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:58,000 Let your light shine before men? Well, it doesn't mean that we're 420 00:29:58,000 --> 00:30:01,880 to walk about with a Lantern or a Tilly lamp and let people see 421 00:30:01,880 --> 00:30:06,160 our light. It means be a walking light. 422 00:30:07,480 --> 00:30:10,480 It means let people see Christ reflected in you. 423 00:30:11,360 --> 00:30:15,200 Let people see the gospel. This old, old story. 424 00:30:17,680 --> 00:30:21,200 Do you know that integrity and intimacy can't be hid? 425 00:30:21,640 --> 00:30:26,080 It's seen, oh there's a couple in love, look how intimate they 426 00:30:26,120 --> 00:30:30,440 are with each other, look at the integrity of their relationship. 427 00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:32,560 And of course the opposite is true. 428 00:30:32,760 --> 00:30:35,200 Immorality and iniquity cannot be hid. 429 00:30:35,320 --> 00:30:41,800 It is also seen and it's also spoken of, that our life of 430 00:30:41,800 --> 00:30:45,240 integrity and a life of interest with the Lord. 431 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:48,240 Never perfect, but certainly passionate. 432 00:30:48,760 --> 00:30:51,720 Remember, if they don't read their Bible, they're going to 433 00:30:51,720 --> 00:30:55,080 read your life and they'll get their testimony from you. 434 00:30:55,960 --> 00:30:57,800 What sort of testimony do they get? 435 00:30:57,960 --> 00:31:00,000 What sort of testimony do you radiate? 436 00:31:00,800 --> 00:31:04,000 You see, he recounts Ruth's consideration. 437 00:31:04,360 --> 00:31:07,680 All the city doth know they had watched and observed. 438 00:31:08,080 --> 00:31:11,840 And one final thing. He rejoices in Ruth's 439 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:15,600 commendation. This is his personal verdict. 440 00:31:17,240 --> 00:31:22,160 Thou art a virtuous woman, replied At Boa's feet she 441 00:31:22,160 --> 00:31:25,480 requests to be covered. Chapter 3, verse 9 I am Ruth, 442 00:31:25,480 --> 00:31:27,520 thine handmaid. Spread therefore thy skirt over 443 00:31:27,520 --> 00:31:31,040 thine handmaid, for thou order near kinsman. 444 00:31:31,440 --> 00:31:36,840 She humbled herself. See, virtue doesn't redeem her, 445 00:31:37,520 --> 00:31:42,400 but her virtue does prepare her for the redemption of the 446 00:31:42,400 --> 00:31:46,200 kinsman. First Peter 5 and 6 says, Humble 447 00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:50,040 yourselves that he may exalt you in due time. 448 00:31:50,680 --> 00:31:53,800 He said to her, I will do all that thou requirest. 449 00:31:54,120 --> 00:31:58,320 Boaz didn't hesitate. He didn't bargain with her. 450 00:31:58,680 --> 00:32:04,280 He didn't offer a delay. The redemption of Ruth required 451 00:32:04,280 --> 00:32:08,040 three things. One, the right Boaz is a near 452 00:32:08,040 --> 00:32:12,080 kinsman. He must have resources. 453 00:32:13,800 --> 00:32:16,280 He has the means because he's a mighty man of wealth. 454 00:32:16,600 --> 00:32:21,080 Chapter 2, verse one but not only has he to have the right 455 00:32:21,560 --> 00:32:24,880 and the resources, but he must have the resolve he is willing. 456 00:32:25,600 --> 00:32:29,160 He notices Ruth and from the beginning which he walked into 457 00:32:29,160 --> 00:32:31,600 his field, he sought to protect her. 458 00:32:32,360 --> 00:32:40,880 He sought to provide for her. He sought to offer her praise. 459 00:32:41,920 --> 00:32:46,880 And on top of that, he gives her promises and the promises are in 460 00:32:46,880 --> 00:32:52,640 the form of handfuls of purpose. See, the Lord Jesus doesn't 461 00:32:52,640 --> 00:32:56,760 redeem us reluctantly. He's not a an unwilling 462 00:32:56,920 --> 00:32:59,400 Redeemer. Remember what we read of him in 463 00:32:59,400 --> 00:33:05,120 the Gospel of John and in John chapter 10. 464 00:33:05,640 --> 00:33:09,600 He says this in verse 17. He makes this tremendous 465 00:33:09,600 --> 00:33:11,880 statement. Listen to the word of God. 466 00:33:12,480 --> 00:33:17,600 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life, that 467 00:33:17,600 --> 00:33:19,760 I might take it again. There's sacrifice. 468 00:33:20,480 --> 00:33:25,600 No man taketh it from me. It's not forced, but I lay it 469 00:33:25,600 --> 00:33:27,640 down to myself, voluntary. Given. 470 00:33:27,920 --> 00:33:30,400 I have power to lay it down, I have power to take it again. 471 00:33:30,600 --> 00:33:33,960 This commandment have I received of my father. 472 00:33:35,080 --> 00:33:38,120 He doesn't redeem reluctantly, he redeems willingly. 473 00:33:38,680 --> 00:33:42,920 He has the right of Redeemer. He has the resources, but he is 474 00:33:42,920 --> 00:33:47,080 also the resolve and he's saying to Ruth, I'm going to be your 475 00:33:47,080 --> 00:33:49,720 Redeemer. And when Christ redeems, he 476 00:33:49,720 --> 00:33:52,760 redeems fully. He redeems us to the uttermost. 477 00:33:52,840 --> 00:33:56,200 Remember what we read in Hebrews Chapter 7 and verse 25. 478 00:33:56,400 --> 00:33:59,360 He tells us this. Wherefore he is able also to 479 00:33:59,360 --> 00:34:02,240 save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing He 480 00:34:02,240 --> 00:34:05,000 ever liveth to make intercession for them. 481 00:34:06,600 --> 00:34:11,400 Salvations by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ 482 00:34:11,400 --> 00:34:17,320 alone, and the grace that saves alone produces A transformation. 483 00:34:18,840 --> 00:34:20,840 And that grace has been commanded. 484 00:34:22,159 --> 00:34:24,199 That grace is no one in the city. 485 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:27,880 That grace means that we're covered by a Redeemer. 486 00:34:28,120 --> 00:34:31,679 That grace means we're remembered by God in eternity. 487 00:34:33,080 --> 00:34:36,880 Are you converted tonight? Can we rejoice in your 488 00:34:36,880 --> 00:34:43,120 conversion? Can we reveal your character? 489 00:34:47,440 --> 00:34:51,239 Are you considered by others? Others can recount. 490 00:34:53,679 --> 00:34:56,560 And will you be commended? This woman was commended by 491 00:34:56,560 --> 00:35:01,680 Boaz. He was willing to pay the price 492 00:35:01,720 --> 00:35:06,520 because love pays the price. But let me tell you this. 493 00:35:08,080 --> 00:35:14,320 There's a greater Boaz, the Lord Jesus, and what we want to hear 494 00:35:14,320 --> 00:35:18,960 at the day of our death when we close our eyes and enter glory 495 00:35:18,960 --> 00:35:23,480 as well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy 496 00:35:23,480 --> 00:35:26,280 of thy Lord. Are we good and faithful 497 00:35:26,280 --> 00:35:29,160 servants? Will we hear the well done? 498 00:35:29,320 --> 00:35:35,760 Will we be commanded because we've request to be covered? 499 00:35:37,480 --> 00:35:43,280 We've humbled ourselves before. We have looked to Him to be our 500 00:35:43,600 --> 00:35:47,280 Redeemer. That's the greatest commendation 501 00:35:47,880 --> 00:35:50,160 of all. I pray that you'll humble 502 00:35:50,160 --> 00:35:53,480 yourself before the Lord. I pray you'll long to be covered 503 00:35:53,720 --> 00:35:56,320 by the precious blood and righteousness of Christ. 504 00:35:56,640 --> 00:36:01,560 And I pray that you'll come to this wonderful Redeemer who has 505 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:05,080 the right, who has the resources, who has the resolve. 506 00:36:05,760 --> 00:36:09,360 And he'll say tonight to you, I'm going to be your Redeemer. 507 00:36:10,600 --> 00:36:14,760 And you're going to say, yes, Lord, you be my Redeemer. 508 00:36:15,560 --> 00:36:17,360 May the Lord bless you this evening. 509 00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:21,240 May they take these few thoughts and the gospel, this love story 510 00:36:21,240 --> 00:36:24,120 in the dark, and write them on your heart.