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Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Book of Ruth holds a significant place among the Jewish festival scrolls known as the Megilloth, specifically read during the Pentecost season. This timing is not arbitrary, as the story's setting aligns with the period from the Wavesheaf Offering to the day of Pentecost, encompassing the barley and wheat harvests. Ruth and Naomi return to Israel at the start of the barley harvest, a time of intense labor involving reaping, threshing, and winnowing, as later seen with Boaz. During this fifty-day period, Ruth, a Moabite, comes from a Gentile nation into the Land of Promise, meets Boaz, and is eventually redeemed and married by him. The narrative of Ruth illustrates several key themes. It showcases mutual responsibility under the covenant through the concept of chesed, or covenant loyalty, evident in Ruth's kindness and Boaz's reciprocal favor. God's unilateral work on behalf of His people is depicted through His providence and sovereignty, orchestrating events like the famine that drives Naomi's family to Moab and their return, leading Ruth to Boaz's field by divine design. The story also hints at the giving of the Holy Spirit in type, as Boaz provides water and instruction to Ruth, symbolizing refreshment and strength for her work. Finally, Ruth's status as a foreigner, a Moabitess, underscores the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant, as she is accepted into Israel through her conversion and marriage to Boaz, becoming an ancestor of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ.
Ruth's Prophecy
Sermonette by Gary GarrettGod alone determines the course of history. His naming of people is significant, and the book of Ruth can be studied through the lens of the characters' names.
Themes of Ruth (Part One): Naomi
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNaomi's attractive personality, selflessness, godly conviction and common sense characterize her relationship with her Gentile daughters-in-law.
Themes of Ruth (Part Three): Redemption
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus redeemed us with His shed blood from the penalty of our sins, but He also works as our High Priest, continually redeeming us until we are resurrected.
Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we count the 50 days toward Pentecost, we should consider the events of our lives, coming to understand that they reveal God's on-going maintenance.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Ruth and Naomi demonstrated covenant loyalty in this marriages long after the death of their spouses. Ruth faithfully continued to serve her mother-in-law.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe second set of documents and events consists of Book Two of Psalms, Exodus, Ruth, Psalm 147, and the Pentecost season, relating to faith within trials.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.
Psalms: Book Five (Part One): Psalms for the Winter Blues
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWinter is a time of cold, darkness, and sadness. As many as 10% of people in northern areas have Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Psalms for winter can help.
A Virtuous Woman
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe phrase "a virtuous woman" means "woman of worth," "woman of strength," or "woman of noble character." It denotes a woman of skill, aptitude, or achievement.
Christ as Righteous Judge
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBoaz is a type of Jesus Christ. Boaz' actions toward Ruth give us insight into the character of our Savior, particularly in His office of Judge.
Christ as Redeemer
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe idea of redemption is that of 'buying back,' of paying the cost—often a steep one—to restore someone or something to a former condition or ownership.
Christ as Provider
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Boaz' instructions to Ruth, we see the concern of Christ for His people. These instructions will keep us nourished, satisfied, and safe from harm.
The Work of the Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost emphasizes the Christian's work, both in the field, his external labors, and his house, his internal labors. Being converted takes a great deal of work.
Boaz and Pentecost
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe name of Boaz (a type of Christ) appears many times more than Ruth (a type of the church), indicating Christ's intense work on behalf of the church.
Will You Marry Me? (Part Two)
Article by StaffThe story of Boaz and Ruth and the cup of betrothal at Passover ask us to consider: Are we committed to this wonderful relationship with our Fiance?
Naomi
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingNaomi, could be considered the female version of Job. After losing her husband and two sons, she felt severely tried by God while continuing to trust Him.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
Purpose-Driven Acts of Conciliation
Sermon by Mark SchindlerConciliation involves placating others with the intent to bring harmony and peace. By esteeming others better than ourselves, we become a force for peace.