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Christ as Redeemer

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the narrative of Ruth, Boaz emerges as a profound type of Jesus Christ, embodying the role of a kinsman-redeemer with unwavering commitment. Just as Boaz willingly took up the responsibility to redeem Ruth by buying back her family's land, paying off debts, and taking her as his wife to raise an heir, Christ redeems sinners by giving His perfect, sinless life to pay for the sins of the whole world. Boaz's determination to fulfill his duty to Ruth mirrors Christ's relentless resolve to save and prepare His Bride for His Kingdom, working tirelessly to present us holy and blameless in His sight. Furthermore, like Boaz, who acted decisively and would not rest until the matter of redemption was concluded, Christ's faithfulness ensures that His promises are fulfilled without wavering. The union of Boaz and Ruth, resulting in the birth of Obed, meaning servant or worshipper, reflects the spiritual outcome of Christ's redemption—a new creation in the image of God, the goal of the harvest of firstfruits.

Christ as Righteous Judge

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Boaz serves as a type of Christ, offering insight into the character of our Savior, especially in His role as Judge. Boaz praises Ruth for her kindness, shown through her covenant loyalty to her adopted family and Israel by choosing him over a younger man, adhering strictly to the covenant as a widow to marry the near kinsman. He reassures her with the words, "Do not fear," promising to fulfill all that she requests. Boaz then judges her as virtuous, pronouncing her righteous in the spiritual type, akin to the redemption and justification accomplished through Christ. In the morning, Boaz prioritizes making Ruth his bride, mirroring how Christ works to bring His church into the Family of God, judging us worthy to live eternally with Him.

Christ as Provider

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Boaz, as a type of Christ, embodies the role of lord and master over his domain, demonstrating complete control and concern for Ruth, who symbolizes the Christian being redeemed. His immediate attention to Ruth's safety and health is evident when he calls her "my daughter," speaking to her as family without regard to her foreignness, indicating an acceptance as part of his community. Boaz's instructions to Ruth carry profound significance, reflecting the care of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, for His people. He commands her to listen and heed his guidance, ensuring her well-being under his care, not out of tyranny but for her benefit as the master of the harvest who knows the best path to success. Boaz forbids Ruth to glean in other fields, instructing her to stay close to his young women, mirroring Christ's directive to gather spiritual food only from His sufficient and safe field, where fellowship with His servants ensures safety and satisfaction. He urges her to keep her eyes on his field and follow the example of his servants, preventing her from straying or believing better gleaning exists elsewhere, while they provide help in her work. Boaz assures her that his young men will not touch her, having ordered them to treat those under his care with kindness and propriety, akin to the ministry of God's church commanded to tend His sheep in love. Finally, he directs Ruth to drink only the water drawn by his young men, knowing it is clean and safe, representing teaching inspired by God's Spirit offered through His true servants, just as Christ promises water that becomes a fountain of everlasting life. Through these instructions, Boaz reflects the concern of Jesus Christ for His people, desiring them to follow His guidance to avoid harm, remain nourished and satisfied, and stay in the right environment for growth and a successful harvest. God's advice, as seen in Boaz's care, is always good and wise, encouraging us to stay in His church, listen to His ministers, and fellowship among His servants to endure through the harvest.

Boaz and Pentecost

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 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 Staff

The 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?

Beating the Rat Race (Part Five)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If we will simply sit still, be patient, and let events run their course without trying to interfere in them, we will soon learn how God works.

Themes of Ruth (Part Three): Redemption

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus 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.

Pentecost and the Book of Ruth

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.

Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As 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.

Patience With Growth

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Fruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.

Principled Living (Part Five): Witnessing of God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our best witness is often through our unspoken behavior; what we do speaks volumes. God gives us a charge to bear His name with dignity in all our actions.

'Being Seen of Them Forty Days'

Sermon by Mark Schindler

On the 40th day on the count to Pentecost, Jesus ascended. The details of His activity before His ascension have not received the focus they should.

God's Real Transformation

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Jesus is transforming His Bride into something beautiful, mirroring His godly character. He is preparing us to carry out our responsibilities.