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Boaz and Pentecost

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the story of Ruth, Boaz emerges as a significant figure, embodying the role of a gracious provider, righteous judge, and loving redeemer. His name is mentioned most frequently in the narrative, appearing 21 times, underscoring his pivotal role during the harvest period associated with Pentecost. Boaz first appears as a kinsman of Naomi's husband, Elimelech, whose name means God-is-King, and is described as a very wealthy man from Bethlehem, highlighting his capacity to provide. As a gracious provider, Boaz ensures Ruth's safety and sustenance when she gleans in his field. He instructs her to stay within his portion of the field, warning her against seeking food elsewhere, and commands his workers to treat her kindly and leave extra grain for her to gather. His generosity extends beyond necessity, providing her with an abundance of barley, enough to sustain her and Naomi for weeks, and he allows her to remain in his field throughout the entire harvest season. Boaz also shares a meal with Ruth, offering intimate fellowship and personal instruction, demonstrating his care and acceptance by calling her "my daughter" and overlooking her foreign status as a Moabitess. In his role as a righteous judge, Boaz displays deep knowledge of Ruth's character and actions, beyond what is reported to him. He speaks to her heart, offering acceptance and help, and extends favor to her, praising her for forsaking her homeland to join a new people. During the winnowing process, Boaz is depicted separating wheat from chaff, symbolizing his judgment. When Ruth seeks redemption, he blesses her, praises her covenant loyalty for choosing him over younger suitors, and reassures her with promises to fulfill her requests, pronouncing her virtuous and committing to her care. As a loving redeemer, Boaz's determination to secure Ruth's redemption is evident. Naomi affirms his character, noting that once he commits to a task, he will not rest until it is accomplished. Boaz meticulously follows legal protocols, ensuring the transaction is conducted publicly at the gate with witnesses, presenting all facts transparently, and adhering to every formality. His relentless resolve mirrors a deep desire to bring Ruth into his care, culminating in their marriage and the birth of their son, Obed, whose name means Servant of God or Worshipper of God, representing the fruitful outcome of this union during the harvest season.

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.

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.

Christ's Female Ancestors

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Luke records four female ancestors of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Three out of the four were Gentiles and 3/4 also had glaring sexual problems

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.

Psalms: Book Five: (Part Three): The Hallel: Psalms of Praise

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Book Five of the Psalms, Psalms 113-118 (sometimes termed the Hallel) are to be considered one continuous Psalm of praise, associated with the holy days.