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Christ as Redeemer
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn 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. RitenbaughBoaz 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. RitenbaughBoaz, 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. RitenbaughBoaz, as a type of Jesus Christ, embodies the role of a gracious provider, a righteous judge, and a loving redeemer in the story of Ruth, reflecting the deep involvement of our Savior in our Christian lives, especially in connection with the harvest themes of Pentecost. As a provider, Boaz ensures Ruth's sustenance by allowing her to glean in his field, offering her protection, fellowship, and abundant provision, even beyond what is required, mirroring how Christ supplies our spiritual needs with generosity. As a righteous judge, Boaz demonstrates profound knowledge of Ruth's character and extends grace to her, praising her sacrifices and pronouncing her virtuous, akin to Christ's judgment and justification of His people. As a loving redeemer, Boaz relentlessly pursues Ruth's redemption with determination and strict adherence to lawful processes, ensuring all is done justly, just as Christ works tirelessly and within divine boundaries to redeem us from the world. Through these roles, Boaz illustrates the multifaceted work of Christ in providing for, judging, and redeeming His people, aligning with the harvest of firstfruits celebrated at Pentecost.
Will You Marry Me? (Part Two)
Article by StaffBoaz, in the story of Ruth, serves as a profound picture of Jesus Christ in His relationship with His Bride, the church. Boaz, a righteous man in an unrighteous time, demonstrates generosity by obeying God's rules, leaving the corners of his field unharvested and commanding his reapers to drop sheaves for Ruth and other poor gleaners. Similarly, Christ extends grace and provision to His people. Boaz notices Ruth's hard work and invites her to eat and drink from his table, sharing his bread and wine vinegar, mirroring the communion Christ offers to His followers. Through the laws of levirate marriage, Boaz redeems Ruth by buying the rights to marry her, just as Jesus, our Redeemer, bought us with the price of His blood, becoming our Master and Bridegroom. At the time of Pentecost, during the barley and early wheat harvest, Boaz marries Ruth, uniting Israelite and Gentile into one, paralleling how Christ, as our peace, breaks down the wall of division between us. Boaz, as Ruth's redeemer, reflects Christ, the true Redeemer, who claims His church as co-heirs of all that is promised to Him.
Beating the Rat Race (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf 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. 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.
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough 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. 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.
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit 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. RitenbaughOur 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 SchindlerOn 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 SchindlerJesus is transforming His Bride into something beautiful, mirroring His godly character. He is preparing us to carry out our responsibilities.