The sermon titled “Ruth’s Reward,” based on Ruth 4, reflects on the resolution of the story of Ruth and Boaz, emphasizing the principles of redemption, honor, and God’s overarching plan for His people. Ruth, a Moabite widow, had previously sought rest from her labor and followed Naomi’s plan to approach Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Boaz, despite the presence of a closer relative, assured Ruth that he would not rest until the matter was settled.

At the city gate, Boaz sat down and invited the closer relative to discuss the situation regarding Naomi’s land, which had belonged to Elimelech. The city gate, functioning as a marketplace and a courtroom, was the perfect place for this exchange. In the presence of ten elders, Boaz addressed the close relative, offering him the opportunity to redeem the land. The relative initially agreed but hesitated upon learning that redeeming the land also meant marrying Ruth to perpetuate the name of her deceased husband. This responsibility caused the man to back out, citing concerns about his own inheritance.

Boaz then stepped in, fulfilling the role of the kinsman redeemer. He completed the transaction by exchanging sandals, a customary practice symbolizing the transfer of property rights. With the blessings of the elders and people present, Boaz announced that he had redeemed all that belonged to Elimelech and had taken Ruth as his wife, ensuring the continuation of the family line. This act paralleled the righteousness of Jesus, our Redeemer, who willingly took on the responsibility of saving humanity through His sacrifice.

The sermon draws a connection between Boaz’s actions and the three qualifications of a kinsman redeemer: being a close relative, having the ability to redeem, and the willingness to redeem. While the nameless relative failed in the latter, Boaz exemplified all three traits, mirroring how Jesus fulfilled the requirements to redeem His church, His bride. This significant parallel shows that just as Ruth, a Gentile, was brought into the lineage of Israel, so too are we as Gentiles grafted into God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ.

Boaz’s marriage to Ruth led to the birth of Obed, the grandfather of King David. This genealogical detail highlights how God intricately weaves His plan through the lives of His people, demonstrating that no situation is beyond His redemptive power. Naomi, who once felt forsaken and empty, found her life restored through Ruth and Boaz’s union, illustrating that God’s blessings often exceed our expectations.

The sermon also reflects on the spiritual significance of Ruth’s story for believers today. Just as Ruth entered her rest through her relationship with Boaz, we enter into spiritual rest through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Ruth’s journey from being a Moabite outsider to becoming a mother in the lineage of David—and ultimately, Jesus—symbolizes the inclusivity of God’s grace. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ; we all share the same inheritance through faith.

This story concludes with a reminder of the greater love story present in the book of Ruth. The love Boaz displayed for Ruth, going beyond mere obligation, mirrors the love Jesus has for His church. Jesus, like Boaz, would not rest until He had redeemed us. This message of redemption, hope, and divine love encourages believers to trust in God’s timing and plan, knowing that He is always working for our good, even when circumstances seem bleak.

At Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, led by Pastor Allen Victor, we are reminded of the beautiful truths of redemption found in Ruth 4.

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