Ruth 2

Ruth is a 4 part love story

1. Setting
2. They meet
3. Interest & Complication
4. Resolution & Marriage

It's the kind of love story where you're rooting for both people
You want it to work out despite the obstacles

Ruth's Qualities
1. Honorable (2)
2. Hard worker (7)
3. Humble (10-13)

Boaz's Qualities
1. Good Reputation (1)
2. Godly boss in dark days (4)
3. Grateful workers (4)
4. Great Kindness (15-16)

2 Lessons to Learn from Chapter 2

1. The Value of Hard Work

From Ruth
1. Life as service to mother-in-law
2. Long hours, short breaks
3. Finished the job

From Boaz
1. Stayed in communication with servants
2. Continued to work in his fields
3. Didn't just give her stuff, rewarded her for work

From God
1. Work was part of life before curse
2. We don't like work b/c of the curse
3. Not working usually creates trouble

2. Godly Coincidences = Providence

Coincidence is an accidental sequence that seems to have been arranged
Providence is an arrangement of sequences carefully crafted by God

Chapter 2:3 was either a coincidence or God's providence

Various translations:
1. As it turned out
2. She happened to
3. She found herself
4. Her hap was to light
5. By chance

I believe this was God's providence. Much like Abraham's servant arrived to find Rebekah, much like the many instances of providence in Joseph's life, we see God at work in the story of Ruth/Boaz.

I believe the closer we walk with God, the more we'll see His providence. He is carefully crafting our days for holy purposes.