The story of Ruth finally comes full circle as Boaz redeems Ruth in marriage.  The story is not just about Boaz and Ruth, but also prepares us to see the way in which God prepares the way for King David as well as great David's greater Son.

The hope that Boaz will be a redeemer to Ruth and Naomi picks up steam in chapter 3. Naomi hatches a plan for Ruth that will unfold under the cover of darkness and continue the uncertainty of what will happen between Ruth and Boaz.

Though an outsider and a Moabite, Ruth lives by faith in the promises and provisions found in God's Word.  The Lord proves faithful to Ruth and Naomi, preparing us to see the hope of redemption.

Tonight we make the transition from the book of Judges to Ruth.  Ruth's story unfolds in the period of the Judges and is an encouraging reminder that even in the darkest days, God is still at work in the lives of His people.

This is perhaps one of the darkest and heaviest stories in the Old Testament.  The moral degradation in Israel points to the need for a true king who will rule the hearts and lives of the people of God.  That king not only rules, but also saves, forgives, renews, and cleanses His people from all their sin.

In many ways Samson's story leaves us longing for what could have been had Samson's life demonstrated a pattern of faithfulness.  Yet God still used Samson to bring deliverance to His people and even point us forward to the one who's life doesn't leave us longing, but rather imparts to us the fulness of a life blessed by God. 

In chapter 15 we pick up Samson's story midlife and discover that God still uses messy, broken people to accomplish His purposes.

It's hard to finish well.  While there is much in Gideon's life to commend, his struggle at the end of life has much to teach us about the importance of finishing well.

God loves to use the weak things of the world to demonstrate His power.  Gideon and his dwindling army demonstrate that reality in Judges 7.

In Judges 6 we are introduced to the fearful, hiding, Gideon.  An unlikely warrior who will be used powerfully by God.