Little Union Primitive Baptist Church

Elder Chris concludes the book of Ruth in chapter four, which shifts the focus to Boaz and the theme of redemption. Boaz did not delay; he went directly to the city gate, where legal matters were settled. To be a true redeemer, everything had to be done according to the law, with the elders serving as witnesses. For Boaz to redeem, he needed three things: the right relationship, the ability, and the willingness. In the same way, Christ came into this world with a specific relationship to us. He was able and willing to put away our sins, even when we didn’t deserve the least of His blessings. Elder Chris proclaims that we now have an inheritance, one that is preserved for us.

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In Zechariah, the Lord Jesus Christ is described as a King who is just, brings salvation, and is humble. Elder Chris highlights how Israel sought a king at the wrong time and in the wrong way. Moses provided specific instructions for choosing a king, with the most important command being that the king must be chosen by God. Yet, each of Israel’s kings violated these commandments. After enduring many years under ungodly rulers, Christ came as the perfect King. Amid all the change and uncertainty we face today, we can rest in the fact that we have a constant King who holds all authority and is always there for us.

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Ruth has openly shown her love for Boaz and walked by faith. As she sought redemption, there was an issue: a Jew was not supposed to marry a Moabitess. But Ruth knew Boaz’s mercy and strength of character. Naomi advised her to sit still, trusting that Boaz would not rest until the matter was resolved. The same is true for us. The One who redeemed us cares deeply about what we go through in this life. Elder Chris explains Christ will arise and act on our behalf, at the right time and in the right way.

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Peter writes to the scattered children of God, who were enduring a time of fear. Brother Paul explains that Peter’s words offered comfort during that period. Reflecting on his own experiences, Peter recalls how he was shown love and mercy, and he understands that he can now share that same love with the children of God who need it. He reminds them that they are God’s chosen people, set apart for Him. Peter then points them to Jesus, who has done the work of salvation for all of His children, rescuing them from their sins. He then emphasizes that we have a lively hope, one that should be shared with one another, especially in times of difficulty.

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Elder Chris reflects on Naomi’s specific instructions to Ruth about how to approach Boaz. Naomi tells Ruth to wash, anoint herself, put on her best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor. Elder Chris explains that we should not approach the Lord with the intent of drawing attention to ourselves, but rather humbly and with Him as the focus. Just as Naomi wisely guides Ruth to prepare herself for close communion, we are to prepare ourselves each day in the way we live.

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Elder Chris reflects on Christ’s role as “the author of eternal salvation.” In contrast to the priests of Israel—who were often unfaithful and died—Christ had a higher calling as a priest with an endless life. When Christ prayed three times before the cross, He asked, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” Elder Chris explains that Christ was asking God the Father to make His eternal wrath finite and to save Him from death. Through His suffering, Christ learned obedience, was perfected in His experience among us, and became the author, or cause, of eternal salvation.

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In Ruth 3, Naomi takes an active role that leads to great blessings. Moved by faith, she trusts that God will provide a place of rest for Ruth. Naomi instructs Ruth on how to approach Boaz and claim her rightful place. Ruth obeys with complete submission to her redeemer. Elder Chris explains that, just as Ruth finds a place of protection, we too have been granted a home of rest—first in the house of God as we live here, and ultimately in our eternal home with the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Boaz made clear Ruth was not to go to any other field and he ensured she could glean in abundance. Naomi asked where she had gleaned, still focused on location. Ruth showed her mother-in-law with whom she had gleaned, focused on who she was with, not where. Naomi said “The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.” Kinsmen here means redeemer. Elder Chris draws comparison to our kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. He redeemed us from being servants to death and sin, and did away with the law that kept us from Heaven.

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Elder Hollis turns to Colossians and reminds us that all the things we can see and touch here will perish, but we have an eternal place in Heaven. While a child of God lives here, we should set our minds on things above. Elder Hollis gives instruction to mortify things of Earth and look forward to seeing His face and be satisfied.

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Elder Chris shows how Boaz is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is mighty in strength, mighty in love, and mighty in compassion. While reading, he noticed that Boaz and the greatest Boaz both came from Bethlehem. As Boaz found Ruth, Christ found us. Without any effort on our part, we will live with him in a Bethlehem that far exceeds the Bethlehems of this world.

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