This sermon, part of the "Under Construction" series, focuses on Ruth chapter 3 and the idea that Jesus often uses human obedience as the answer to his own promises. The speaker provides a recap of Ruth chapters 1 and 2, introducing Naomi, Elimelech, Orpah, and Ruth, and the famine in Israel that led Naomi's family to Moab. He explains that Naomi, now called Mara, and Ruth return to Bethlehem, where Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz, a relative and redeemer.
The sermon defines redemption as someone stepping in to take back what has been lost and restore it to its rightful place, noting that while Jesus is "the redeemer," other acts of redemption occur. Naomi instructs Ruth to go to the threshing floor at night, anoint herself, and lie at Boaz's feet after he has eaten and drunk. This act of "courageous faith" puts Ruth in a vulnerable place where redemption can reach her. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus isn't counting on human action but wants to work with people, as seen in the stories of the woman with a bleeding condition in Mark chapter 5 and the paralyzed man in Mark chapter 2.
Ruth's vulnerability, both to violence and scandal, is highlighted, but her actions are presented as trust in Boaz and in Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings she has taken refuge, as mentioned in Ruth 2:12. Boaz acknowledges her as a "worthy woman" and promises to redeem her if a closer relative does not. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to ask Jesus where they need to trust him enough to take action, emphasizing that redemption requires a willingness to respond and surrender to Jesus. The speaker also mentions Vision Weekend on June 6th and 7th, and a Q&A session on May 27th at 6:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Harrison Lane. The sermon closes with a benediction from John chapter 15, reminding listeners that with Jesus, anything is possible.
