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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon 

Preaching Text: Ruth 4:1-12

Most people have an inner sense that our lives ought to have significance. We want our lives to count for something more than just the number of years we live. The Bible is full of examples of people whose otherwise mundane lives were made significant because of God. They surrendered to his will and their lives were magnified. Sadly, others try to find significance through self-advancement.

Significance is found in surrender not self.

The story of Ruth is concerned with names, or the lack thereof. In chapter 4, the nearer kinsman remains conspicuously unnamed despite being a close relative of Boaz. 

The scene begins with Boaz waiting eagerly at the city gate. When the nearer redeemed approaches, Boaz says, “Turn aside, friend, sit down here.” The word “friend” in Hebrew is literally peloni almoni, which is a generic term, roughly equivalent to us calling someone, “Joe Schmo.” 

When presented with the redemption of Naomi’s land, peloni almoni immediately says, “Yes, I will redeem it.” However, when told about marrying Ruth, he backs out just as quickly. His reason is the risk of his personal interests. Boaz is prepared to sacrifice for the sake of Naomi and Ruth. This is significance vs. self. 

Jesus said, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Those who believe in him and follow his lead are named Christians, which means “little Christs.” God’s will for us is summed up in the call to love God with our whole selves and love others as ourselves.

Taking it home: Reflect on someone you know who exemplifies a life of love for God and for others. Resolve this day to act in a similar way. Find one thing you can do to love God and one thing you can do to love others. Start small.