Eastbrook Church Sermons

“God in Unexpected Joy” [Unexpected: The Story of Ruth] Texts: Ruth 4:1-12 June 30/July1, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, 'Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon's widow, as my wife.'" (Ruth 4:9-10) Preludes to Joy Emptiness and loss Identity recalibration Hard work and perseverance The Groundwork of Joy Planning Risk Waiting Tensions That Lead to Joy Boaz and the community Boaz and the guardian-redeemer Boaz and the opportunity Taking Hold of Joy Boaz’s commitment Boaz’s perspective Boaz’s initiative Discussion Questions: As we continue our series on Ruth entitled “Unexpected,” This week we continue our series, “Unexpected,” on Ruth by looking at Ruth 4:1-12. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read the chapter out loud. As mentioned last week, it is important to understand Bible backgrounds on the ‘guardian-redeemer’ or ‘kinsman-redeemer’, so read through Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and Leviticus 25:25-55. Boaz brings together the first guardian-redeemer in line and introduces the situation by referencing the land specifically. Why do you think that Boaz starts the discussion with the land and doesn’t mention Ruth until later? What do you think that Boaz’s words in 4:4, which echo 3:12-13, say about what sort of person he is and his view of God? Once Boaz introduces the role of Ruth in this bargain, the other guardian-redeemer changes his words (4:6). Why do you think this is? Take a moment to compare Boaz and this guardian-redeemer with Ruth and her sister-in-law, Orpah (1:8-14). The call to have ‘witnesses’ (4:9, 11) shows that Boaz is making a formal statement of responsibility and legal action. The elders of the people then speak a blessing that compares Ruth to some notable ancestral women of Israel: Rachel, Leah, and Tamar. Who are these women (see Genesis 29:14-30:24; 38:1-30)? What is the significance of this connection? Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz are characters who unexpectedly experience the joy and provision of God in their lives. Reflect on a time when you, too, have experienced God’s unexpected joy. Also, into what situation in your life are you asking God to bring joy ? Name one specific way that you can respond to God from the message and study this week. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. Next week we will conclude our series on Ruth by looking at Ruth 4:13-22. Let God speak to you during this next week by reading these verses ahead of time.

“God in Unexpected Risks” [Unexpected: The Story of Ruth] Texts: Ruth 3:1-18 June 23/24, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "The Lord bless you, my daughter," Boaz replied, "This kindness is greater than that which you showed me earlier." (Ruth 3:10)] A Risky Plan (Ruth 3:1-5) Naomi’s plan The risk of doing nothing The risk of doing something The risk of unknown elements Ruth’s loyal obedience A Risky Request (Ruth 3:6-9) Boaz at the threshing floor Ruth implement Naomi’s plan under cover of darkness Ruth takes Naomi’s plan a step further The Unexpected Twist (Ruth 3:10-15) Boaz’s unexpected joy A wrinkle in the plan Boaz and the ‘guardian-redeemer’ Boaz’s caution Boaz’s commitment Waiting for Risk’s Resolution (Ruth 3:16-18) Ruth and Naomi Boaz Foretastes of resolution Discussion Questions: As we continue our series on Ruth entitled “Unexpected,” this week we will look at chapter 3. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read the chapter out loud. Verses 1-5 set the stage of the action that will happen in this chapter. Compare Naomi now with Naomi at the end of chapter 1 and beginning of chapter 2. What has happened with her? Also, take some time to notice Naomi’s original hope for her daughters-in-law (Ruth 1:8-9) with her plans here. How does Ruth respond to Naomi’s plan in verse 5? What do you think about her response? How does it relate to Ruth’s original commitment to Naomi in 1:16-17? It is important to understand the Old Testament background of the ‘guardian-redeemer’ or ‘kinsman-redeemer’. Take some time to read through Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and Leviticus 25:25-55. What would you say are the responsibilities of the ‘guardian-redeemer’? Notice that the activity of chapter 3 takes place in secrecy or under the cover of darkness. Why is this important? Ruth has a change of status that is seen in chapter 3 that can be hard to capture in the English translations. She is referred to as “The Moabite” (2:6), “your servant” (2:13; literally, ‘a female slave’ ), “your servant” (3:9; literally, ‘a handmaid of marriageable age ), and “a woman of noble character” (3:11; a term used only in Proverbs 12:4 and 31:10). What does this say about who Ruth is and how people see her? How does this compare with Boaz (see Ruth 2:1)? Perhaps the most interesting thing in this chapter is the way in which humans seize opportunities available as apparent answers to prayer. Compare Naomi in 1:8-9 with 3:1-5. Compare Ruth in 1:16-17 with 3:9. Compare Boaz in 2:12 with 3:10-13. What does this speak to you? Name one specific way that you can respond to God from the message and study this week. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. Next week we will look at Ruth 4:1-12. Let God speak to you during this next week by reading these verses ahead of time.

“God in Unexpected Answers” [Unexpected: The Story of Ruth] Texts: Ruth 2:1-23 June 16/17, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel under whose wings you have come to take refuge." (Ruth 2:12) Unexpected ‘Luck’ ‘Luck’ in timing ‘Luck’ in location ‘Luck’ in human connections God’s ways and human luck Unexpected Ruth A foreigner – “Ruth the Moabite” A woman of no standing – “who came back with Naomi” A poor gleaner Loyalty to Naomi Humble, brash courage with the workers and Boaz Unexpected Boaz A godly Israelite – “The Lord be with you!” A man of noble standing – “a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek” A wealthy landowner Generous protection and provision Welcoming the stranger The ‘guardian-redeemer’ Living into Unexpected Answers Like Ruth Like Boaz Like Naomi Discussion Questions: This weekend we are continuing our series on Ruth entitled “Unexpected” with a look at Ruth, chapter two. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read it out loud. The story of Ruth continues here in chapter two with the introduction of a pivotal character, Naomi’s distant relative Boaz. How is Boaz described? How does Boaz compare with the men mentioned thus far in the story? There are five times in the book of Ruth that the phrase “Ruth the Moabite” is used. Chapter two in particular is book-ended with this phrase as seen in verses 2 and 21. This implies that Ruth’s ethnic identity is important to the events. How might Ruth’s ethnicity have been significant in the events in chapter two? Compare Boaz’s generosity with the requirements of Old Testament laws about gleaning fields, refer to Leviticus 9:19-20; 23:22; and Deuteronomy 24:19-22. What do you notice? How would you describe Ruth’s response to Boaz through the course of this chapter, particularly in verses 8-13? Observe Naomi’s response to Ruth in verses 18-23. What has changed with Naomi in comparison to Ruth 1:20-21? [For background on the role of the ‘guardian-redeemer’ see Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and Leviticus 25.] Name one specific way that you can respond to God from the message and study this week. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. Next week we will look at Ruth 3:1-18. Let God speak to you during this next week by reading these verses ahead of time.

“God in Unexpected Circumstances” [Unexpected: The Story of Ruth] Texts: Ruth 1:1-22 June 9/10, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'" (Ruth 1:16) Elimelek: A Story of Unexpected Ends A story of unexpected need A story of unexpected death Naomi: A Story of Unexpected Loss A story of fullness A story of unexpected loss A story of unexpected bitterness Ruth: A Story of Unexpected Loyalty A story of unexpected loss A story of unexpected gain A story of loyalty God’s Story In Elimelek In Naomi In Ruth In us Discussion Questions: This weekend we begin a new series on the book of Ruth entitled “Unexpected.” Because this is a short book, take the time to read the entire book through before the study, whether you are on your own or in a small group. What do you observe about Elimelek in the first few verses of chapter 1? Who is he and what is he like? The circumstances of Naomi as outlined in chapter 1 are very challenging. What are the circumstances she faces (see 1:1-5)? It is important to understand the background on the relationship between Israel and Moab. Take a look at Numbers 21-25 and Deuteronomy 23:3-6. As Naomi begins her journey back to Bethlehem, she has an important conversation with her two widowed daughters-in-law. How would you describe or compare the different responses of Orpah and Ruth? What do you think Ruth had to lose by coming with Naomi? What did she have to gain? Circumstances are not the end of the story. Our response to circumstances says a lot about who we are and a lot about what we believe. What are your circumstances right now? What might you learn from Ruth about responding to circumstances? Name one specific way that you can respond to God in the midst of your real-life circumstances this week. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. Next week we will look at Ruth 2:1-23. Let God speak to you during this next week by reading it ahead of time.