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“Where can I find grace?”

Setting the scene. 2:1-3

Ruth finds grace, through Boaz, from God.

Who is this? (cp. John 10) 2:4-5

Humility meets God’s provision 2:6-7

(cf. Lev. 19:9-10; Dt. 19-22)

The danger of looking somewhere else (Gen. 3) 2:8-9

An outsider finds grace (Eph. 2:12-19) 2:10-13

Can I supersize that? 2:14-16

Ruth finds grace from God through Boaz.

Chapter 2 turns the corner from the bitterness of Naomi to provision and hope experienced in the introduction of Ruth to the godly man Boaz. The section drips with take-aways and application. There is the evident hand of the sovereign God at work as Ruth “happens to happen upon the part of the fields belonging to Boaz.” There are the evident character qualities of Ruth (faithfulness, industriousness, humility) and of Boaz (warmth, generosity, care). There are specific punch lines, “Where can I find grace?” “You have spoken to my heart.” that compare to our own experience.

There is dramatic real-life theology, truth about God, in his care for the powerless, His sovereignty in circumstances, His knowing of His own, the provision of grace even in OT Law, and the abundance of His grace above and beyond our hope or need.

There is also some big picture theology. You can compare Naomi to Israel (bitter about how God has treated her in her wanderings.) Ruth is like the church (Eph 2), outside the covenants and promises and yet she finds grace even beyond what was promised to Israel in the OT. Boaz, the man of standing and reputation, the strong and able one, who is actually nearer to them they first realize is a picture of Christ our “kinsman redeemer” who has the means and extends grace to us, beyond what we would ask or expect.

I’m hesitant to tell you just how to apply and dig deeper here in your Growth Group. One suggestion I would make is that just as this is a real story, the members of your group have been or are in a similar story. They will identify with different characters: Ruth, Boaz, the foreman, the reapers? How have they seen God’s hand of grace working through others. Most importantly for those who know Grace, how would we desire to see God extend His grace through us. Urge one another to be very specific on this, share the past failings and successes and commit to what the next time will look like.

In this story we see the heart of God revealed in the cross of Christ, and are reminded that God’s grace is best shared with others in the midst of the desperate needs of real life.