Sermon Recap: Ruth 4:1-22

The King is Coming

Ruth 4:1-22

This Sunday, we concluded our study of Ruth in the message “The King is Coming,” where we saw how God weaves ordinary faithfulness into an extraordinary story of redemption. In Ruth 4, what seems like a quiet legal transaction at a city gate becomes the final note in a melody God has been composing all along—a melody that leads directly to Jesus.

We saw that redemption always comes at a cost, but God gladly pays the price. Through Boaz’s willingness to redeem Ruth and Naomi, God displays His steadfast love and reminds us that He provides exactly what His people need at exactly the right time. Even more, this redemption wasn’t an afterthought—it was part of God’s plan from the beginning, pointing us forward to the coming of Christ, our ultimate Redeemer.

God used His people to write a melody of redemption that has eternal impact for us today.

Here’s how Ruth 4 helps us see God’s redeeming work more clearly:

1. God Displays His Love by Choosing to Pay the Price of Our Redemption (Ruth 4:1–12)

• Redemption requires a willing redeemer – Boaz steps forward where another redeemer will not, choosing sacrifice over self-interest.

2. God Provides Exactly What We Need at Exactly the Right Time (Ruth 4:13–17)

• God restores what was lost – Naomi’s emptiness is turned to joy as God brings life where there once was despair. What begins with loss ends with hope and renewal.

3. Jesus Was God’s Plan from the Beginning (Ruth 4:18–22)

• The genealogy matters – The story of Ruth leads directly to King David—and ultimately to Jesus.

• God’s promises are never forgotten – From Genesis to Revelation, God is faithful to bring a Redeemer.

• The story doesn’t end with Ruth – It carries forward into the story of Christ, the true and better Redeemer.

In Revelation 5, we see the fulfillment of this melody: the Lamb who was slain is worthy to redeem and reign forever. What began at a city gate in Bethlehem echoes into eternity.

Listen to the Sermon:

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Reflection Questions:

1. Where have you seen God quietly at work in your life, even when the story felt small or unfinished?

2. How does Boaz’s willingness to redeem deepen your understanding of Jesus as our Redeemer?

3. In what ways are you tempted to doubt God’s timing—and how does Ruth 4 challenge that?

4. How does knowing Jesus was God’s plan from the beginning shape your trust in Him today?

Resources:

• Book: Ruth for You: Revealing God's Kindness and Care (Tony Merida)

• Book: Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God: Sweet and Bitter Providence in the Book of Ruth (John Piper)

• Book: Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense (Paul David Tripp)

Songs from Sunday:

• O Come All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be)

• A Christmas Hymn

• Crown Him

• Emmanuel

Find these and all the songs we sing for corporate worship during Advent on our OTC Christmas playlist.