Restoring Honour Ruth 4.1-12

What is honour? 1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions, man of honor. 2. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family. 3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor. 4. such respect manifested: a memorial in honor of the dead.

What is honour? 5. high public esteem; fame; glory: He has earned his position of honor. 6. the privilege of being associated with or receiving a favor from a respected person, group, organization, etc.: to have the honor of serving on a prize jury; I have the honor of introducing this evening's speaker. 7. Usually, honors. evidence, as a special ceremony, decoration, scroll, or title, of high rank, dignity, or distinction: political honors; military honors.

Important features in the passage The city gate The chance meeting Sitting and standing The role of the witnesses The significance of names The sandal The blessing The women named in the blessing

Implications of the passage for us Redemption brings restoration The land The name The childless widow 2Corinthians 5.16-18; Isaiah 49.5-7

Implications of the passage for us Live with integrity The ends do not justify the means Genesis 4:7 Deuteronomy 6:18 Romans 12:17 2Corinthians 8:21

Implications of the passage for us Mercy is better than justice James 2.8-13: Proverbs 21.13 Matthew 6.15 “…if a mere human being could love an outcast, redeem her, and bring her into fellowship with himself then God could love all the outcasts of the world, redeem them, and bring them into fellowship with himself.”

The Invitation Look for God in this passage: Providence, Provision, Take time to see how God has worked and is working in your life? Share your experiences with someone who needs to be encouraged

A final thought… 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” – Revelation 21