The Bitter Made Sweet P P. 123 P

Introduction A Bitter Life A Well of Refreshing A Kinsmen-Redeemer

A Bitter Life Gideon – “If God is with us, why?” Naomi (“my pleasant one”) Circumstances – famine in Bethlehem “the Lord’s hand is turned against me” Call me “Mara” “the Almighty made my life bitter” “I was full, now I’m empty”

A Well of Refreshing Ruth - daughter she never had – “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried”

A Well of Refreshing Becomes the “provider” – Bring home grains

Kinsman/Redeemer A male to redeem an impoverished family member or to regain land to be sold – “right of refusal” – All land belonged to God within the tribal assignment – Bought the rights

The Kinsman/Redeemer Boaz – close kin to Elimelek “I bought the property and acquired Ruth as my wife” – Takes Ruth into his provision – Provides protection – Gives access to sustenance

God’s, Theirs and Ours God’s Story – Plan of redemption – Runs from Adam to Jesus – Enter Boaz – who has a son, Obed

God’s, Theirs and Ours Their Story – Naomi – moved from bitter to sweet – Her grandson is the grandfather of David – Her village is the birthplace of the Christ

God’s, Theirs and Ours Our Story – Rights/Wrongs start with seed – Something done or taken away – Forgiveness removes wrongs