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Author: John Piper

Quote: What do you make of Naomi\'s theology? I would take Naomi\'s theology any day over the sentimental views of God which dominate evangelical magazines and books today. Naomi is unshaken and sure about three things: God exists. God is sovereign. God has afflicted her. The problem with Naomi is that she has forgotten the story of Joseph who also went into a foreign country. He was sold as a slave. He was framed by an adulteress and put in prison. He had every reason to say, with Naomi, "The Almighty has dealt bitterly with me." But he kept his faith and God turned it all for his personal good and for Israel\'s national good. The key lesson in Genesis 50:20 is this: "As for you, you meant it for evil against me [Joseph says to his brothers]; but God meant it for good." Naomi is right to believe in a sovereign, almighty God who governs the affairs of nations and families and gives each day its part of pain and pleasure. But she needs to open her eyes to the signs of his merciful purposes.

Webpage: www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByScripture/45/445_Ruth_Sweet_and_Bitter_Providence/

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Quote: Sometimes the choice is not between right and wrong, but between good and better. Yet any choice we make will be the right one if made with these words of Jesus in mind: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." - Mt 6:33 "Ruth's" Noble Choice to follow Naomi and her God illustrates the truth of Jesus' words!

Webpage: http://executableoutlines.com/ruth/ruth_so.pdf

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Quote: The book also reveals examples of commendable character... a. Nobility of character in Ruth, who proved to be better to Naomi than seven sons! b. Nobility of character in Boaz, as an employer, and believer in God\'s promises and commands Remember that such character was manifested during a dark period in Israel\'s history... "In those days [there was] no king in Israel; everyone did [what was] right in his own eyes." (Judg 21:23)

Webpage: http://executableoutlines.com/ruth/ruth_so.pdf

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Author: John Piper

Quote: If this story of Ruth just ended in a little Judean village with an old grandmother hugging a new grandson, glory would be too big a word. But the author doesn\'t leave it there. He lifts his eyes to the forests and the mountain snows of redemptive history. In verse 17 he says very simply that this child Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of David. All of a sudden we realize that all along something far greater has been in the offing than we could imagine. God was not only plotting for the temporal blessing of a few Jews in Bethlehem. He was preparing for the coming of the greatest king that Israel would have, David. And the name of David carries with it the hope of the Messiah, the new age, peace, righteousness, freedom from pain and crying and grief and guilt. This simple little story opens out like a stream into a great river of hope.

Webpage: www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByScripture/45/448_Ruth_The_Best_Is_Yet_to_Come/

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