Hope! | Ruth 4:1-22

v  As we conclude the Book of Ruth, we celebrate with Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, the birth of a baby.o   A child who would ultimately lead to the birth of THE baby who we celebrate today: Jesus! v  Ruth 4:1-12o   In this passage Boaz is “making good” on the promise he made to Ruth in chapter 3, “I will provide you a kinsmen Redeemer”.§  He’s also “making good” on the faith that Naomi placed in him, as well, “He will do what is right and do it quickly”.·         And he does it all with integrity and wisdom… never cutting corners that could ultimately lead to the loss of all he holds dear.v  Ruth 4:13-22o   This is a beautiful, yet odd scene, to some:§  Naomi is the center of this passage NOT Boaz and Ruth! Why?·         Because this child Obed, would become her kinsmen Redeemer! And it would be through him that her of her husband and son’s lineage survive!o   Ah, but not just survive… THRIVE!v  Isaiah 9:6-7o   For unto to us a child is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace, there will be no end. On the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. v  No other book of the Bible begins so dark and hopeless than does the Book of Ruth.o   And few books of the Bible end with more HOPE! Hope that would eventually come to all of us in the form of a babe, who would be named Jesus!Message: HOPE! Scripture: Ruth Chapter 4 Simple. Authentic. Jesus. Prairiebible.org