It’s certainly not unusual for someone today to make a statement like this…”We live in a totally different world now.” Have you ever said that? Ever thought that? Sometimes that statement is made in reference to all the changes we seen take place in technology. Sometimes that statement is made in reference to the cultural and moral condition we find ourselves living in. And sometimes—it’s a statement made in reference to a change that happened in our personal life: You lost a loved one to death. You lost a job that provided all your needs.

Perhaps the statement is made in reference to when you gave your life to God by trusting His Son with your life. When you began to see the world through the eyes of faith—everything changed. Whatever it was that happened—you live in a totally different world now.

One thing is certain for Naomi and Ruth…they live in a different world now. A world that has more questions than answers. One big question I’m sure that was on the mind of Naomi and Ruth was, “How are we going to survive?” They have no husbands, no food and little if any hope that their world was going to change for the better any time soon. Yet—Naomi did have one thing, a desire to go home. A desire to be among her people.

What Naomi didn’t know—the Lord was at work in their lives laying the foundation for the miraculous. We are going to witness this miracle today as we see two worlds collide here in chapter 2 of the book of Ruth. The world of a prominent man in the community (Boaz). The world of a peasant girl seeking to survive (Ruth).

Of all the places in the world and of all the people in the world…God brings these two together as part of His plan to change the world. You and I live in a totally different world now as a result of these two meeting, marrying and having a male child that provides the family line from which “Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus…who is called Christ” would come (Mat. 1:16).

1. Fancy meeting you here.

The writer makes 2 statements here in the first 4 verses that point us to the fact that the unseen hand of God is at work in this story. In verse 3 he says, “As it turned out…” In verse 4 notice what he says, “Just then…”

Imagine that—the right people in the right place at the right time. Some would suggest this is just a coincidence or a meeting by chance. But—I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:9 which says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

I don’t believe that it was a coincidence that a woman who’s future that looked a lot like Naomi’s and Ruth’s in Matthew 9 had the opportunity to touch the hem of Jesus garment. The Lord arranged that meeting so that woman’s grief could be removed and His glory would be magnified.

God has a plan and a purpose for Ruth and Boaz…that’s why they are about to meet each other. They don’t know it yet…but He does. This is exactly where we are this morning—in the midst of God’s plan and not fully aware of all or what He’s doing. But—He does…”I know the plans I have for you” (Jer 29:11). So we can all say together, “Fancy meeting you here in the midst of God’s plan for my life.”

2. Actions speak louder than words.

Here in the middle section of chapter 2 the writer reveals something very telling about Ruth and Boaz…the primary people in the story. That is—regardless of their material situation...their actions toward others speaks of hesed. (Demonstrating loving kindness and loyalty to those in need.)

Notice what the narrator says about Ruth here in chapter 2. She took the initiative in v2 to meet their need for food. She asked if she could glean in Boaz field in v7. She worked hard in v7. She remained loyal to Naomi in v11. Outward actions that reveal character.

Now listen to how Boaz is described. He’s respectful of his employees in v4. He’s concerned for Ruth’s safety in v8ff. He invites Ruth to eat at his table in v14.He makes sure that she gets plenty of barley in vv15-16. Actions that speak of character.

When I pastored in Dixon KY there was a man in the church who lived to extend hesed/kindness into the lives of the people he met. Sometimes he met needs publically and sometimes he met them privately. He never saw a need he didn’t try to meet. He was far from rich in monetary means—but he was rich in love and grace and mercy. His actions spoke…

Oh church—if we would all look for the opportunity to demonstrate hesed in the lives of others. Regardless of our physical or material situation. Even little is much when the love of God is in it. Q) Has someone unexpectedly met a need in your life lately? (Don’t miss the fact that God is at work in your life through the actions of others. He hasn’t forgotten about you or where you are.)

Ruth is a foreigner in Bethlehem with no rights or real tangible resources. Yet—she takes the initiative to meet the needs of Naomi. Boaz is a man of standing in Bethlehem and he’s willing to meet the needs of a foreigner. Actions that speak louder than words. Let me challenge us all this morning to intentionally look for an opportunity to express hesed/kindness towards someone starting today. EX: John 13:35  

3. The Lord will provide.

In Genesis 22 when Isaac asks Abraham where the sacrifice is as they head up Mt. Moriah…Abraham replies, The Lord will provide.” And He did. In the last part of chapter 2 the Lord provides for Ruth and Naomi through the hesed/kindness of Boaz…big time.

Notice what the narrator tells us in verses 17-18…read. The Lord provided food for Ruth that day – Naomi that evening and one bible commentator said Ruth gleaned enough barley to feed her and Naomi for perhaps a year. The Lord will provide. But that’s not all—look at verses 19-20…read. When Naomi hears that Ruth had worked in the field of Boaz…she knows that he’s a kinsman-redeemer.

Naomi knows that the Lord has provided for her and for Ruth. She has no way of knowing all that the Lord will eventually provide for her through Boaz…but she does know at the moment, “her cup is running over with the provision of God.” All of this happened as the world turned. Just another day in life of God’s people.

What’s in this passage for us to take home today?

1. As our world turns day after day we need to know in our heart and mind that God’s unseen sovereign hand is at work in our lives. Jer. 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Rom. 8:28 says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

2. Kindness never goes unnoticed. First by the Lord and then by others. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

3. God’s provision will always be more than enough to meet our needs. We all have more than we absolutely need. Phil. 1:19