How is your day going thus far? I’ve got a full plate of administrative things to do. As glamorous as that sounds, it actually means I’ve got phone calls to make, and paperwork that needs tending to. That alone should take-up most of my morning. Anyway, let’s relax with a cup of coffee or some cold juice and visit a while. Last week I was visiting a family in our Church and somehow we got started talking about breakfast foods. I mentioned red eye gravy and my host said he loved it, but had not had any in a long time. I, too, love red eye gravy and biscuits. Do you know what it is? I have a white headed ,bearded deacon in my church, who shall remain nameless for security reasons, who had never heard of it --- and he claims to be from West Virginia! Red eye gravy is definitely a mountain thing. My family came from the mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky, so I have eaten my share of mountain food. Red eye is made from ham grease drippings, and coffee. Mmmm Mmmm! My mouth is watering! Do you know what it is? Do you like it? I think with red eye it’s a love-hate thing. You either like it, or you do not. I’d be interested in hearing from you. Have you tried it? What do you think? I really want to hear from my kids and brother on this. I predict that my brother, Greg, will say he does not like it. My daughter, Amanda will say she does and so will my two boys, Jason and Kevin. My other daughter, Michele, will not like it. I know what Mom will say, she likes it. She should, she’s fixed enough of it! Dad loved it!!! I guess we’d better change the subject and move on; we’ve all got work to do.
I wish you could have been with us at Friendship Harmony yesterday. The song service was outstanding. About Tuesday of each week, I am informed about the music for the upcoming Sunday. Last week when I saw the selections, I was like a kid in a candy store. I was absolutely excited. These were some of my favorites from my days as a child at Fairview Baptist Church in Cincinnati. They took me back, and for just a moment, I felt like I had the old Broadman Hymnal in my hands. I continued my sermon series, Heroes of Israel, with Boaz from the Book of Ruth. Boaz was not a warrior, nor was he one of the judges of Israel. He was what today would be called a gentleman farmer. He had lots of land and had people hired to take care of it. Basically, he was a businessman. Can someone who is “ordinary” be a hero? Most definitely! Using the same 5 point outline I used when we talked about Hezekiah, a king, and Deborah, a judge, we see that God can use anyone who makes themselves available to Him. The outline is below. Feel free to use it for your Bible study.
Heroes Of Israel: Boaz
Ruth: Selected
Sermon Series: Heroes of Israel 05/21/11
By Victor Cooper
I. He had a Godly reputation. Ruth 3:3-4 Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
A. Had he not been an honorable, Godly man, Naomi would have never made such a suggestion.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary:
An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.
Some commentators suggest that what Ruth did presented an opportunity for immorality. But nothing in the passage supports this. Her mother-in-law had complete confidence in the integrity of the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz could be trusted to act responsibly. And Ruth was recognized by everyone as “a woman of noble character” (v. 11). The uncovering of the feet was a ceremonial act that was completely proper. Probably the scene took place in the dark so that Boaz had the opportunity to reject the proposal without the whole town knowing about it.
II. He was dedicated to the service of the LORD.
A. It is seen by the conduct of his life, and the words of his mouth.
Ruth 2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.
B. It was seen in his compassion.
Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
III. Boaz led by example. Ruth 2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
He practiced what he preached.
Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
IV. Boaz prayed intercessory prayers.
A. Although no prayer of Boaz is recorded, the fact that he acted as an intercessor, indicates that in all likelihood, the needs of others were brought before the LORD.
1. He made sure Ruth was not bothered.
2. He made sure she had water and food.
3. He made sure she had plenty to glean.
He was willing to be an answer for another.
V. God listened to Boaz ie, God honored him.
Ruth 4:13-17 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.
14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. 16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Preached to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church 5/22/11/am service
Have a good and a safe week. I really need to get moving on my “things to do” list, but first I believe I’m going to fry up some ham and eggs, then make me some good red eye gravy. Do you want some too? I’ll give you the recipe if you’d like. Anyway, I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic.
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