Table of Contents
Date: SUN 7:00pm 8th February 2026
Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlin
Bible Reference: Ruth 3:11
Podcast
Sermon Summary
The Book of Ruth presents one of the most beautiful love stories in all of Scripture. Unlike the dramatic portrayals of love common in modern society, this story unfolds during a period of darkness and moral decline, yet radiates purity, loyalty, and divine grace. It is both a human and a divine love story—a union between Ruth and Boaz that prefigures the redemptive love of Christ for His people.
1. Rejoicing in Ruth’s Conversion
Text reference: Ruth 1:16–17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1
Ruth’s transformation begins long before her encounter with Boaz. Once a Moabitess from a pagan background, she made a momentous decision to follow Israel’s God and people. She told Naomi:
“Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” — Ruth 1:16–17
This statement was no act of sentimentality—it was a confession of faith and commitment to Israel’s covenant God. Ruth’s decision symbolises the sinner’s turning point: leaving behind the old life to embrace the grace of God through faith.
Paul describes this transformation:
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Boaz’s words, “And now, my daughter, fear not,” (Ruth 3:11) echo the assurance given to every believer who has found grace in God’s sight. In calling her “my daughter”, Boaz reveals covenant acceptance—Ruth the foreigner has become part of the family. Five times in the book she is called Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 1:22; 2:2; 2:21; 4:5; 4:10), a constant reminder of her past, but in this chapter she is called “my daughter”—five times as well, signifying grace (since five is biblically symbolic of grace). Her conversion is a perfect picture of grace transforming the outcast into a beloved child.
2. Reflecting on Ruth’s Character
Text reference: Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 31:10, 30; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 6:14
Boaz’s declaration,
“For all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” — Ruth 3:11,
honours Ruth’s moral integrity and spiritual strength.
A virtuous woman, according to Scripture, is not only one who is morally upright, but also one who fears the Lord and upholds purity in thought and conduct:
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” — Proverbs 31:10
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
Ruth’s virtue is a rare gem, revealed through modesty, diligence, and faithfulness. Boaz recognised in her not superficial beauty but spiritual worth. The sermon challenges young men and women to prioritise godliness in choosing a partner, reminding believers that true beauty is internal and eternal.
The preacher’s warning against the “unequal yoke” (2 Corinthians 6:14) underlines the biblical principle that marriage between a believer and unbeliever leads to spiritual tension and sorrow. True partnership must be grounded in shared faith.
In an ungodly age where virtue is mocked, Ruth teaches that holiness remains a priceless treasure. Her example demonstrates that character, not charm, marks those whom God honours.
3. Recounting Ruth’s Consideration
Text reference: Ruth 3:11; Philippians 2:15–16; Matthew 5:16; Luke 2:52
Ruth’s reputation was established not by words but by actions. Boaz testifies:
“For all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” — Ruth 3:11
Her testimony was visible to all of Bethlehem. She cared for Naomi, gleaned humbly in Boaz’s fields, and conducted herself with modesty and honour. Over time, her godly life earned her recognition.
This insight leads to a crucial truth: every believer lives as a “letter” read by the world. As Paul wrote:
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” — Philippians 2:15
Jesus Himself declared:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
And even as a boy, Christ “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52), setting an example for every believer to maintain integrity and honour before both God and others.
While integrity and godliness attract ridicule from an unbelieving world, they also draw respect. Like Ruth, believers must live with quiet consistency, proving their faith through action rather than speech.
4. Rejoicing in Ruth’s Commendation
Text reference: Ruth 3:9–11; 1 Peter 5:6; Hebrew 7:25; John 10:17–18
In the climactic moment of the story, Ruth humbles herself before Boaz:
“I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” — Ruth 3:9
This act symbolised her request for protection and redemption under Boaz’s authority as a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz replies with the promise:
“I will do to thee all that thou requirest.” — Ruth 3:11
Here is a glimpse of divine redemption. Ruth’s humility did not earn redemption, but it prepared her to receive it. Likewise, Scripture exhorts believers:
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6
Boaz’s role foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, who possesses the right, the resources, and the resolve to save His people.
- The right: Christ became our “kinsman” by taking on human flesh (John 1:14).
- The resources: He is the “mighty man of wealth” spiritually, rich in mercy and power to save (Ephesians 2:4).
- The resolve: He laid down His life willingly.
“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.” — John 10:18
Christ redeems completely, entirely, and eternally:
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.” — Hebrews 7:25
Just as Boaz did not stop until the matter was finished, Christ did not rest until redemption was accomplished on the cross. “It is finished” (John 19:30) is the ultimate declaration of His commitment.
5. Lessons from the Love Story in the Dark
1. Grace transforms outsiders into children of God.
Ruth the Moabitess became part of the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).
2. Godly virtue retains value even in a corrupt world.
In an age of moral confusion, a virtuous life remains precious to God.
3. A consistent Christian testimony speaks louder than words.
Ruth’s life, not her lineage, defined her reputation.
4. Redemption comes only through the willing Redeemer.
Like Ruth, the sinner must humbly seek covering under the Redeemer’s garment.
Conclusion
Ruth’s story, though set in the time of the Judges—a dark age of rebellion and decline—reveals the radiant power of love rooted in grace and obedience. Boaz’s affirmation, “Thou art a virtuous woman,” serves not only as a personal commendation but as a spiritual symbol of what God declares to those covered by the righteousness of His Son.
Boaz was a redeemer for Ruth; Christ is the Redeemer of all who come to Him in humility and faith. To every repentant soul, He says, “Fear not.” To those who seek His covering, He promises, “I will do to thee all that thou requirest.” And to the faithful servant who lives in His grace, He will one day declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:21
