Ruth/Naomi Ruth 1:16-17 I. Intro. A. In order to provide for one's family, it is sometimes necessary to make sacrifices. B. There was a famine in Palestine: so a man went to Moab. C. He took his wife and two sons: the father died. The sons married. The sons died. D. The sons had married--two daughters-in-law were left. E. The mother-in-law explained the circumstances & encouraged them to remain in Moab--she would return to Palestine. F. In a most moving passage, one of the women pledged to remain with the mother-in-law. Ruth 1:16-17. G. The two women returned to Palestine. This is their story. II. Body. A. Naomi was a model mother-in-law.("God is sweet.") 1. Her concern was for the future of the women. 2. The experiences of life had made her take the name "Mara"(bitter). a. Her feelings: Ruth 1:20. b. People react differently to what occurs in their lives. c. Was she expression the situation or her heart? B. Ruth was a model daughter-in-law. 1. Feelings must have been provoked by Naomi 2. She would see to Naomi's needs in Palestine. 3. Naomi approved of Boaz. 4. Would become nurse(foster-mother) to Ruth's son.(Obed-servant; ancestor of David). C. Lessons of life: 1. The events of one's life can change life dramatically. a. Famine was beyond Elimelech's control. b. Who anticipated death in a foreign land? c. Or the death of one's offspring? d. Or going back home in poverty? e. Or the blessings that came from "gleaning" in a field? f. Note: In life--there are good things & there are unpleasant things. 2. Kindness can be shown in spite of life's unkindnesses. a. Kindness of Naomi to Ruth & Orpah. b. People sometimes use life to excuse their treatment of others. c. Jesus said: Matthew 7:12. d. Paul stated: Eph. 4:32. 3. The influence of a good woman can have far reaching affects. a. Note: Proverbs 31:28-29. b. Dorcas--even after death. 4. When in trouble: think of home(Naomi did!). a. No place to go: go home. b. Also applies spiritually. 5. One should appreciate others' efforts. a. Ruth praised Naomi--appreciation for a good mother-in-law. b. There was devotion; stedfastness. c. Kindness breeds kindness. d. Ruth was eager to work in Palestine. (1 Caught Boaz's eye. (2 Boaz was interested--impressed-- full of kindness. 6. One should respect other's rights. a. Boaz approached near-kinsman. b. The concern is often for "my" rights. c. What about God's rights? 7. Generosity is a worthy trait. a. Boaz demonstrated toward Ruth. b. Can be shown in many ways--not just money. c. Note: II Cor. 8:7. III. Conclusion. A. From the marriage--Obed, David's grandfather.