the world scorns? Are you prepared to be looked coldly upon? Are you willing to cast in your lot for time and eternity with the people of God? Then, like Ruth, you have chosen well; and your portion is a happy one. Fifthly, we see that Ruth at length found a friend- the best friend she had ever known. Boaz knew all her history; he pitied her; he loved her; and at length he married her. He was not only a kind friend to her, but a rich and powerful one. Such is Jesus, our Friend above. His power is almighty, and His love passing knowledge. He is both able and willing to bless us. He looked upon us in our lost condition, and His heart yearned towards us. "When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Greater love hath no man than this. He calls us, "not servants, but friends." He is the Bridegroom of His church; and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so does He rejoice over His people. We have been speaking, in this chapter, of Boaz redeeming the lost inheritance of Elimelech. But a greater Redeemer, a greater than Boaz, is here. We have lost our inheritance. We have forfeited all. We have sold ourselves for nought. But He has redeemed us without money. He has bought back heaven for us. We lost it in Adam, but we may recover it in Christ. Boaz was kind to Ruth, and recovered her lost inheritance. But re member, in doing it, he shed no precious blood. He gave not "his back to the smiters." He bore no cross, and endured no agony. Neither had Ruth ever offended him. She had never spoken one unkind word against him, nor had an ungrateful feeling towards him ever passed through her mind. Oh, how different is it with our Redeemer! He died for sinners-for the ungodly-for those who showed him no love! He came from heaven to save us. And in order to do this he ventured the marring of his own inheritance; for "though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor.' He is now stretching out His hands towards us, who have served other masters, who have loved the world and sin, instead of loving Him. at this very Yes, he invites us at this moment to come under His shelter. What amazing love ! What kindness of heart! Will you not be won by it? Oh, what folly, what sin, what madness, to let such boundless mercy pass by us unheeded, and not to open the door of our hearts to receive this loving Saviour! And now, my dear Reader, we have gone through Ruth's history together. I hope you have been interested in it. But I hope for something more than that I hope that you have been led to pray, that you may follow Ruth, as she followed the Lord. God grant, that as she looked up to Boaz as her earthly deliverer, her friend in the hour of need, and the redeemer of her worldly inheritance, so you may look up to |