True joy is found in the redemption of sinful men to a holy God O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Elimelech, whose name means “God is my King” does not trust his king and flee’s the city of “House of Bread” Bethlehem. God brings Joseph and Mary back to Bethlehem to give birth to the Bread of Life Elimelech takes his family to enemy territory (Genesis 19:37) (Numbers 22:1-41) Elimelech dies and his two sons marry Moabite women This was forbidden and they could not enter the temple for 10 generations God restores food to Bethlehem Naomi turns and returns Ruth chooses the true God Naomi’s return stirs up the entire city (salvation, joy) O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL Naomi’s situation is worse than when she left Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz Boaz shows favor to Ruth Ruth assumes a humble posture Ruth reports to Naomi O HOLY NIGHT Naomi almost blows it with a human plan Boaz passes the test (Boaz is a light in darkness) We must wait for the fulfillment of the promise Boaz the redeemer acts swiftly JESUS PAID IT ALL Boaz goes to redeem Ruth (the church), it will be costly We need a qualified redeemer Redemption means we have an inheritance Redemption means we have a restoration Redemption means we have an intimacy What about you? In your darkest moments, stay faithful. Our redemption was costly, do not forget the cost Jesus paid for you. Our redemption is the only way we can have joy in our heart.