RISKS WORTH TAKING

Week 3
Main Point and Overview:

Nothing in life worth truly experiencing is free of taking a bold risk! The fact is that most Christians “play it safe” and never reach their full potential for Gospel influence. It’s also true from practical experience that most people are more likely to choose “easy” over “hard”. Missing out on greater prosperity, larger career success, and most importantly lasting legacy. Re-enter the story of Ruth and Naomi. These were two desperate women who needed a “break” to go their way. Of course, nothing happens by chance when you believe and follow God. Out of love for her daughter-in-law, Naomi came up with a plan that had the potential to change everything for these women. According to Mosaic Law, they had a possible option to help them called the “kinsman-redeemer” which was a male relative who had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need. The Hebrew term (go el) for kinsman-redeemer designates one who delivers or rescues (Genesis 48:16; Exodus 6:6) or redeems property or person (Leviticus 27:9–25, 25:47–55). Boaz was a close relative to Naomi through her deceased husband, Elimelech. As a kinsman, he had the legal right and responsibility to marry Ruth, the widow of Naomi’s son Mahlon, to continue the family line and “redeem” the land. Naomi’s plan was to “strategically position” Ruth in front of Boaz in the evening for this to happen. Of course, there were great risks involved. What if Boaz said “no?!” What if Boaz felt as if Ruth was attempting to seduce him? What if someone else decided to “take advantage” of Ruth? None of these potential problems were going to keep Ruth from taking the ultimate risk! She did, and Boaz was impressed so much that he decided to marry her. Except, there was a catch that was out of his hands. Now, Ruth faced another challenge that would greatly test her trust in God. Sometimes in life God is clearly working in a direction in our lives to honor him and benefit us, but it’s going to take “longer” than we anticipated. We can even begin to question whether or not it is truly God’s plan to begin with. In these moments, take a deep breath and rest in him. His plan is perfect. That’s not the question. The question is: are you ready to take the risk?