“God Provides for His People” Ruth 2:1-3:18

“God Provides for His People” Ruth 2:1-3:18

An Expositional Sermon
Patiently waiting is a picture of the Christian life. 1 Peter 3:8-10: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. We are waiting for final redemption, for Christ to take us home. Friends, we are pilgrims, sojourners and refugees in this world. Life is not your “best life now”, but as we face hardship, as our friends, family, and loved ones die through our momentary lives, and as we see brothers and sisters around the world persecuted for trusting in Christ; we long for final redemption. I had a conversation with a friend who was dying recently. She asked, “Why, won’t the Lord come and take me home? Is there something I’ve done?” No, my encouragement to her and us is to take our trials as an opportunity to grow in fighting and hating sin. God will finally redeem. Be certain of this. He will come to finally judge the living and the dead, and to take His people to be with Him forever. He delays so that more might trust in His Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We pray along with the church throughout the ages from Revelation 22:20 “Come, Lord Jesus!” Heavenly Father, come, and bring us home. Come and finally redeem. He will keep His people to the end. He will save. He will hold us fast even when we feel that we are at our bitter end. Only trust in Christ. The church is a widow, longing for her bridegroom, Jesus Christ.