FIELDS OF GRACE (BOAZ WEEK 1) – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Ruth 1 (whole chapter / NIV)
James 4:12
Hebrews 11:1
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Matthew 13:23
Points:
1. The Famine in the Land
2. The Faith of Ruth
3. The Field of Boaz
The Old Testament = Christ concealed;
The New Testament = Christ revealed.
In the book of Ruth, Boaz is a picture of Jesus,.
It’s a story of new beginnings; where the Father Heart of God moves through a man named Boaz to redeem a woman named Ruth, who was never meant to be a part of the story, and gives her a new beginning.
The church is the field where God redeems His people.
1. The Famine in the Land
Ruth 1 – “In the days when judges ruled, there was a famine in the land…”
Whenever judgment rules there’s always a famine.
Famine is not necessarily a reason to leave, but an invitation to live by faith.
We need to reframe famine in our minds. Maybe it’s not permission to push eject, but permission for you to engage by faith and watch what God will do.
Just because it’s green, doesn’t mean it’s God.
2. The Faith of Ruth
Ruth chose to go.
One of the things God is going to do in this series is give us courage to get up and leave the land just outside of Promise – in our marriage, friendships, finances – to leave and enjoy the fullness of God.
The famine can be a gift – because it leads us to faith. Faith is a gift from God – and He’s putting faith in the hearts of people to return to the field of blessing.
3. The Field of Boaz
In the 10 years that they were in Moab, Boaz was sowing.
Genesis 26 – there was a famine in the land and in that season, Isaac sowed in the famine and reaped a hundredfold. The way of the world is to pull back in the famine, but the way of the kingdom is to sow.
Galatians 3:16 – “the promises were spoken to Abraham and his seed” (Christ)
So the promise of God is that in Abraham’s story will be a seed sown that will allow whoever comes to that field to have access.
Boaz is a picture of Jesus and the seed sown for us. It’s not about us sowing seed to get ourselves through, it’s about seeing that He’s sown a seed to get us through.
Two parables of sowing: Matthew 13 (the parable of the weed and the sower)
Later on Jesus explains the parable: the one who sowed the good seed is the son of man, Jesus, the field is the world and the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom. We are not the sower, we are the seed. He sows us into a good field and when the weeds come he says “don’t touch the sons, don’t touch the daughters, no need to judge them, no need to tell them where they’re getting it wrong… everybody just stay calm, we have a good sower and He’s sown good seed.”
Christ in you, the hope of glory. That’s the seed. You’ve been sown into the world to carry His seed and wherever you Go with your hands held high and your hearts engaged with Heaven, there will be a blessed field around you that many will come and feed from.
There is a garden that’s been created, the gospel garden, and he sowed the seed, Jesus, into the world to produce life. And it’s good seed, and you’re good seed – He’s in you – and the weeds will grow, but they won’t win.
As Ruth would walk into Boaz’s field and there was this rich harvest, rhe church is a rich harvest and you’re invited.To receive an inheritance, promise, forgiveness.
Discussion Questions
1. The Famine in the Land: How do you typically respond to challenging seasons in your life that feel like a famine?
2. Reframing Famine: Dylan mentioned that “famine is not necessarily a reason to leave but an invitation to live by faith.” Can you share a time when a difficult situation led you to deepen your faith rather than abandon it?
3. Perception vs. Reality: Discuss the statement “Just because it’s green, doesn’t mean it’s God.” How can we discern God’s will during times of scarcity and plenty?
4. The Faith of Ruth / the Courage to Move: Ruth chose to leave her homeland and follow Naomi. What areas in your life might God be calling you to “leave” in order to experience His fullness?
5. Faith as a gift: In what ways has a challenging situation (a “famine”) strengthened your faith? How did this lead to new opportunities or blessings? How does understanding faith as a gift change your perspective on difficult times?
6. Sowing in Famine: How does this principle challenge the way you view generosity and investment during tough times? How does seeing Jesus as the ultimate sower affect your understanding of provision and grace?
7. Parable of the Sower: Reflect on Matthew 13:23 and the parable of the sower. What does it mean to you that you are a seed sown by Jesus? How can this perspective influence your daily life and interactions with others
8. Inheritance and Promise: Ruth received an inheritance by being in Boaz’s field. How can you position yourself to receive God’s promises and blessings in your life today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons. Help us to see You as the Sower and the Seed – the giver of good gifts that lead us to grow in faith. Give us courage to step out, leaning on Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
** Catch “The Wrap”: post-service conversation on our Youtube channel now!
THE LINC COLLECTIVE 
Leave a comment