The Book of Ruth is one of only two
books of the Bible
to be named after women (the other is Esther). No matter your season of life, there
is wisdom to learn from the lessons that unfold as we walk along with Naomi,
Ruth, and Boaz. Here is a quick
overview for those of you who have never read this four chapter book, or have
forgotten its story over the years:
A woman named Naomi packed up and
moved from Judah to Moab due to a terrible famine that was affecting her
family. She and her husband moved there with their two sons, who eventually
took wives while living in Moab. Tragically, Naomi lost her husband and two
sons. Broken and empty, Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah. Her
daughter-in-law Ruth came with her, since she had also lost her husband. Keep
in mind that Ruth was a Moabite woman, and she was now moving to Judah as a
foreigner. This was a big deal in their culture, but she was committed to Naomi
as her daughter-in-law, and she wanted to follow after the God of Israel.
While in Judah, God worked out an
amazing plan for a man named Boaz to take Ruth as his wife, give her a child,
and provide for her and Naomi. What’s remarkable about this plan was that Boaz
was qualified as a “kinsman redeemer” to take Ruth as his wife. A kinsman
redeemer is a custom based upon Deuteronomy 25:5–6. A relative of a man who dies should marry that man’s
widow in order to continue his lineage through this woman.
According to God’s remarkable sovereignty,
it turned out that Boaz was a relative to Ruth’s husband who had passed away. He
was qualified to marry Ruth and complete his lineage. So, even in the midst of
Ruth and Naomi’s awful affliction, God still had a plan to take care of them. The book of Ruth has much it can teach us in today’s world:
1. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us Bitterness Happens-When
Naomi and Ruth made it to Bethlehem, townswomen stated, ““Can this be Naomi?””
(Ruth 1:19) But when Naomi (which her name means “pleasant,)
heard she answered with, “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara,
because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the
Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi?
The Lord has afflicted me; the
Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”” (Ruth 1:20-21). Needless to say, Naomi was upset. She knew that
she had been blessed to have her husband and sons, and then she felt like God
just took everything away from her. Returning to her hometown, she felt
empty, and bitter for what had happened to her. Have you ever felt that way?
Bitter and mad at God for what may feel like a ruined life? You’re not
alone.
2. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us Loss Is Hard-The book of
Ruth starts with the life of Naomi. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab
with her husband Elimelech and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Naomi later on lost
her husband and she was left with her two sons. Her two sons found wives, Ruth
and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. Talk about a hard time.
It was then that Naomi decided to
return back home to the land of Judah. Because Naomi had lost her husband and
sons, she was moving back home to Bethlehem as a widow. Her heart and life had
crumbled. This is a reminder that loss and change is hard, and it's more common
than we realize. Many times while dealing with grief we can feel forgotten.
Naomi knew all too well how that felt.
3. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us Noble Character Is Important-As
Ruth went to Boaz to ask for his covering, he knew there was another man in
line ahead of him for Naomi’s land. He stated that if the man wanted to be her
guardian-redeemer, then he would have the rights to her land and her hand, but
if not, then Boaz was more than happy to oblige. He didn’t let Ruth just leave
after their conversation in the middle of the night as to protect her
reputation because she was a “woman of noble character.”
He was a gentleman even in a
vulnerable position and did the right thing. She rested at his feet until dawn
and left when no one would notice her. On top of that, he didn’t let her leave
empty handed as he gave her and Naomi 6 measures of barley.
4. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us Our Decisions Matter- after Boaz purchased the land and acquired Ruth's
hand in marriage, she became pregnant with a son. This son was named Obed who
later became the father of Jesse who later became the father of David who, as
we know, is in the direct family line of Jesus Christ! How awesome to see how
the braveness and commitment of a young woman would later meet a man that would
help to bring the family lines of Jesus Christ into fruition.
God also brought joy back to
Naomi as she lovingly helped to take care of Obed. How awesome is our God that
He can take such a dark and lonely season for Naomi and Ruth and turn it into
joy, love, and prosperity! Never underestimate the power of your decisions,
commitment, humility, and integrity.
5.
The Book of Ruth Teaches Us That God Uses Little Things to Accomplish Great
Plans-What an
amazing plan God had for a series of “little” things that all added up to
important pieces in God’s big plan. God intended for Ruth to be a part of the
story of the lineage of Jesus. So, He pulled together events such as the
famine, Naomi’s relocation to Moab, their return to Bethlehem, Boaz’ s bloodline,
and many other events just to ensure that Ruth could be a part of His plan. God
does that same thing in our lives today.
6. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us to Get to Work-When they
had reached their new home, Ruth decided to get to work. “And Ruth the Moabite
said to Naomi “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind
anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” (Ruth 2:2) She was in a new town, with new people, and wanted
to help take care of Naomi and herself.
She decided to glean in a nearby
field and follow the harvesters. Her work ethic did not go unnoticed as a
foreman would speak about her labor to Boaz shortly after his notice of her:
"She’s been at it steady ever since, from early morning until now, without
so much as a break.” (Ruth 2:7 MSG)
7. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us to Keep Our Commitments-Ruth
and Orpah were both given the blessing from Naomi to go back to their hometowns
after their husbands had passed. Naomi knew she couldn’t provide the women new
husbands and she wanted them to take the obvious choice for “moving forward”
for another marriage, if it was God’s will.
Orpah took the option, but Ruth
decided to stay with Naomi and head to Bethlehem together. How many times have
we made choices to be in a place that we “think” will give us what we want?
Ruth was brave in keeping her commitment to Naomi, staying with her instead of
looking to her own interests.
8. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us to Leave a
Legacy-Perhaps
one of the best parts of Ruth’s story is the legacy God established through
her. God brought her and Boaz together and they conceived a child. That child
would be in the lineage of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Can you believe that
Ruth, a Moabite, was made part of the lineage of Christ? If you commit your
life to God and your calling is firm in Him, there is no limit to what God can
do through you. Leave a legacy to your family and those all around you, a
legacy of faith. It wasn't an easy life for Ruth.
She
grew up in a wicked nation. She suffered the loss of her husband. She followed
Naomi to a foreign land and lived in poverty. All of this was difficult for
her. God’s fingerprints are all over Ruth’s story, and there is no doubt God
was at work the entire time. It was a long and difficult journey, but it ended
with redemption. Ruth started out with an empty heart, but she ended with an
overflowing heart.
No matter what your age may be, remember that
God is at work in your life. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry. It's not
finished, but it is in progress. Know that God is gracious, good, and that He
loves you. If you find yourself discouraged on your journey, take another look
at the life of Ruth and remember that God works for the good of His people.
9. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us to Not to Let
the Past Hold Us Back-At the beginning of the book, Ruth is living in her
home nation of Moab; a place and people that the Israelites didn’t care for. On
top of that, she has lost her husband, is childless, and is living with her
widowed mother-in-law. The pain Ruth must have been in was immense. As she
embarked on her first journey to Israel, she must have been nervous.
Ruth
had so many reasons to live in obscurity. But Naomi didn’t. Ruth didn’t allow
her past to hold her back but believed there was life still to be lived and
moved forward in that confidence. You have a purpose regardless of what lies
behind you. Although your confidence might be wavering, your calling is
unwavering.
10. The Book of Ruth
Teaches Us to Value Great Character-Character is who you are when nobody's watching.
Ruth had no idea her story would be showcased for millions to read, and yet
showed incredible character. She went above and beyond in showing respect and
honor to her bitter mother-in-law.
She
worked hard in the field to provide food for her and Naomi. Ruth proved to be a
woman of integrity with Boaz. Everything she did represented a woman of great
character and God honored her. Be a woman of character. Cut gossip in the name
of a prayer request. Stop relying on food to make you feel
better. Be the woman you know God created you to be.
15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her own people and her own gods. You should do the same.”
16 But Ruth
said, “Don’t force me to leave you! Don’t force me to go back to my own people.
Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you sleep, I will
sleep. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and that is where I
will be buried. I ask the Lord to punish me if I don’t keep
this promise: Only death will separate us.” (Ruth 1:15-17, ERV)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“10 Powerful Lessons from
the Book of Ruth” by Mandy Smith
·
“5 Essential Lessons You Need to Know from the Book
of Ruth” by Chris Russell
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