Naomi therefore had no idea that the hardships she was preparing to endure did not have to be her reality. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. There was a law that provided this opportunity. We also see the freedom in their relationship. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. No machines existed. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. Plus, Naomi was too old to have any more children. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. Thank you xo much for all the lessons you have scooped out for us from the story of Ruth. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. Site by Gretchen Louise. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. Boaz redeemed Ruth, but years later Jesus would become the redeemer for mankind. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. Answer. Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. Book of Ruth, Old Testament book belonging to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings. It tells of a relationship between two women-Naomi, the senior of the two, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. How would you describe Ruth in the Bible? Grief and sorrow do not trump love. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. Naomi told the women, Go back home. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. He was wealthy. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. They choose to stay together and forge a union. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. Even though we are basically desolate because of our sinful actions, we will all be forgiven and have the opportunity to make our lives better. The Book of Ruth is literally the Book of Friendship. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. Ruth is also one of the few women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. It is like the looking-glass which my lady holds up to her face, that she may see if there be any spot on it. The story of Ruth is set during the time of the judges. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. He dies in Moab. The Book of Ruth is more than just a story about someone whose life was changed by love, but it reveals how love can truly move mountains and change the course of more than just two people that fall in love. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. But even when her sister-in-law chose to go back, Ruth made a different decision. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. The biblical story of Ruth and Boaz is all of that and more. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And looking at the book of Ruth, we can see that even when we cant see beyond our pain to his plan, we can have hope that our story isnt over better days are coming. She admitted that she felt that God had dealt with her bitterly. Even though it may not make complete sense during the time its taking place, its important to recognize how God has and continues to change your life on a daily basis with His actions. It is true that dating can be quite a drama-filled journey. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. : , , More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. For example, both belong to the same sex but from different . Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. Tamar resorted to trickery to bear a son. Ruth 3:10. Others, like Naomi, remain in the relationship out of necessity instead of loving devotion. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Lesson 2 - Obedience Brings About Breakthrough. As you read through the book of Ruth, you wont find any places where Gods voice thunders down to her as you might in other Bible stories. Ruth's and Naomi's journey from heartbreak to hope offers an Old Testament glimpse into God's redemptive power as He transforms a bitter widow and a former idolater into a family legacy . Even though Ruth wasn't a Jew and was a Moabite, God didn't allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. 4:17). Scripture does not comment on Ruths beauty. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. These blessings point out how God works in the . When John the Baptist was born, Zacharias was speaking in the future about the work of Christ, announcing: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. (Luke 1:68). Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Through love we learn how to deal with people and how we can become better people within our individual relationships and as an entire society. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. There are two texts in the book of Ruth which speak to the relationship of conjugal love to divine love. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. This short by fascinating book tells the story of a woman, who comes to Israel with her mother-in-law, after the deaths of both of their husbands. Men and Women should respect each other equally. Ruth made the best decision because she decided to hold the family together at all costs. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. Blessings occur seven times in the book of Ruth, from Naomi blessing both her daughters-in-law (1:8) and Boaz (2:19-20), to Boaz's casual blessing of his workers (2:4) and deeper blessing of Ruth (3:10), and climactically to the women blessing the Lord for the birth of the child (4:14). He wanted to conduct things in such a way that it was above board and unquestionable. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. Memory Work - Luke 1:68; Scripture Reading and Discussion - Leviticus 25:48-49a, Ruth 4:1-17. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. Its four chapters . First, I will tell you the summary of the story from the Bible, and then I will talk about the morals of this story. Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. His conclusion about Ruth was a combination of what he saw plus what people around Bethlehem had to say about her. So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Through love we learn how to deal with people and how we can become better people within our individual relationships and as an entire society. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. One day you will find your true love and all of the obstacles that you had to overcome will provide you with the strength for that love to withstand the test of time. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. Ruth kept some of the food to take home for Naomi. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Her actions told Boaz that she was there to claim her right to be redeemed by him. As we see in Ruth 1:16, Ruth chose that she will serve the God of Naomi even to the point of death as she had fully resolved and purposed in her heart. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. Introduction. Ruth was one of those women. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. When the timing is right, the outcome of the conversation is likely to be more favorable. Naomi organized a plan to let Boaz know that Ruth is open for marriage. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. Two of the most popular judges in Scripture were Deborah and Samson. Be Blessed. I. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. You will be surprised at how much growth will take place in your life and how much less the struggle to your next level will be. This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. No enemy does all this: Israelites do it to each other. In The Midst Of Bad Circumstances, The Lord Is In Control Of Your Life. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. 2: Ruth wins Boaz's admiration and protection. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. Go get married. 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