Loss Is Hard. Ruth soaked up everything Naomi taught her. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. The second is that he set her up to get more than just what had fallen by the way as the employees worked. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. Ruth took advantage of what was available to her. !!!! He brought well-needed solutions. Naomi already felt that God had dealt very bitterly with her, yet she continued to hope. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Ruth and Boaz had a child together and he also took care of Naomi. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). Ruth lived in the time of the judges. While in Moab, the boys get married. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. She could not be accused of being idle. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. In case you have been frustrated and despondent with finding your Boaz, know that God is interested in giving you the companionship you desire. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. Ignorance isnt always bliss. As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. A secret relationship is a red flag. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. There are two texts in the book of Ruth which speak to the relationship of conjugal love to divine love. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. 1. Lets face it, no one is perfect! So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. which revealed that our heavenly father do not differentiate. Her name might have formed the core of the qualities she possessed. In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. Lesson 2 - Obedience Brings About Breakthrough. And yet the life of a foreign widow who has nothing becomes so important that its included in the Bible and her name recognized in the lineage of Jesus. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. February 10, 2023. A selfish man will give you headaches. No machines existed. She wasnt expecting this level of kindness and she that as a stranger this was very much out of the ordinary. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. The truth is that this other kinsman should have already come forward to claim Ruth and help to get settled. If you read the story carefully you will notice the divine appointment. Life changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully present and engaged. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. Thanks for sharing some of it. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. Ruths story is ordinary. The Living Church of God bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God. Ruth is just a widow one from an enemy nation, at that. And Ruth, she also lost her husband. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. ISBN-13: . Related: How to Choose Faith . They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that God bless! Ruth reminds us that no matter what lies in our past, and no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, a little bit of faith makes a huge difference. Do they stay in the land of their birth where the God of heaven wasnt worshipped? 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 . Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons. And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. Scripture does not comment on Ruths beauty. Boaz redeemed Ruth, but years later Jesus would become the redeemer for mankind. She took action. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. The opportunity was there for her to glean. The story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz ( Ruth 1-4) is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. She was allowed to take from the gathered ones also. Two of the most popular judges in Scripture were Deborah and Samson. He immediately takes to her and starts to protect her. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. She lived a simple live in obscurity. 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. 4. Naomi became a mentor to her, teaching her the ways of the Hebrew people and walking with her through the process of securing Boaz as her kinsman (more on this later). Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. There was a law that provided this opportunity. She admitted that she felt that God had dealt with her bitterly. Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. Boaz is a type of Christ, meaning, he had many characteristics of Christ and foreshadowed what Jesus was going to do for humanity. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. Thank you xo much, may God bless you, Scripture taken from New King James Version. Tamar resorted to trickery to bear a son. His wife and sons stay on, and the sons marry non-Jewish women - Moabite princesses by the names of Ruth and Orpah. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Her actions told Boaz that she was there to claim her right to be redeemed by him. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. As Boaz observed Ruth in the fields everyday, working and interacting with the others, he compared what he saw with what people in their tiny town had to say about her. They struggled with poverty. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. Hope in Trouble times. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. Note that he addressed her as daughter. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. Every week you will receive a devotional and a free printable PDF that will help you dive deeper into our Ruth Bible Study. Learn how your comment data is processed. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Love One Another The Overlooked Commandment. The past is the past. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. He is still working. Boaz was attracted to Ruths character. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. We also see the freedom in their relationship. 3.9 Rate this book. She didnt just pray. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. As Naomi pointed out, Ruth was free to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. 3: Ruth appeals to Boaz to be the kinsman-redeemer. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. Introduction. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: The sons too perish, and at last Naomi . In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. He was all too willing to do so. Ruth blesses Naomi with her friendship because Naomi never expected to have someone to hold onto after the loss of all the men in her life. Ten years passed, and Mahlon and Chilion both died. But it could also mean a term of endearment. While the two women have several things in common, they are different in some respects. Soon, Naomi becomes aware that Boaz has a thing for Ruth. The indescribable passion and struggles that accompany love is displayed in the Book of Ruth and these actions personify our own struggles that we come face-to-face with on a daily basis. Ruth was a Moabite woman and was considered to be a foreigner in Judah, which was a huge deal in their culture at that time. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. Moab was a place that most Israelites didnt like. If not, you should probably get one. Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. Read Ruth 1. She doesnt have great riches or great position. At the time this story is unfolding, Israel had strayed from Gods will. Boaz was ready to call Ruth his bride and wife just like Jesus calls us his bride. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. In The Midst Of Bad Circumstances, The Lord Is In Control Of Your Life. She had married the son of an Israelite family while they were living in Moab, but at some point her father-in-law, her husband, and her husband's only brother died. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. . Their story is found in the Book of Ruth and it not only inspires hope for many, but includes 3 life lessons that can bring us opportunities, help us achieve our goals and live a stable life. Sermon series: Building Lasting Relationships - Ruth. Whether youre dating or married, your man is flesh and bones. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. Love works in mysterious ways. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. Dont over spiritualize your relationship. Because of Boaz's wise (perhaps shrewd) way of framing the occasion, this was the first time the nearer kinsman considered this, and it was a pretty big question to take in all at once. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. In the book of Job, Job declares, I know that my Redeemer [goel] lives. While Boaz was a kinsman redeemer, when Jesus comes to earth as a man, he becomes our kinsman redeemer in the flesh, and Hebrews 2:11 it says that he is not ashamed to call them brethren.. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. The law is also very useful, because it shows us our defections and stains. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Communication is one of the hardest things for human beings to accomplish. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. every one on earth will fail. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. : .. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. When life brings trouble on us it is not easy to still hope on God for better days but this is exactly what God wants us to do. When life brings devastation, its not easy to hope. In the book of Ruth, the character of Boaz represents the culmination of God's providence for the two destitute widows at the center of the story.In Boaz, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth found a "kinsman redeemer," one whose responsibility was to "act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need." Boaz demonstrates, perhaps better than any other in the Old Testament . The story of Ruth the Moabite is the unusual biblical tale of the trials faced by two women, touching on profound themes such as grief, familial loyalty, feminine dependence and independence, and . Even though Naomi knew that a new marriage for Ruth would change their relationship, she still played an important part in arranging the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. Both of her parents worked in the church. Things will go faster and will be much better. After they had lived there about . God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. But it is important to consider that at that time and in that society, it is very likely that he already had a wife. 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. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. Be careful of the decisions you make thinking you have time. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. They choose to stay together and forge a union. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). Here we glean 13 moral lessons from Ruth's story. It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. But even when her sister-in-law chose to go back, Ruth made a different decision. 2022 28 Jun. Ruth is a traditionally feminine name with Hebrew roots and origins in the Bible which means "companion" or "friend." Ruth was "of the women of Moab" but was related to Israel . Inside the Core this week, many students are reading the book of Ruth in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. : , , a. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. Its every girls wish to have such a happy ending. 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. Elimelech passes away, and about 10 years later, both of Naomis sons die, as well. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. When he tells them to allow more stalks to fall for Ruth to pick up, they do it. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. It is this famine that forces Elimelech to take his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chillion, to leave Bethlehem and live in Moab, a pagan community. When Ruth gets to Bethlehem, he decided to go to the fields to pick up left over grains for them to grind into flour to use for good. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. 1. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. This is especially important when family isnt available. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. She made a choice to stay with Naomi and help her, all the while knowing that she was going to a country that wouldnt like her very much. 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. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. Ruth was a Moabite woman and was considered to be a foreigner in Judah, which was a huge deal in their culture at that time. Required fields are marked *. After completing this lesson, children will learn what it means to be redeemed by Jesus by comparing how Boaz was the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. Ruth 1:3: "Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. In the Book of Ruth, both Naomi and Ruth are continuously blown away by others who thank and recognize them for what they did rather than what they may have done incorrectly. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. Neither of them knew how theyd survive. This was backbreaking work. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. Both Ruth and Naomi mention Boaz as a kinsman. In Hebrew, the word used is goel, which refers to a kinsman who has the right to redeem or a redeemer., Throughout the Bible, we see that same Hebrew word used several times. This was the first romantic move he made. On the day that Ruth decided to go gleaning, on that very day, Boaz chose to visit his field. Of his life some things were of little consequence to him learn about the. Died where there was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent the. Not be replicated or reproduced the death of her of one in whom God is inspiring dive into! 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