Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. Ruth 2:4 The Right Relationship Between Masters and Servants; Ruth 2:5-7 Attention to the Stranger at the Gate; Ruth 2:5-7 Introduction to a Future Wife; 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. Site by Gretchen Louise. Thanks for sharing some of it. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. If not, you should probably get one. : , , Ruth shows pure, boundless love to her mother-in-law. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. 7 Beautiful Ways to a Better Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law. (6-7) Ruth lays down at Boaz's feet. It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. Ruth was a poor, hurting, outcast, widow. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . Ruth means friend or companion. If you want to share this resource with others, please share the link to the blog post. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. Naomi was open with Ruth about the joy, the fear, the pain, and the anguish that came with her faith in God. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. Anyone who looked at this foreign widow would have never guessed that God would choose her bloodline for the line of the promised redeemer Jesus. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. The word that Boaz used to describe Ruth is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. The past is the past. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? Looking at the bigger picture of the Book of Ruth its evident now to see how the famine, Naomis relocation to Moab, the return to Bethlehem, Boazs blood line, and several other events had a hand in the overall plan for Ruths life. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Many interpreters read Ruth as a happy-ending romance featuring Ruth, the beautiful young Moabite widow who captivated the heart of the older wealthy landowner Boaz. And yet it was that sharing and intimacy that was the foundation of the deep relationship these two women shared. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. Its easy to judge others and caste your own beliefs and judgment upon the way theyre living their life; however its important to be able to see both sides of the fence. Today we consider the third option. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. 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. Dear Lord, The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. If you are a Bible study teacher, you are free to allow this content to influence the lessons you teach or the sermons you present. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. She was the same person wherever she went. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. She lost her husband and her two sons. Its there that she meets Boaz, who also turns out to be her redeemer. After Boaz secures his place as her redeemer, the two are married and are later blessed with a son named Obed the grandfather of King David. Your past is not your final destination when you make a choice in faith. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? They see you when youre good and when youre bad. What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . The two women shared great sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Quite often foreigners are not treated well, not even today. And even in our obscurity, and in the mess of what may be our lives, God finds a way to use the most unlikely people in ways that we could never imagine. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. 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.. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. In those days when men died before they had children, a male relative was responsible for taking his widow as wife and giving her children who would be considered the child of the deceased. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. The Book of Ruth provides five lessons on what it's like to be a true leader. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. Lesson 5 - Willing to Take Advice from Elders. Communication is one of the hardest things for human beings to accomplish. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. She was so thankful, especially considering her status of widow which made her automatically become a part of the lowest class in society, right there with beggars, orphans and people with disabilities. Do they stay in the land of their birth where the God of heaven wasnt worshipped? Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. If you read the story carefully you will notice the divine appointment. Ruth was one of those women. Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. There was a law that provided this opportunity. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. 4:17). Men and Women should respect each other equally. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Ruth kept some of the food to take home for Naomi. Book of Ruth: summary. While Judges is about breaking covenant and leaving torah, Ruth is about keeping covenant . When Boaz decided to act on Ruths interest in being married to him, he was not willing to break the law or conduct underhanded business. But tragedy struck the family. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. The book of Ruth shines like a beautiful diamond against this bleak background. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . The title of kinsman had heavy responsibility. Love works in mysterious ways. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. Her best days were not behind. February 10, 2023. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. 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. 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. Love is a very interesting concept. Mahlon was married to Ruth while Chillion was married to Orpah. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. They had hope for their future. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? The Living Church of God bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God. She was allowed to take from the gathered ones also. Elimelech left Bethlehem which means the house of bread, to Moab which means waste or nothing. Doing the right thing isnt always easy. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Woven throughout, God's lovingkindness shines in each detail. The Book of Ruth begins with a tale of famine in the Holy Land. Ruth and Boaz had a child together and he also took care of Naomi. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. ( Ruth 2:2). Thank you xo much for all the lessons you have scooped out for us from the story of Ruth. The book of Ruth starts with the life of Naomi. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. 3) Servant Leaders Show Extraordinary Kindness. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. When it was just a matter of property, it was easy to decide on; but if he must take Ruth as a wife, that was another matter. 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