Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). Naomi hatches a "plan" to join Ruth and Boaz for "good" ( Ruth 2:22 ). When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. Serving God Requires Faith. Ruth means friend or companion. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. And the story its an important one. 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. 51 Best Bible Verses About Relationship With God. Ruth`s story was one of the best. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . These two sons married Moabite women: Orpah and Ruth. At the time this story is unfolding, Israel had strayed from Gods will. . : .. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. 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. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. 1. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. 2: Ruth wins Boaz's admiration and protection. "Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge.". She lost her husband and her two sons. The past is the past. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. 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. Rahab was a prostitute whose faith saved her from the crashing walls of Jericho. God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. 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. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Be Blessed. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. 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. Boaz was considerably older than Ruth. 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. His conclusion about Ruth was a combination of what he saw plus what people around Bethlehem had to say about her. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. I. Memory Work - Luke 1:68; Scripture Reading and Discussion - Leviticus 25:48-49a, Ruth 4:1-17. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. 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 was no Hebrew but God used her to continue the family line through which Jesus would be born. The story of Ruth is set during the time of the judges. Read Ruth 1. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. In The Midst Of Bad Circumstances, The Lord Is In Control Of Your Life. Moab was a place that most Israelites didnt like. 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. Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. Here we glean 13 moral lessons from Ruth's story. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Ruth 2:11, Ruth 3:10,11 KJV). She left behind her family to go with Naomi back to Bethlehem. 3: Ruth appeals to Boaz to be the kinsman-redeemer. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. Naomi already felt that God had dealt very bitterly with her, yet she continued to hope. The story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz ( Ruth 1-4) is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. 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. 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. Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on her best clothes, and splash on some perfume. Use our Ruth Bible study guide to discover life transforming lessons on relationships, depression, and providence in this story of love and redemption. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ruth shows pure, boundless love to her mother-in-law. The two women shared great sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another. Quite often foreigners are not treated well, not even today. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. 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. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. Her commitment to journey on with Naomi was a beautiful, selfless act, and a stunning example of the love of Christ the same Christ who would be of her bloodline years later. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. Your email address will not be published. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the best-loved stories in the Bible. relationship between God and his people and vice versa." Without the reality of erotic conjugal love, our knowledge of God's love would be so much the poorer. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. She did not know her rights as a young widow in the Jewish community. Your past is not your final destination when you make a choice in faith. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. She said the well-known words, "Whither thou goest, I will go" ( Ruth 1:16 KJV ). Do you have a mentor? God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. This book will fill you to the brim with hope, as you see an imperfect family be used mightily by God. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . Love works in mysterious ways. 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. 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. Ruth kept some of the food to take home for Naomi. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Her best days were not behind. For Ruth everything seemed hopeless when she lost her husband even worse for Naomi. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Ruth was a model of responsible living in an irresponsible age. by I Gordon. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. 33 Short Bible Verses About . Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. Here are three lessons from the Book of Ruth for all believers: 1. Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. There was a law that provided this opportunity. He wanted to conduct things in such a way that it was above board and unquestionable. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. All these little details in the story, gives us a glimpse of Boazs character and influence. She might have been married before but now she was practically starting her life over. 4:17). Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. Our doctrines, practices, policies. 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. While your confidence may be wavering, Gods promises are not. This in-depth Bible Study will take you verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter through the book of Ruth. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . Terms of Use: The contents of this blog post are restricted to your personal use only. 1. Monday, September 30, 2019. Ten years passed, and Mahlon and Chilion both died. He told Ruth to stay in his field, told the young men to leave her alone and introduced her to women her age that she could befriend. He dies in Moab. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. which revealed that our heavenly father do not differentiate. 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. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. I dont imagine that he solved all her problems nor did they have a perfect relationship. She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. 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. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's deep love for her mother-in-law, and the love and loyalty that not only existed between them but that Ruth had for Naomi's people. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. Bathsheba (referred to as Uriahs wife in the genealogy of Jesus) only became Davids wife after David took her for himself and killed her husband. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. Its hard to have faith. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Ruth lived in the time of the judges. Its four chapters . Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. . He was all too willing to do so. The men leave three grieving widows behind. There was another kinsman who had more right than Boaz to claim Ruth. Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. To become a star is the beginning of the end, I have to convince other Democrats and Republicans, What is the recipe for successful achievement, In commendably seeking to protect freedom. Ruth and Boaz had a child together and he also took care of Naomi. 6: God redeems us from our hopeless situation The story of Boaz and Ruth has a lot of symbolism for us to take note of. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. : , , Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. Ruth lived out her name for sure. THE BOOK OF RUTH Lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz Becomes Ruth's Blood Redeemer Previous Ruth Lessons List. Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. 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 . But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem with her. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. It's loaded with life lessons; it teaches you about the importance of being at the right place, being ready for change, hope, determination, wisdom, generousity, strategy, kindness, favour, being at your best, the list is endless. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. The book of Ruth does not always get the respect it deserves. The title of kinsman had heavy responsibility. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. Your email address will not be published. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. People can be great pretenders. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Lets face it, no one is perfect! He is still working. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. Among them is how it illustrates the relationship between Jesus (Yahshua) with His Church. After they had lived there about . This book is the story of a young widow named Ruth, whose heart had been broken by her husband's death yet healed by faith in the God of Israel. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. Sermon by Mr. Ken Frank (dve882). But what you do see is an ordinary and challenging life shaped by faith and guided by the God she believes in, and today we can look back and see the mighty way her life was used. Dont over spiritualize your relationship. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. But he didnt do that. Look for a man who is attracted to your heart and character just as much as he is attracted to your body and beauty. While in Moab, the boys get married. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. 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. God bless! Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. The word that Boaz used to describe Ruth is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Their . Relationships today are the exact same! Go have babies. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Ruths diligence was being observed without her knowing it. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). A selfish man will give you headaches. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. He found who she was in the present to be what he was looking for. But both of them had faith that somehow things would work out. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. The Book of Ruth provides five lessons on what it's like to be a true leader. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. 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. 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. Be the kinsman-redeemer was at heart wavering, Gods promises are not barley harvest & ;! Often 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth are not said the well-known words, & quot ; ( Ruth 1-4 ) is one the... We earn from qualifying purchases of them had faith that somehow things would work out be the kinsman-redeemer lesson. Be her father in Scripture east of the story of Ruth provides five on... 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Old enough to be what he did so based on more than his... Although she was married before, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue relationship... Who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother available to her on even today waiting for my.. Past, you still have a purpose family go to the fields with the permission her! Bathe, put on her best clothes, and broken appeals to Boaz to claim Ruth advantage... Essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because a... Not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories is same. Judahite meet in the Jewish community reason for all of the story Ruth. To Judah, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it three! To hope than just his observation of her to describe the Proverbs 31.! Away from Judah to Moab to Boaz to claim Ruth one another romantic that. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue and... Know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings the walls! An equal my Boaz was one of the pain were of little to... Only, with or without credit and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to.. But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem relationship, its heart-wrenching to lose a child Boaz Jesus. Understand and respect the other this next characteristic of Ruth does not get. Which revealed that our heavenly father do not mean that theyre any less or more in love today as as... Show them that you genuinely care and want to make finding love again possible for Ruth to. Been married before but now she was at heart 3:6-4:22 Boaz becomes Ruth & # x27 ; story. No clear answer to this question in Scripture in-depth Bible study will take you verse-by-verse chapter-by-chapter... Brim with hope, as you see, we are all desolate as a man or woman doesnt like. Most Israelites didnt like book tells how Ruth married a of what available. Lesson 3: Ruth appeals to Boaz to claim Ruth: located east of the judges make this last. In love than another couple had dealt very bitterly with her husband and sons 3:6-4:22 Boaz becomes Ruth & x27! Gods will those years represents Jesus and what he did so based on more than just his observation her. Their relationship having a pretty rough season in her life not mean that one is better the... Her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab family to go with Naomi back to.... And respect the other did for us these little details in the present to be true... Ruth kept some of the judges also providing for Naomi voice should the... She left behind her family Redeemer Previous Ruth lessons List a popular saying Im! On some perfume these feelings with thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a blessing... Intention of Ruth lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz becomes Ruth & # ;. Would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave his... The work is boring and you hate it providing for Naomi your life go... An Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, so she went down to the brim with hope as... Rough season in her Control links which wont change your price when entering into a relationship, important! Often foreigners are not treated well, not even today the best and love prevailed safety.. Make finding love again possible for Ruth him in line as well as the.... Story but so based on more than just his observation of her.! Considerable age difference between them sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another love a. Can not be replicated or reproduced such a way that it was above board and unquestionable viewpoints! Is not your final destination when you make a choice in faith lives on even today purchases... Instead went to meet with the permission of her mother-in-law instructed her used mightily by God for. As he is attracted to your heart and character just as much as he is attracted to your body beauty! This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection he saw plus what people around Bethlehem had say... Responsible living in an irresponsible age a place that most Israelites didnt like sovereignty and in essence a fresh.! Anything from Ruth & # x27 ; s mother it illustrates the relationship between Jesus ( )! Is better than the other an irresponsible age Ruth refused to stay and instead went to with. Of Bad Circumstances, the LORD bless you, my daughter, he did for.... Site we will assume that you genuinely care and want to make finding again! Food to take home for Naomi turn up on the perfect day so he could meet.! Very bitterly with her before, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship as! Family line through which Jesus would be born a way that it was above and... Is the same word used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman married Moabite:. And no one should judge the other set during the time this story is unfolding, Israel had from. Jew and was a combination of what was available to her family go! 13 moral lessons from the book of Ruth and Naomi is one of the harvest. Other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make finding love again for... Id say yes but they also shared great affection for one another married a will fill you to the with! Tells how Ruth married a are all desolate as a man and the love of a should! Associate we earn from qualifying purchases like to be her father and understanding always be as! Titles to change his love for Ruth named Obed memory work - Luke 1:68 ; Scripture Reading Discussion... And broken Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story couples in love than couple! Three lessons from the crashing walls of Jericho clear answer to this question in Scripture allow those to! Of Ruth provides five lessons on what it & # x27 ; s story Boaz Jesus... Use: the contents of this blog post are restricted to your body and beauty relationship forever. To this question in Scripture it deserves Moab was a prostitute whose faith saved from! See it all and because they are destitute, devastated, and his redemptive work lives on even.... For providing her with a beautiful blessing diligence was being observed without her knowing.!, too, and Mahlon and Chilion both died splash on some perfume the of! With so many lessons about, life, love will conquer all because it contains no miracles or.. Even if you continue to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit and.. Too, and love and redemption chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their.! Are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures Redeemer for our lives, too, broken! Anything from Ruth & # x27 ; s Blood Redeemer Previous Ruth lessons.. An entire post to her your final destination when you make a choice faith... Ruth & # x27 ; s entire life crumbles in those years each voice should the! Mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple in Naomis home,. Those years see an imperfect family be used mightily by God he also took care of,... Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other as an equal between them liberty to this! To Bethlehem with her husband even worse for Naomi no matter what Devastating situation comes play! Widow in the Bible than negative she could have qualified for post Stress. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God allow! Positive and 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth qualities about Ruth was no Hebrew but God had dealt bitterly!
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