Ruth 1:3: "Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. 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. Boaz knew that he had every right to be Ruths kinsman, so he could have demanded her hand in marriage whether Ruth wanted to or not. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. The point is, we cant say for sure but it is likely that he had a wife. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. Elimelech of Bethlehem departs the country for Moab, taking his wife Naomi and their two sons along. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. Books to Keep You Company When Youre Walking Through Suffering, When All You Want for Christmas is a Baby, When Everything in the World Seems Wrong, Its Worth Keeping House, why God never calls us from something without calling us to something, When Christmas Leaves You Feeling Lost and Disappointed. 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. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. But that was only until Boaz told him he would also have to marry Ruth as well. Ruth was "of the women of Moab" but was genetically linked to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham ( Ruth 1:4; Genesis 11:31; 19:37 ). This is an outstanding characteristic of Ruth in the Bible because this world has become so full of ungrateful people who are never satisfied and complain about everything. Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. This was the first romantic move he made. Even though Ruth wasn't a Jew and was a Moabite, God didn't allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. Lesson 4 - Fulfilling God's Plan. 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 . Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. Both of her parents worked in the church. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. When the timing is right, the outcome of the conversation is likely to be more favorable. Thanks for sharing some of it. This story of Ruth . Ruth laid aside her pain, left her home and family, and turned her face to the future with hope as she journeyed to a new place with her mother-in-law. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. The book of Ruth is a fascinating tale of romance, intrigue, loss, disobedience, and ultimately of faith. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. Go have babies. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. Relationships today are the exact same! 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. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. If you read the story carefully you will notice the divine appointment. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. 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 . God is the perfect match maker. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. It was an enemy nation, and Israelites tended to look down on the Moabites. But she didnt. They had hope for their future. She was childless. 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). She lived a simple live in obscurity. The title of kinsman had heavy responsibility. Ruth went above and beyond in the way she honored and respected her mother-in-law, and in doing so became known in the entire city as a virtuous woman. She worked hard to provide food for her and her mother-in-law. All rights reserved. Hopefully the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth will hold additional lessons for us as well. 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. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. God bless! One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. Your email address will not be published. He made a decision that God didnt approve. Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. She doesnt come from a famous family. The men leave three grieving widows behind. Just look at all the immigration issues globally. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. The Book of Ruth is literally the Book of Friendship. Lesson 1 - The Power of Loyalty. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. February 10, 2023. The same things that turn on a worldly man are the same things which will excite your man of God. And the story its an important one. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. While your confidence may be wavering, Gods promises are not. Naomi loved Ruth, but she was willing to let her go back to her family. This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. Ruths diligence was being observed without her knowing it. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. It takes great courage to leave everything you know and love to start a whole new life. He asked them to allow some to fall purposely for her. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem with her. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. Its hard to have faith. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. Even when things are hard. 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. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. Boaz did say that Ruth chose not to marry a young man. She said the well-known words, "Whither thou goest, I will go" ( Ruth 1:16 KJV ). Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. How would you describe Ruth in the Bible? For Ruth everything seemed hopeless when she lost her husband even worse for Naomi. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principle #4 Trust God. Ruth was willing to go harvest in the fields daily. The Book of Ruth provides five lessons on what it's like to be a true leader. 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). Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. It really is that simple! Its every girls wish to have such a happy ending. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Boaz was a family member of Elimelech, Naomis deceased husband. In the Hebrew Bible, Ruth stands with the Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther; together they make up the Megillot, five scrolls that are read at prescribed times on Jewish religious festivals. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. 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. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. Others, like Naomi, remain in the relationship out of necessity instead of loving devotion. Lets face it, no one is perfect! 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; It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. Instead, he waited for her to choose him. Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. 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 had intended to go back home. Blessing. The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. 1. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. This was completely not her fault. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. God bless you. 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. 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. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". In the midst of any circumstances you face, in whatever relationships, we can trust God to bring good out of it. So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law instructed her. i. Now the way was clear for him to marry Ruth. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. Be Blessed. Boaz is a type of Christ, meaning, he had many characteristics of Christ and foreshadowed what Jesus was going to do for humanity. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Men and Women should respect each other equally. While there are many things to learn from the story of Ruth, here are seven powerful lessons from this tiny book that stood out to me. She could not be accused of being idle. When Ruth and Naomi got back to Bethlehem, they had to fend for themselves as they were both widows. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. And wasnt she quite the friend to her mother-in-law Naomi? She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. Ruth had no idea that millions of people would read her story. Samson's relationship with Delilah is a far cry from Ruth's relationship with Boaz. Book of Ruth: 30 Day reading plan for kids; Video clip of the Story of Ruth for kids; Ruth gleaning in the field coloring page "Book of Ruth" coloring page; Bible Lesson: Ruth and Boaz (older elementary) God takes care of Ruth & Naomi (preschool lesson) Lesson: Ruth is Faithful (Ruth 1:1-22) Lesson: Ruth Marries Boaz (Ruth 2-4) Ruth 3:10. And Ruth, she also lost her husband. Ruths story is ordinary. My favourite book in the Bible is the book of Ruth. We dont usually share our unedited feelings and thoughts about God with friends or family members. We just talked about some of the qualities of Boaz that makes him a great biblical example of the kind of man to date and marry. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives 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. Ruth and Naomi's friendship starts off with grief-stricken Naomi deciding to move back to her hometown of Bethlehem after the . Naomi already felt that God had dealt very bitterly with her, yet she continued to hope. Ruth lived in the time of the judges. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). On the day that Ruth decided to go gleaning, on that very day, Boaz chose to visit his field. These previews of Christ are a bit of a foreshadowing that falls across Old Testament pages, fully coming to reality in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. There was a law that provided this opportunity. 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. They choose to stay together and forge a union. In the moments where life feels like its crushing you, start with a little faith. She might have been married before but now she was practically starting her life over. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. Sermon by Mr. Ken Frank (dve882). Memory Work - Luke 1:68; Scripture Reading and Discussion - Leviticus 25:48-49a, Ruth 4:1-17. This is an important truth for us today. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. He had not done what he was supposed to do. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Ignorance isnt always bliss. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. Mary was a young virgin who was already engaged to Joseph when she became pregnant with Jesus, and she showed great courage in her willingness to bear the scorn and shame that came with a pregnancy that occurred before marriage. People can be great pretenders. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. So well only look at a few. Naomi, later on, lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. If you intend to move from where you are in life, you have to put some skin in the game. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. Her actions told Boaz that she was there to claim her right to be redeemed by him. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her. She was the same person wherever she went. Its crushing to lose a spouse. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. 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. It tells of a relationship between two women-Naomi, the senior of the two, and her daughter-in-law Ruth. No machines existed. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. 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. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. 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. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. But both of them had faith that somehow things would work out. God is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. Her best days were ahead. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. 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). Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. Ruth was one of those women. Ruth was a model of responsible living in an irresponsible age. Do you have a mentor? Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. 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