In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Because thieves were commonly known to break in and steal grain, Boaz slept at the threshing floor to protect his property and his produce. If you read the story carefully you will notice the divine appointment. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. In that society, kinsmen had a duty to make sure that if a relative of theirs died without children, that relatives name would live on. 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. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. Among them is how it illustrates the relationship between Jesus (Yahshua) with His Church. This story of Ruth . Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. But she didnt. Thanks for sharing some of it. 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. The law is also very useful, because it shows us our defections and stains. The whole story of Ruth began on a heavy sad note but as Gods purpose is worked out, good things begin to happen. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. Whether youre dating or married, your man is flesh and bones. They struggled with poverty. 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. 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. The book of Ruth is a beautiful piece of sacred literature, applauded by many for its literary excellence. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. Serving God Requires Faith. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. We know that the other kinsman did not want to marry Ruth because he didnt want to divide his inheritance even further among his existing children. How would you describe Ruth in the Bible? She didnt just pray. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . 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. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. Ruth soaked up everything Naomi taught her. !!!! Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. Look out for a man who brings freshness to your life. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. What you are looking for is consistency. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. Naomi's grief was very real. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. Boaz was one such person but there was another who came before Boaz. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. Their . This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. Ruth was a stranger in the land. They choose to stay together and forge a union. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. 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. Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. Ruth and Naomi's friendship starts off with grief-stricken Naomi deciding to move back to her hometown of Bethlehem after 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). The opportunity was there for her to glean. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? The title of kinsman had heavy responsibility. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. And Ruth, without being asked by Naomi, saw the value and took advantage of the opportunity. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that 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. The Book of Ruth, the second of the Tanakh's five scrolls to be read on Shavu'ot, turns on at least one of these mandated forms of charity. To some extent, she might be considered naive. But both of them had faith that somehow things would work out. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. 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. She pictured responsible living - 1:9-10, 14. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Boaz redeemed Ruth, but years later Jesus would become the redeemer for mankind. 1. Ruth was a poor, hurting, outcast, widow. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. True friendship is self-giving. 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. 4:17). Thank you xo much for all the lessons you have scooped out for us from the story of Ruth. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. He owned land and servants. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. If not, you should probably get one. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. As Naomi pointed out, Ruth was free to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. Relationships today are the exact same! Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. Ruth lived out her name for sure. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. He says The Lord be with you. Be Blessed. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. 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. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. Having dedicated herself to the God of Israel, Ruth, in chapter 2, begins to grow in her relationship and dedication to Boaz. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. Bethlehem was where Jehovah was worshipped but Moab was a place where heathen, false gods were worshipped. Ruth and Naomi were in a desperate situation. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . Naomi told her two daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and find new husbands. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. 1. On the day that Ruth decided to go gleaning, on that very day, Boaz chose to visit his field. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. Note that he addressed her as daughter. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. But we explore just a few that specifically have to do with dating. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. 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. Terms of Use: The contents of this blog post are restricted to your personal use only. She took action by going to the fields everyday day to glean. 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. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Things will go faster and will be much better. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. If you want to share this resource with others, please share the link to the blog post. 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. Copyright Feel The Words 2023. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. 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. Love works in mysterious ways. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . 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