Ruth 1-4
After the turmoil of the Book of Judges, it is nice to bask in the sweetness of the story of Ruth — if only for one day! Set in the period of the Judges (Ruth 1:1) this story gives us a portrayal of decency and justice, of love and redemption. The story opens with tragedy and hardship, yet following on that tragedy we see the devotion of Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi. We also see her conversion from Moabite idolatry to worship of the LORD. (Ruth 1:16-18) We see Boaz generously caring for Ruth as she gleans in his fields, and we watch as their relationship develops. Ultimately Boaz buys Naomi’s field and in the process redeems Ruth to be his wife as part of the bargain.
Once more the Old Testament presents us with a type of Christ, as Boaz gives us a picture of Jesus’ redemption of His Church. There is much to be gleaned in this picture. (See what I did there?) But I’m not going to do that gleaning. I’d like to hear from you. So what are your thoughts? Besides the fact that this story points us forward through Obed and Jesse to the coming David (Ruth 4:17) — and ultimately through David to Christ Jesus — what do you see? Do you see a picture of Christ in Boaz? How? What about Ruth? Or Naomi? What speaks to you?
I was thinking of Boaz as the “hero” of this story – protecting Ruth, allowing her to glean, providing over and above her gleaning, and eventually taking her as his wife. What a great example for us to follow.
But then I thought of Ruth also – her devotion to her mother-in-law, her willingness to leave her homeland family and friends, her willingness to listen to and take advice from Naomi and from Boaz. Another really good person to follow – in fact, one whose words form a part of many marriage ceremonies today.
But then I also thought of Naomi – losing a husband and two sons and taking on the family leadership, exhibiting a willingness to go it alone back home, understanding the customs of the land in guiding Ruth and looking to her future. Another good example for people who find themselves “alone” in this world.
Overall, a really nice story. Encouraging on so many levels!
This is late, but I just want to say how encouraging the story of Ruth is for me. In a time when everything seems lost and the future looks bleak, God is still faithfully watching over Naomi and Ruth. I love that Ruth “accidentally” was cleaning in a field of Boaz. I also love his generosity to her, telling his workers to pull out grain from what they were harvesting and leave it for her.
All in all, it’s just a wonderful story of faithful people—to God and to each other.
I see how much God loves us…overwhelmingly! If you are reading Gentle and Lowly, that has been the consistent message through the book. Overwhelmingly love, mercy rich, yearning for us!