The book of Ruth is a delightful story that starts with tragedy and ends with romance. Jewish people love this book as the story is significant because Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, connecting the story to the royal line and the messianic plan.
It is also an account of how goods things can come out of bad. The storyline starts with the spotlight on a family who made some bad choices, experienced heartbreaking trauma and discovered that material prosperity is not the most important thing in life. It looks as if Elimilech (the husband of Naomi) moved to Moab originally on a temporary basis while there was a famine back in Bethlehem. Some would feel this was a prudent move as he relocated to provide for his family but he was leaving behind the place that God had promised to bless His people if they would trust and obey Him.
The next stage of the story is a lesson in loyalty, love and hard work. Ruth the widowed daughter in law of Naomi (who is also a widow) moves back to the land of Naomi’s nativity. She is kind to her mother in law and discovers and experiences kindness in the fields of Bethlehem. Interestingly this stage of the story is based in Bethlehem and Ruth becomes one of the ancestors of the Lord Jesus who would be born in Bethlehem.
As the story reaches its climax we are introduced to Boaz. He is a wealthy and influential land owner and farmer. It looks as if he is a mature man who until this stage has been single. The romance unfolds as he is wooed and won by Ruth, and as a near kinsman (close relative) agrees to purchase everything that belongs to Ruth’s deceased husband. In keeping with the Jewish tradition of the time that included marrying Ruth and dedicating their first child her first husband.
The devotion and willingness of Boaz to love a women who is not an Israelite and an an outsider is a lovely picture of what the Lord Jesus would do for those who come to love Him and trust Him. This offer of His love and grace is made to every human as we are described in scripture as the enemies of God, Romans 5. 10. He by His death on the cross declared in graphic terms His love and made a payment to cancel our sin. He brings those who repent and believe into an eternal relationship of love and grace.
Main scripture to refer to
Romans 5:1-11
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
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