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 wasnt expecting this level of kindness and she that as a stranger this was very much out of the ordinary. They choose to stay together and forge a union. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. 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. 1. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. He was wealthy but he gave more than grains and barley. As Naomi pointed out, Ruth was free to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. These blessings point out how God works in the . Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. 1. No enemy does all this: Israelites do it to each other. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. He made a decision that God didnt approve. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. There is Always Hope. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. This book will fill you to the brim with hope, as you see an imperfect family be used mightily by God. Learn how your comment data is processed. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. But there is a lesson in the book of Ruth. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. 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. Both Ruth and Naomi mention Boaz as a kinsman. In Hebrew, the word used is goel, which refers to a kinsman who has the right to redeem or a redeemer., Throughout the Bible, we see that same Hebrew word used several times. Be wary of men who are uncomfortable with your relationship being public knowledge. 5. But Boaz was different. Loss Is Hard. 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. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? Naomi's grief was very real. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. Naomi told the women, Go back home. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. One of the moral lessons we can get from the bible story of Ruth is the importance of making wise choices as Ruth did in Ruth 1:16-18 that made her choose to stay with Naomi despite Orpah choosing otherwise. Ruth allowed herself to be loved and led by Naomi. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. 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. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. This story of Ruth . Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. At the time this story is unfolding, Israel had strayed from Gods will. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. 1. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. It's very great to learn from the book of Ruth and it's very challenging book and great book very interesting to read this 7 powerful lession. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Thankfully, she had Naomi to help. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. Boaz was ready to call Ruth his bride and wife just like Jesus calls us his bride. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Life changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully present and engaged. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . The same things that turn on a worldly man are the same things which will excite your man of God. There are really so many lessons we could draw from this epic true love story. 4:17). Ruth and Boaz had a child together and he also took care of Naomi. Thanks for sharing some of it. . And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? People can be great pretenders. They were both young women who had both lost their husbands. As much as is possible, try to get to know your significant other through the people he or she interacts with outside of your presence. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. She did not know her rights as a young widow in the Jewish community. A secret relationship is a red flag. This was completely not her fault. Lets face it, no one is perfect! February 10, 2023. Blessings occur seven times in the book of Ruth, from Naomi blessing both her daughters-in-law (1:8) and Boaz (2:19-20), to Boaz's casual blessing of his workers (2:4) and deeper blessing of Ruth (3:10), and climactically to the women blessing the Lord for the birth of the child (4:14). When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. Sell, buy or rent Meditating in God's Word Judges and Ruth Bible Study Series | Book 1 of 1 | Judg 9781953930200 1953930204, we buy used or new for best buyback price with FREE shipping and offer great deals for buyers. Both of her parents worked in the church. He and his wife Naomi, along with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, left for Moab. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Stressful. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. Thank you xo much, may God bless you, Scripture taken from New King James Version. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. 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. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. Both Ruth and Naomi, her mother-in-law, have returned to Israel from Moab widowed and forlorn. a. Your email address will not be published. It was an enemy nation, and Israelites tended to look down on the Moabites. He was not in Gods will. 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. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. Even when things are hard. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: 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 . Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. Examining the second chapter of Ruth. Boaz is presented as a "man of character" ( Ruth 2:1 ). No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. 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. Memory Work - Luke 1:68; Scripture Reading and Discussion - Leviticus 25:48-49a, Ruth 4:1-17. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Grief and sorrow do not trump love. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Naomi planned to return to Israel and encouraged Ruth to stay in Moab and return to her mother's family. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. To some extent, she might be considered naive. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. Our doctrines, practices, policies. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelek and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. There are many but I will only go over 6 of them. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. Ruth 3:10. Kenneth Way September 26, 2016. Ruths story is one that exemplifies the reality that so many of us are thrown at every day death, love, heartache, falling into love and even compassion for others that share love. Ruth was a stranger in the land. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. 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. This tells us that Boaz had a good relationship with his employees. 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. Monday, September 30, 2019. In case you have been frustrated and despondent with finding your Boaz, know that God is interested in giving you the companionship you desire. 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. 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. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Lesson 4 - Fulfilling God's Plan. Sermon by Mr. Ken Frank (dve882). Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . The Book of Ruth is literally the Book of Friendship. The choice is always yours. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. Related: How to Choose Faith . Freedom was a key aspect of their friendship. He was all too willing to do so. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. He brought well-needed solutions. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. "Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge.". So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. In the midst of any circumstances you face, in whatever relationships, we can trust God to bring good out of it. He was wealthy. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that 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. Blessing. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. Book of Ruth, Old Testament book belonging to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Ruth lived out her name for sure. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. When the timing is right, the outcome of the conversation is likely to be more favorable. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. Owning a field was not easy then. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. 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. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). It is this famine that forces Elimelech to take his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chillion, to leave Bethlehem and live in Moab, a pagan community. He wanted to conduct things in such a way that it was above board and unquestionable. When Ruth went out in the fields to glean each day, she did so with consistency and diligence. So well only look at a few. This was backbreaking work. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They choose to stay together and forge a union. This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. This is especially important when family isnt available. But thats not what she did. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. 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. The past is the past. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. (NLT). Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? She owed nothing to Naomi, but instead gave her everything. When we are going through some of our toughest struggles, he often brings us to the mindbarthis is where he gives us strength. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. Elimelech of Bethlehem departs the country for Moab, taking his wife Naomi and their two sons along. 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. In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. Therefore, Boaz would need to marry her instead of Naomi. Book of Ruth: summary. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. Do they stay in the land of their birth where the God of heaven wasnt worshipped? The story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz ( Ruth 1-4) is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. Be Blessed. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. 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. Don't miss the rest of our series on loving your in-laws! Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Yet she showed incredible character. He had not done what he was supposed to do. Do you have a mentor? Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. A selfish man will give you headaches. To be women and men of integrity ; Wherever you lodge I will only go to the brim hope! Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start her instead he embraced her past and penalize. The perfect day so he could meet Ruth work lives 6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth even today,. 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