He brought well-needed solutions. No machines existed. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. But thats not what she did. Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. He had not done what he was supposed to do. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Ruth blesses Naomi with her friendship because Naomi never expected to have someone to hold onto after the loss of all the men in her life. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. While the two women have several things in common, they are different in some respects. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Elimelech of Bethlehem departs the country for Moab, taking his wife Naomi and their two sons along. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". Her country of origin already made her an outcast, and being a childless widow gave her plenty of reason to shrink back into a shell and simply live her life in obscurity. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Ignorance isnt always bliss. 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). This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. Boaz was considerably older than Ruth. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. Naomi is the one who sets the tone for her relationship with daughter-in-law Ruth. Instead, Boaz brought relief to her life. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. They were being punished with a famine. Although she was married before, Naomi seemed not to realize that Boaz had taken to her. But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. They struggled with poverty. In the moments where life feels like its crushing you, start with a little faith. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. She moved to a foreign land where she knew no one but her mother-in-law. If there was ever a Hallmark-worthy story in the Bible, this is it. Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on her best clothes, and splash on some perfume. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. She had married the son of an Israelite family while they were living in Moab, but at some point her father-in-law, her husband, and her husband's only brother died. 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. 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. 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. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. When life brings devastation, its not easy to hope. Plus, Naomi was too old to have any more children. Freedom was a key aspect of their friendship. If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. He found who she was in the present to be what he was looking for. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Love works in mysterious ways.
Listen To The Advice of The Wise. All rights reserved. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. The Book of Ruth begins with a tale of famine in the Holy Land. It is true that dating can be quite a drama-filled journey. Boaz therefore went to a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member. This was to appeal to Boazs nature. Read Ruth 1. Naomi's grief was very real. 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. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. So he did the next best thing. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. Lessons from the book of Ruth. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); God can be found in silence. Look out for a man who is proud to call you his own. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi is a reflection of the faithful love of God offered to Israel and to us in the gift of covenant. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. 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. Lesson 5 - Willing to Take Advice from Elders. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. Site by Gretchen Louise. Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. He was wealthy. Painful. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. 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. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's Stressful. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . They have nothing, so Ruth goes to work in the grain fields so they have enough food to eat. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Its four chapters . Go get married. which revealed that our heavenly father do not differentiate. Her commitment to journey on with Naomi was a beautiful, selfless act, and a stunning example of the love of Christ the same Christ who would be of her bloodline years later. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. Others, like Naomi, remain in the relationship out of necessity instead of loving devotion. When Ruth and Naomi got back to Bethlehem, they had to fend for themselves as they were both widows. She chose to serve the God of Naomi, and she believed there was still life left for her to live. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Kenneth Way September 26, 2016. 1. Naomi was open with Ruth about the joy, the fear, the pain, and the anguish that came with her faith in God. I. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. every one on earth will fail. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. To become a star is the beginning of the end, I have to convince other Democrats and Republicans, What is the recipe for successful achievement, In commendably seeking to protect freedom. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Ruth worked from morning till night. But tragedy struck the family. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. But she did not. 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. 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. His conclusion about Ruth was a combination of what he saw plus what people around Bethlehem had to say about her. Naomi told the women, Go back home. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Its easy to judge others and caste your own beliefs and judgment upon the way theyre living their life; however its important to be able to see both sides of the fence. Boaz took notice of Ruth. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. By Boaz, the man who could and would make her life a whole lot better. She lost her husband and her two sons. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. She could not be accused of being idle. Through Naomi, Ruth learned about the God of Israel and chose to put her trust in him. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. Relationships today are the exact same! v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. 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 ). She took action. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. Yet she showed incredible character. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. She doesnt come from a famous family. It analyzes the lessons and events of the book of Ruth and shows how they apply to modern-day life and experiences. The whole story of Ruth began on a heavy sad note but as Gods purpose is worked out, good things begin to happen. 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. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that Relationships today are the exact same! God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. The opportunity was there for her to glean. It was an enemy nation, and Israelites tended to look down on the Moabites. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. He made a decision that God didnt approve. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. 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. The indescribable passion and struggles that accompany love is displayed in the Book of Ruth and these actions personify our own struggles that we come face-to-face with on a daily basis. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. Today we consider the third option. Copyright Feel The Words 2023. As we see in Ruth 1:16, Ruth chose that she will serve the God of Naomi even to the point of death as she had fully resolved and purposed in her heart. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. 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 . Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. And Ruth, without being asked by Naomi, saw the value and took advantage of the opportunity. Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. When Ruth went out in the fields to glean each day, she did so with consistency and diligence. This was the first romantic move he made. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. 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 model of responsible living in an irresponsible age. Among them is how it illustrates the relationship between Jesus (Yahshua) with His Church. Boaz was one such person but there was another who came before Boaz. True friendship is self-giving. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. Lets face it, no one is perfect! All these little details in the story, gives us a glimpse of Boazs character and influence. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . 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