Ruth is such a great little book set in the time of the Judges. It’s both a love story and a story of redemption that portrays the work of Christ as our redeemer. I encourage you to read the book of Ruth this week. As you see Ruth glean in the field of Boaz, you too will be able to gather some gleanings from Ruth:
- Ruth was dedicated to her mother-in-law Naomi. Her famous words of devotion are recorded in 1:16-17. She sets a pattern for all relationships, especially in friendship and marriage. (Pro 17:17) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
- Naomi was bitter from all the negative turn of events in her life and family. She told people not to call her Naomi, which means pleasant, but Mara, which means bitter (1:19-21). But God turned things around and she is a happy grandma in the end (4:13-17). (Heb 12:15) looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.
- As Ruth went to glean in the fields, she “happened” to come to Boaz’s field where she and Boaz would eventually fall in love (2:1-3). Nothing is an accident. God is always working behind the scenes bringing about His marvelous plan. It’s not coincidence . . . it’s Providence! (Eph 1:11) . . . who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
- The story of Ruth is set in the apostate times of the Judges. You would think there would be no godly husband for Ruth. Wrong! Boaz was a man of God (2:4) who was brought into a virtuous woman’s life (3:11). God is the great matchmaker. Wait for God’s best to come into your life. (Pro 18:22) He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.
- Boaz was the kinsman redeemer (close relative) of Ruth (2:20). According to the Mosaic law he could buy her deceased husband’s field (Lev 25:23-34) and take her as wife to perpetuate the family name (Deu 25:5-10). Jesus is our redeemer who has purchased us with His blood. We are now His bride. (Col 1:14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
- One night Ruth asked Boaz to be her kinsman redeemer. In the morning he went out to take care of business. Ruth was anxious how things would turn out. Naomi told Ruth to sit still because she knew Boaz would not rest until he had concluded the matter (3:18). The Bible instructs us to wait on the Lord as He works out His plan. (Isa 64:4) God . . . acts for the one who waits for Him.
There’s a lot to glean from Ruth. Enjoy the book and see what I mean!
Louie