Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. The Hebrew word Boaz used to describe Ruth means some one of moral strength, sound integrity and courage. Everyone experiences grief and sorrow during their lifetime. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? They see you when youre good and when youre bad. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. At the beginning of the Book of Ruth, we meet Ruth, who is a Moabitess. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. Lessons from the book of Ruth. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. We will start with some of the spiritual lessons we can learn from Ruth in the Bible. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. The events occurred during the period of the judges, about a century before David became king of Israel. Everyone lives their lives the way it best suits them therefore, others shouldnt judge love. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. 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. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Owning a field was not easy then. She declared that she was going with Naomi to Bethlehem, left her country and her family behind, and refused to let her past hold her back. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. She doesnt have great riches or great position. In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. The story of Ruth is set during the time of the judges. It analyzes the lessons and events of the book of Ruth and shows how they apply to modern-day life and experiences. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. I hear people say, Gods got Made with by India A place where world feel the words. Ruth was a model of responsible living in an irresponsible age. 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. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. The whole story of Ruth began on a heavy sad note but as Gods purpose is worked out, good things begin to happen. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. There was a law that provided this opportunity. Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. This is especially important when family isnt available. 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. Introduction. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. Book of Ruth, Old Testament book belonging to the third section of the biblical canon, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings. Because Ruth was a childless widow of a Hebrew male, she was entitled to remarriage from a member of Mahlons family. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. Dear Lord, Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She made a choice to stay with Naomi and help her, all the while knowing that she was going to a country that wouldnt like her very much. We often feel like we need to keep our questions and thoughts about God to ourselves within a relationship. 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. The choice is always yours. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. Go get married. Your email address will not be published. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Doing the right thing isnt always easy. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. In the midst of any circumstances you face, in whatever relationships, we can trust God to bring good out of it. In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. He is still working. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Our doctrines, practices, policies. On top of that, she was a widow, she was childless, and she lived with her mother-in-law. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. They struggled with poverty. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. Elimelech had intended to go back home. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. Elimelech of Bethlehem departs the country for Moab, taking his wife Naomi and their two sons along. . Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. so powerful and inspirational, may Almighty God bless those that put their head together to establish this work. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. Grief and sorrow do not trump love. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. 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). We also see the freedom in their relationship. We dont know what happened to Orpah but we know how God showed up for Ruth. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. 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. Even though we are basically desolate because of our sinful actions, we will all be forgiven and have the opportunity to make our lives better. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". Even Boaz makes mention of her character: It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretoforeBlessed be thou of the Lord, my daughter; for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. Love works in mysterious ways. The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. But we explore just a few that specifically have to do with dating. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. Ruth lived in the time of the judges. All rights reserved. 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. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. The book of Ruth shines like a beautiful diamond against this bleak background. It really is that simple! The past is the past. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. This is an outstanding characteristic of Ruth in the Bible because this world has become so full of ungrateful people who are never satisfied and complain about everything. 1. Men and Women should respect each other equally. 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. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. She didnt just pray. He told Ruth to stay in his field, told the young men to leave her alone and introduced her to women her age that she could befriend. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. No matter your past, you still have a purpose. Ruth the Moabite is loyal to Yahweh and Naomi. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. He asked them to allow some to fall purposely for her. As the kindness of Boaz increased, Ruth was invited by Boaz to eat at the table he prepared for his workers. They were both young women who had both lost their husbands. Ruth was a poor, hurting, outcast, widow. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. Naomi, later on, lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. She was so thankful, especially considering her status of widow which made her automatically become a part of the lowest class in society, right there with beggars, orphans and people with disabilities. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab and find new husbands. But thats not what she did. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. Its there that she meets Boaz, who also turns out to be her redeemer. After Boaz secures his place as her redeemer, the two are married and are later blessed with a son named Obed the grandfather of King David. She took action. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. Lesson no. He hired people to help him manage his assets. Ruth means friend or companion. Neither of them knew how theyd survive. 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. 2022 28 Jun. In fact, when she returns to Bethlehem, she tells everyone: Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. He immediately takes to her and starts to protect her. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? Woven throughout, God's lovingkindness shines in each detail. While in Moab, the boys get married. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Go have babies. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . 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. We just talked about some of the qualities of Boaz that makes him a great biblical example of the kind of man to date and marry. 5. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. Hope in Trouble times. Through Ruths story, we learn that God uses the most unlikely people for his purpose. She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? No machines existed. Instead, Boaz brought relief to her life. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Ruth 2:11, Ruth 3:10,11 KJV). He was not in Gods will. Lesson 2 - Obedience Brings About Breakthrough. 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. The book of Ruth offers an entirely different perspective on this often maligned relationship. Go have babies. Lets face it, no one is perfect! The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Plus, Naomi was too old to have any more children. Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. 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 . Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. Its crushing to lose a spouse. With Naomi and her husband decided to stay but Ruth decided to move from... Dear Lord, Save my name, email, and love everything in Moab and find husbands! Relationships, we can trust God to ourselves within a relationship, its easy... Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that one is better than the other the same his! 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