In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. God is always in the business of rewarding the faithful. 6: God redeems us from our hopeless situation The story of Boaz and Ruth has a lot of symbolism for us to take note of. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible makes for an exciting study! 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. Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. 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. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Ruth is also one of the few women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives today. He had not done what he was supposed to do. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. The good thing is that Boaz wasnt concerned about Ruths past. She could not be accused of being idle. Looking at the bigger picture of the Book of Ruth its evident now to see how the famine, Naomis relocation to Moab, the return to Bethlehem, Boazs blood line, and several other events had a hand in the overall plan for Ruths life. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. They choose to stay together and forge a union. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. What you are looking for is consistency. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Throughout the Bible, we see previews of Christ. Lesson #4 - Sharing Openly About Our Relationship with God Brings Intimacy to Relationships The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Love works in mysterious ways. The passage suggests that he wasnt always there. Ruth soaked up everything Naomi taught her. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. While you may be going through pain in your current heartbreak, its important to realize that this is all for a reason. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. As the kindness of Boaz increased, Ruth was invited by Boaz to eat at the table he prepared for his workers. 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. The story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons we can learn, The story of Rebekah in the Bible meaning, characteristics and lessons learned . 6 Relationship lessons from the book of Ruth . But, that was only half the solution to the problem. Boaz recognized that Ruth was quite vulnerable. A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Can the same be said of you? Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. 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. Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. Do they stay in the land of their birth where the God of heaven wasnt worshipped? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. Answer. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. Painful. When he tells them to allow more stalks to fall for Ruth to pick up, they do it. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. Boaz knew that he had every right to be Ruths kinsman, so he could have demanded her hand in marriage whether Ruth wanted to or not. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. The past is the past. We dont usually share our unedited feelings and thoughts about God with friends or family members. She was the same person wherever she went. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They were being punished with a famine. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. Love is a very interesting concept. Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. Ruth abandoned his family and journey with Naomi back home . And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. And wasnt she quite the friend to her mother-in-law Naomi? : , , Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. Our doctrines, practices, policies. Just look at all the immigration issues globally. Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. (NLT). Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. Naomi's grief was very real. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. Ruth was a stranger in the land. Your email address will not be published. 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. . And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. This was the first romantic move he made. Your email address will not be published. Their . Lets face it, no one is perfect! Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. If you are a Bible study teacher, you are free to allow this content to influence the lessons you teach or the sermons you present. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. They struggled with poverty. This next characteristic of Ruth in the Bible has to do with who she was at heart. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. Book of Ruth: 30 Day reading plan for kids; Video clip of the Story of Ruth for kids; Ruth gleaning in the field coloring page "Book of Ruth" coloring page; Bible Lesson: Ruth and Boaz (older elementary) God takes care of Ruth & Naomi (preschool lesson) Lesson: Ruth is Faithful (Ruth 1:1-22) Lesson: Ruth Marries Boaz (Ruth 2-4) Both of her parents worked in the church. : .. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. Lets face it, no one is perfect! And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. 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. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. Read Ruth 1. 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. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? For Ruth everything seemed hopeless when she lost her husband even worse for Naomi. 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. 1. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. Ruth was no Hebrew but God used her to continue the family line through which Jesus would be born. But there is a question for you to ponder: Are you the kind of woman who Boaz would be drawn to? No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. 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. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. But Boaz was different. In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. But what you do see is an ordinary and challenging life shaped by faith and guided by the God she believes in, and today we can look back and see the mighty way her life was used. The two women shared great sorrow, but they also shared great affection for one another. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. Loss Is Hard. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. Today we consider the third option. He died where there was plenty to feed his body but nothing to feed his soul. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. This is especially important when family isnt available. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. While working, Ruth catches Boazs eye. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. The love story of Ruth and Boaz can be found in the book of Ruth. 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