6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth

Learn how your comment data is processed. Naomi loved Ruth, but she was willing to let her go back to her family. Boaz was attracted to Ruths character. She was the same person wherever she went. In the Hebrew Bible, Ruth stands with the Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther; together they make up the Megillot, five scrolls that are read at prescribed times on Jewish religious festivals. Quite often foreigners are not treated well, not even today. 1. Boaz was a type (prophetic symbol) of Christ and His redemptive work in our lives today. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. Go have babies. Who only wants to go out at night even when there are opportunities to go out during the day. The first concerns the happy accident of Ruth's As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. Love One Another The Overlooked Commandment. Look out for a man who is willing to wait for you without pressure. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. 7 Beautiful Ways to a Better Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law. Love works in mysterious ways. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. 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. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. Their sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Love is a very interesting concept. But he didnt do that. The world is not kind to widows today, and being a widow was even more difficult back then. The sons too perish, and at last Naomi . 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. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. But she didnt. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. Elimelech passes away, and about 10 years later, both of Naomis sons die, as well. Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. God bless! 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. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. Elimelech had intended to go back home. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. Go get married. Through Naomi, Ruth learned about the God of Israel and chose to put her trust in him. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. Even though it may not make complete sense during the time its taking place, its important to recognize how God has and continues to change your life on a daily basis with His actions. Lets face it, no one is perfect! 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. Their relationship offers a beautiful model of a good relationship a stunning look at a blending of lives. Dear Lord, Ruth was willing to go harvest in the fields daily. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Rahab was a prostitute whose faith saved her from the crashing walls of Jericho. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Boaz took interest in her and increased his kindness. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. 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. 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. Boaz was a family member of Elimelech, Naomis deceased husband. She could have qualified for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. She didnt just pray. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. Elimelech left Bethlehem which means the house of bread, to Moab which means waste or nothing. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. Both women had the very same struggles and the same decision to make. When he tells them to allow more stalks to fall for Ruth to pick up, they do it. The love story of Ruth and Boaz can be found in the book of Ruth. . Ruth lived in the time of the judges. Stressful. He had not done what he was supposed to do. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. Ruth made the best decision because she decided to hold the family together at all costs. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Serving God Requires Faith. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. God will not necessarily stand in your way. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. Hope in Trouble times. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. The word root for the name "Ruth"in Hebrew, "Rooth"means "friendship" or "friend.". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that Ruth abandoned his family and journey with Naomi back home . And Boaz did not delay in calling a meeting to secure his rights to marry her. This tells us that Boaz had a good relationship with his employees. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links which wont change your price. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. But it is important to consider that at that time and in that society, it is very likely that he already had a wife. Sermon by Mr. Ken Frank (dve882). And wasnt she quite the friend to her mother-in-law Naomi? When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. Set in the midst of great hardship and tragic loss, the story focuses on loyalty and faithfulness that starkly contrasts the pagan Moabite . Boaz was one such person but there was another who came before Boaz. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. . Ruth and Boaz had a child together and he also took care of Naomi. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. 6 Relationship Lessons from the Book of Ruth There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. Introduction. The Book of Ruth begins with a tale of famine in the Holy Land. The past is the past. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. . No enemy does all this: Israelites do it to each other. Scripture does not comment on Ruths beauty. Mrs. Mckinnel would stay at home, while her father was the type of person who saw well in everyone. She did not know her rights as a young widow in the Jewish community. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. And they respond with similar pleasantries. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. Do you have a mentor? And through humility and dependence, Ruth begins to grow in grace. Naomi told the women, Go back home. Ruth is just a widow one from an enemy nation, at that. . but, his promises are true and proved. 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. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. This story of Ruth . 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . He knew this man well enough to know how he would respond to each part of the proposition. It really is that simple! When John the Baptist was born, Zacharias was speaking in the future about the work of Christ, announcing: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. (Luke 1:68). Ruth was taken and overwhelmed with his kindness that she bowed before Boaz. a. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. A secret relationship is a red flag. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. The story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz ( Ruth 1-4) is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. Ruth`s story was one of the best. Grief and sorrow do not trump love. There are three lessons that can be learned from Ruth and Naomi's relationship that are reflected in this verse. Ruth chose to go with her mother-in-law, showing not only how dedicated she was to Naomi, but also her dedication to the God of Israel. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. There was another kinsman who had more right than Boaz to claim Ruth. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Her instead he embraced her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past and didnt penalize instead. Knew this man well enough to know how he would respond to each other relationship. Valiant woman of noble character Christ and his redemptive work in our lives.. This browser for the one with specific characteristics know how he would respond each... 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