6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth
Thats not to say he didnt already have a wife though. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Our doctrines, practices, policies. Doing the right thing isnt always easy. Ruth is just a widow one from an enemy nation, at that. Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. Be Blessed. Ruth was a poor, hurting, outcast, widow. Elimelech of Bethlehem departs the country for Moab, taking his wife Naomi and their two sons along. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. In case you have been frustrated and despondent with finding your Boaz, know that God is interested in giving you the companionship you desire. 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. Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. Build Your Life On A Strong Foundation. Both of these women showed faith and clung to the belief that better days were ahead. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. 4:17). Look for a man who is attracted to your heart and character just as much as he is attracted to your body and beauty. When he tells them to allow more stalks to fall for Ruth to pick up, they do it. 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 . When Ruth gets to Bethlehem, he decided to go to the fields to pick up left over grains for them to grind into flour to use for good. And they respond with similar pleasantries. She said the well-known words, "Whither thou goest, I will go" ( Ruth 1:16 KJV ). Boaz was ready to call Ruth his bride and wife just like Jesus calls us his bride. 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. Id say yes but they were definitely not in her control. She stepped out and took advantage of what was available to her. . . The story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons we can learn, The story of Rebekah in the Bible meaning, characteristics and lessons learned . She left behind her family to go with Naomi back to Bethlehem. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. About Us | Contact US | Privacy | Disclaimer | Back to Top. Lesson 4 - Fulfilling God's Plan. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. (Ruth 1:20,21a KJV). He found who she was in the present to be what he was looking for. . Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. 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. We dont know what happened to Orpah but we know how God showed up for Ruth. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. It was later in the story that any signs of romantic love were expressed. Some conversations require perfect timing because of the issue that needs to be discussed. Tamar resorted to trickery to bear a son. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. The book of Ruth is packed with so many lessons about, life, love and faithfulness. Ruth 1:1: " In the days when the judges ruled,there was a famine in the land". In fact, it often takes great sacrifice. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. She didnt just pray. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Also, there was a considerable age difference between them. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. In those days when men died before they had children, a male relative was responsible for taking his widow as wife and giving her children who would be considered the child of the deceased. Make the stories of your life good stories so that even if you die, you will leave a legacy of faith and obedience to God. The story is told in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings. 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 book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. When Boaz decided to act on Ruths interest in being married to him, he was not willing to break the law or conduct underhanded business. The choice is always yours. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. 4. 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. . The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . Do you have a mentor? 2022 28 Jun. 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. Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. Love works in mysterious ways. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. The second is that he set her up to get more than just what had fallen by the way as the employees worked. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. The law is also very useful, because it shows us our defections and stains. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David and the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Even though Naomi knew that a new marriage for Ruth would change their relationship, she still played an important part in arranging the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. Answer. I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. This tells us that Boaz had a good relationship with his employees. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. He wanted to conduct things in such a way that it was above board and unquestionable. God bless! Ruth and Naomi's friendship starts off with grief-stricken Naomi deciding to move back to her hometown of Bethlehem after the . Ruth went above and beyond in the way she honored and respected her mother-in-law, and in doing so became known in the entire city as a virtuous woman. She worked hard to provide food for her and her mother-in-law. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. Thanks for sharing some of it. When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. We all must understand the importance of being thankful and recognizing others that make a difference within our life especially within our relationships. She was childless. 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. 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. We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. In the book of Job, Job declares, I know that my Redeemer [goel] lives. While Boaz was a kinsman redeemer, when Jesus comes to earth as a man, he becomes our kinsman redeemer in the flesh, and Hebrews 2:11 it says that he is not ashamed to call them brethren.. But life was actually worst. God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. By Boaz, the man who could and would make her life a whole lot better. She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. The odds of being taken into marriage were low because she was a stranger among the Hebrews. . He asked them to allow some to fall purposely for her. I dont imagine that he solved all her problems nor did they have a perfect relationship. These previews of Christ are a bit of a foreshadowing that falls across Old Testament pages, fully coming to reality in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus. On the day that Ruth decided to go gleaning, on that very day, Boaz chose to visit his field. Do they stay in the land of their birth where the God of heaven wasnt worshipped? Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. Finding someone to spend the rest of your life with is serious business. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. The biblical story of Ruth and Boaz is all of that and more. But it was Ruths love for Naomi that made her willing to leave her country to return to Israel. 33 Short Bible Verses About . And yet, his fingerprints are all over the events of Ruth. True friendship is self-giving. (6-7) Ruth lays down at Boaz's feet. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. And yet it was that sharing and intimacy that was the foundation of the deep relationship these two women shared. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Issues that require mental and emotional effort should probably happen when people are not tired and hungry. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. THE BOOK OF RUTH Lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz Becomes Ruth's Blood Redeemer Previous Ruth Lessons List. Elimelech had intended to go back home. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Whether youre dating or married, your man is flesh and bones. Boaz is a type of Christ, meaning, he had many characteristics of Christ and foreshadowed what Jesus was going to do for humanity. Everything that she did showed her character, and because of that character, she was honored by God. But both of them had faith that somehow things would work out. She might have been married before but now she was practically starting her life over. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. They see you when youre good and when youre bad. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. She chose to serve the God of Naomi, and she believed there was still life left for her to live. Just look at the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. This was backbreaking work. Therefore, Boaz would need to marry her instead of Naomi. Where in the Bible does it talk about Ruth and Boaz? It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. She doesnt come from a famous family. Boaz therefore went to a meeting in which he was able to win Ruth from that family member. To some extent, she might be considered naive. Men and Women should respect each other equally. On the other hand, Ruths husband had died leaving her without children and she was still young. : .. Ruth allowed herself to be influenced by Naomi. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. relationship between God and his people and vice versa." Without the reality of erotic conjugal love, our knowledge of God's love would be so much the poorer. There are only two books of the Bible named after women: Esther and Ruth. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. 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. Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. Lesson 5 - Willing to Take Advice from Elders. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Ruth had a whole lot to learn. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. In fact, Ruth's sister-in-law, Orpah, chose to leave: 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. 4: Boaz accepts and marries Ruth; they become the ancestors of David and Jesus Christ. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. This redemption comes in the form of a relative of Naomi named Boaz. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. What makes the story particularly interesting is that Ruth is . Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. Ruth is a woman of great character who embodies many positive traits. Things will go faster and will be much better. We know that the other kinsman did not want to marry Ruth because he didnt want to divide his inheritance even further among his existing children. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. 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. The story of Ruth the Moabite is the unusual biblical tale of the trials faced by two women, touching on profound themes such as grief, familial loyalty, feminine dependence and independence, and . Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. 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. Mrs. Mckinnel would stay at home, while her father was the type of person who saw well in everyone. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. 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. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's deep love for her mother-in-law, and the love and loyalty that not only existed between them but that Ruth had for Naomi's people. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . Mahlon was married to Ruth while Chillion was married to Orpah. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. Here are three lessons from the Book of Ruth for all believers: 1. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. 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). Couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more love... Go back to Bethlehem to be influenced by Naomi ruled, there was still life left for and! Naomi named Boaz and wife just like Jesus calls us his bride over... 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