6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth

The world is not kind to widows today, and being a widow was even more difficult back then. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . Look out for a man who is proud to call you his own. Monday, September 30, 2019. Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. 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 events occurred during the period of the judges, about a century before David became king of Israel. He was all too willing to do so. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. Gentleman: if you want a relationship with a woman that glorifies God, read this. No enemy does all this: Israelites do it to each other. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. 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. This is the edited manuscript of Lesson 1 in the series, Ruth: A Story of Redemption, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh on January 10, 2010. All Rights Reserved. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And looking at the book of Ruth, we can see that even when we cant see beyond our pain to his plan, we can have hope that our story isnt over better days are coming. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. And whats so amazing is that Ruth was a foreigner. Whether youre dating or married, your man is flesh and bones. Serving God Requires Faith. Naomi became a mentor to her, teaching her the ways of the Hebrew people and walking with her through the process of securing Boaz as her kinsman (more on this later). The Book of Ruth is a fantastic example that exemplifies the rollercoaster ride that love can take us on. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. Act 2: Ruth and Boaz the Judahite meet in the fields ( Ruth 2:1-23 ). This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . 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. She took action. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. 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. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. 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. All rights reserved. And Ruth, without being asked by Naomi, saw the value and took advantage of the opportunity. Yet she showed incredible character. Soon, Naomi becomes aware that Boaz has a thing for Ruth. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); God can be found in silence. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Can the same be said of you? There was a law that provided this opportunity. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. The law is also very useful, because it shows us our defections and stains. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. But, according to the practices of the time, Boaz was free to take another wife, especially since he was a kinsman. Anyone who looked at this foreign widow would have never guessed that God would choose her bloodline for the line of the promised redeemer Jesus. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. How a Man Should Treat a Woman According to God. Ruth worked from morning till night. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. But he didnt do that. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. Bathsheba (referred to as Uriahs wife in the genealogy of Jesus) only became Davids wife after David took her for himself and killed her husband. She had to go gather behind the harvesters in the fields to get a bit of barley so they could survive. 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. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. Just look at the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. My favourite book in the Bible is the book of Ruth. Just ensure that like Ruth, you are showing up in faith and doing your work with excellence. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . Boaz took notice of Ruth. The story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons we can learn, The story of Rebekah in the Bible meaning, characteristics and lessons learned . They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons. Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. They have nothing, so Ruth goes to work in the grain fields so they have enough food to eat. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. For Ruth and Naomi, they needed sovereignty and in essence a fresh start. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. Ruth lived out her name for sure. 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. Ten years passed, and Mahlon and Chilion both died. Introduction. She grew up in an evil country an enemy of Israel. Thanks for sharing some of it. This is an important truth for us today. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. In case you have been frustrated and despondent with finding your Boaz, know that God is interested in giving you the companionship you desire. 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. The 3 life lessons from Ruth and Boaz are: Have An Attractive Character. Inspiring to Christians single or married, this love story displays God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances in every stage and season of life. God bless! Ruths story is ordinary. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. 4:17). 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. Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. Ruth was "of the women of Moab" but was genetically linked to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham ( Ruth 1:4; Genesis 11:31; 19:37 ). Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. Having this information made all the difference in the world. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. Thats not to say he didnt already have a wife though. Ruth could have had her fill and left it there. Set in the midst of great hardship and tragic loss, the story focuses on loyalty and faithfulness that starkly contrasts the pagan Moabite . But Boaz was willing to follow the proper civil procedures to have Ruth. Naomi even extends thanks and recognition to Ruth for providing her with a beautiful blessing. It might mean he was old enough to be her father. True friendship is self-giving. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Painful. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. When Boaz commented on Ruths character, he did so based on more than just his observation of her. Blessing. Here are three lessons from the Book of Ruth for all believers: 1. The Book of Ruth provides five lessons on what it's like to be a true leader. Stressful. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. This was completely not her fault. 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. Related: How to Choose Faith . Lesson #1 - There is Hope Even in the Most Devastating Times of Our Life. When the meeting was done, Boaz publicly declared and celebrated his relationship with Ruth. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. Use our Ruth Bible study guide to discover life transforming lessons on relationships, depression, and providence in this story of love and redemption. Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. She was bending over all day long to pick up grain. . 4. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. 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). Boaz is presented as a "man of character" ( Ruth 2:1 ). More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Ruth 3:10. 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. Issues that require mental and emotional effort should probably happen when people are not tired and hungry. He brought well-needed solutions. Look for a man who is attracted to your heart and character just as much as he is attracted to your body and beauty. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . Answer. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. 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. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. Boaz was driven by authentic love for Ruth just like Jesuss love for us caused him to give up heaven for our sake. 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. 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. (NLT). Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. They choose to stay together and forge a union. A man of Boazs age was expected to have already Wed and started producing children. 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