A Love Story

O. T. #571  "A Love Story"
August 4, 2015
Summary of Ruth
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

LET IT GLOW

I have enjoyed reading through this love story recorded in the Bible entitled Ruth, after the main character. Although, we do not read the word love. And what woman doesn't love a love story that has a happy ending? Just like life, we see the challenges, even hardships, which Ruth overcomes, her faithfulness, her kindness, and integrity, as well as God's protection, provisions, and blessings. This story takes place sometime during the period whenever the judges ruled, so everyone did what he wanted to do, considering it right in his own eyes, not considering if God approved.

What can we learn from Ruth's experiences?

• To be loyal and loving in relationships, we must imitate God's faithfulness in our relationships and other. Ruth demonstrated extraordinary faithfulness to her mother in law, Naomi.
• Even when living amidst evil times, we can stay committed to God and each other.
• Poverty, grief, and homelessness can be overcome.
• Without protection and resources, Ruth walks by faith.
• Sometimes it takes an outcast (Moabite) to show us genuine spiritual character.
• Selflessness will be rewarded.
• God accepts those who worship Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength in spite of race, sex, and nationality.
• Hard work is not unnoticed. She was better than 7 sons toward Naomi.
• Her faithful obedience resulted in a legacy of faith.
• She remained virtuous and showed godly modesty.

Ruth pictures the church. Do we strive to have such qualities? Rewards outweigh sacrifices, as in Ruth's case and can be in our life, too. Ruth's trusting obedience brought redemption for her family, as well as us, since the Savior was born through her family line.

Boaz was a successful, wealthy, and business man who prospered during a famine. What can we learn from his life?

• This hero in our story was a man of his word. He did what he said he would do.
• He did not only what was right, but he did it at the right time.
• Being sensitive to the needs of others, he cared for his workers and Ruth.
• He showed a keen sense of responsibility and integrity.
• Boaz illustrated  redemption as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer.
• He stepped up and rescued two widows from poverty.
• He used his influence.
• He waited to discern God's will.
• Boaz shared his riches.

Boaz pictures Jesus Christ, who offers from slavery to sin, poverty of spirit, and the consequences of death.

What about the mother in law, Naomi?

• She saw the hand of God in her sufferings. Providence had handed her a bitter cup to drink.
• In the midst of her trials, Naomi remained steadfast in the faith throughout her trials.
• Her love for God was wavering, as well as her commitment. 
• Naomi's plans involved righteousness and decency.
• God can bring us our of our rebellion, as He did Naomi.

LET IT GROW

What lessons can we learn from this wonderful book?
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament  explains:

1. No matter how difficult the situation may be, if we surrender to the Lord and obey Him, He will see us through.
2. No person is so far outside the reach of God's grace that he or she cannot be saved.
3. God providentially guides those who want to obey Him and serve others.
4. It does no good to get angry at God and blame Him for our mistakes. God used Ruth to lead Naomi out of despair and into His blessing.
5. There are no "small decisions" with God. Ruth's decision to glean in the fields led to her becoming an ancestress of King David and of the Messiah.
6. It is wise to wait on the Lord and let Him work out His loving purposes.

From a funeral to a wedding, famine to fullness, this marvelous story has so many lessons for us. Christ is our Kinsman-Redeemer, who took on flesh (without sinning), paid the price to redeem us, and loves us. Like Boaz, He is the Lord of the harvest; He supplies our needs; He redeems the inheritance for us; He gives rest. What love!

Do you know this Redeemer personally, dear friend, or is this just another story to you? You can know Him today, right now. Simply ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior. By faith, we come to Him, without works.

LET IT GO

Repent of my rebellion, doing things my way.

Turn to Christ and surrender, doing things His way.

Follow His Word and Spirit's leading.