Synopsis

God Provides

In the city of Bethlehem in the land of Judah there lived a man named Elimelech with his wife, Naomi and two sons Mahlon and Kilion. Once a bad thing happened in Bethlehem. Rains stopped coming and crops stopped growing so there was not enough food for everyone. So, Elimelech and Naomi decided to take their two sons and move to another place called Moab. The people of Moab worshipped different gods and idols. 

As time passed, Elimelech died. Naomi’s two sons got married. Her daughters-in-law names were Orpah and Ruth. But their marriage did not last long because both her sons died after some years. Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were so sad because there were no men in their family. 

Naomi heard that the famine in Bethlehem was over. So, she decided to go back to her home in Bethlehem. The three widows packed their belongings and started towards Bethlehem. On the way, Naomi asked her daughters-in-law to go back to Moab and live with their families and friends. Orpah decided to go back to her family but Ruth refused to go back. Ruth said to Naomi that she I will go wherever Naomi goes; she will stay wherever she stays; Naomi’s people will be her people; Naomi’s God will be her God.

Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem. There were many barley fields in Bethlehem and there were always some stalks left behind after men had cut and bundled the barley stalks. Picking up the left-over barley stalks was called “gleaning.” Ruth went to the field belonging to Boaz and picked up the grains fallen in the field. Boaz noticed Ruth picking up the grain and asked his workers “Who is this woman?”. The workers replied, “That is Naomi’s daughter-in-law from Moab and she works very hard to take care of Naomi,” Boaz was a relative of Naomi and was very happy to hear know how Ruth took care of Naomi. Boaz told Ruth that she was always welcome to work in his field and invited her to join him for a meal along with his workers. Boaz also sent Ruth home with grain for Naomi.

Naomi realised that Boaz is the right person to marry Ruth and take care of her. So, she sent Ruth to Boaz. Boaz was willing to marry Ruth but Boaz knew that there was another relative who was willing to marry Ruth. Boaz went to meet this relative the next day and found that the relative is not willing to take care of Ruth. Boaz and Ruth got married and they were blessed with a son. 

What did we learn about Ruth?

Ruth was faithful to her family and Naomi. She left everything behind for Naomi and decide to go with her and help her. She also started worshiping Naomi’s God. She also trusted in God and waited patiently for God to act.

What did we learn about God?

God was aware of Naomi and Ruth’s suffering and need. God knew that Boaz was the right person to take care of them so he guides their way to meet Boaz. God always took care of them and rewarded them greatly. 

Application to our life

God loves us very much and He cares for our needs. When we worried about something or wanting something in life, we need to leave all our worries behind and put our trust in God. God will help us and provide us with our needs. He will take care of us and will reward us greatly when we completely trust in him. 

Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;