Synopsis

SUMMARY

When judges ruled the land of Israel one family from Bethlehem, Judah went to Moab as there was a terrible famine affecting the family. Elimelech, Naomi and their sons Mahlon and Kilion. They married Moabite woman. Naomi lost her husband and two sons in ten years.

Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem. She told her daughter in law to go to their father’s place. One of the daughter in law Orpha decided to go but ruth told her mother in law that she would never leave her but follow her and the God of Israel.

Ruth though being a Moabite woman moving to Judah as a foreigner was a very difficult task. This was considered a big deal in their culture, but she was committed in following Naomi. She never kept herself idle but sought Naomi’s position to find provision for Naomi and herself. She went to one of the fields to glean(picking up grain left behind) during harvest. She found herself working in the field of Boaz. 

Boaz was very happy to see Ruth hardworking and providing for her mother in law though she was a foreigner. She finds favour in the eyes of Boaz and told her mother in law about him. According to Deuteronomy 25:5-10, the Kinsman redeemer, was obligated not only to redeem the relative’s property but also to marry his widow and provide for the family. 

Ruth followed the instructions of Naomi in the field of Boaz and approached in a manner which is worthy of her character. Next day, Boaz becomes the Kinsman redeemer of ruth and marries her. She gives birth to Obed whose the Grand Father of King David.

What Do We Learn About Ruth?

• She had loyal faith and as promised she followed her mother in law to go and live in a complete new country, culture and accepted Naomi’s God(God Of Israel) as her God.
• She took responsibility of her providing for Naomi and herself by hardworking and gleaning in the fields.
• Ruth submitted herself to the instructions of her mother in law for her future.
• She becomes the Great Grand Mother of King David.

What Do We Learn About GOD ?

• God our Provider. God is a provider for anyone who follows him. He does not discriminate but loves everybody the same.
• God uses unimportant people in His plan as God used Ruth, an unimportant person and brought her in becoming a part of the linage of Jesus.
• Just as God provided a kinsman redeemer for Ruth, He has given us Jesus Christ.  

APPLICATIONS

• Don’t let people’s comments and gossips distance you away from God.
• We should practice selflessness and love.
• We should always be obedient to God’s word and submit to his authority.
• We should hold on to God knowing that He will guide us and lead us as He did in the life of Ruth.  

CONCLUSION

As Ruth took a step of loyal faith, each one of us need to walk in the faith. She left her home, her culture, her God and with all of her heart followed Naomi and her God. When we submit to Godly authority God works wonderful things in our lives. He is our protector and our provider.

MEMORY VERSE

RUTH 1:16: But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”