Ruth: A Journey of Loyalty and Redemption
Summary
In the story of Ruth, we find a narrative rich with themes of redemption, loyalty, and divine providence. The book begins with a family from Bethlehem, led by Elimelech and Naomi, who move to Moab due to a famine. Tragically, Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Orpah stays, but Ruth, in a profound act of loyalty, insists on accompanying Naomi, declaring, "Your God will be my God."
Upon returning to Bethlehem, Naomi, now bitter from her losses, asks to be called Mara, meaning bitter. Yet, God begins to weave a redemptive story through Ruth's life. Ruth meets Boaz, a wealthy and kind relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz notices Ruth's noble character and becomes her protector. Naomi, seeing the potential for a secure future for Ruth, advises her on how to approach Boaz, leading to a culturally significant encounter at the threshing floor.
Naomi's advice to Ruth is practical and insightful, emphasizing the importance of presenting oneself well and understanding the dynamics of relationships. Ruth follows Naomi's guidance, and Boaz responds with admiration for her virtue. He acknowledges his role as a kinsman-redeemer, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish law, which involves protecting and providing for a relative in need.
This story is not just about Ruth and Boaz; it is a reflection of God's redemptive love for humanity. Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who redeems us from sin and restores us to a right relationship with God. As we prepare for communion, we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice, His body broken and His blood shed for our redemption.
Key Takeaways:
- Loyalty and Faithfulness: Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi exemplifies the power of commitment and faithfulness. Her decision to leave her homeland and embrace Naomi's God demonstrates a profound trust in God's plan, even amidst uncertainty. This teaches us the importance of steadfastness in our relationships and faith. [02:56]
- God's Providence: Despite Naomi's bitterness, God orchestrates events to bring about redemption and blessing. This reminds us that God's hand is at work even in our darkest moments, weaving a tapestry of grace and purpose beyond our understanding. [03:36]
- Virtue and Character: Ruth and Boaz are both noted for their noble character, which attracts them to each other. This highlights the significance of inner beauty and integrity, which are more enduring and impactful than outward appearances. [26:03]
- Redemptive Love: The concept of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's story is a powerful illustration of God's redemptive love for us. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Jesus redeems us, offering forgiveness and restoration through His sacrifice. [37:13]
- Practical Wisdom in Relationships: Naomi's advice to Ruth is practical and insightful, emphasizing the importance of presenting oneself well and understanding relational dynamics. This teaches us the value of wisdom and discernment in our interactions with others. [13:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:11] - Introduction to Ruth's Story
- [02:25] - Tragedy and Loss
- [02:56] - Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi
- [03:36] - Naomi's Bitterness and God's Providence
- [04:13] - Redemptive Love Story
- [05:19] - Naomi's Practical Advice
- [07:56] - Preparing to Meet Boaz
- [10:49] - The Importance of Character
- [13:40] - Practical Wisdom in Relationships
- [16:48] - Cultural Context and Humility
- [20:55] - Ruth's Approach to Boaz
- [24:09] - The Role of the Kinsman-Redeemer
- [30:06] - Boaz's Response and Virtue
- [36:38] - Conclusion and Communion Preparation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Ruth
Bible Reading:
- Ruth 3:1-18
- Deuteronomy 25:5-10
- Leviticus 25:25
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant advice does Naomi give to Ruth regarding her approach to Boaz, and how does Ruth respond to it? ([05:19])
2. How does Boaz react when he discovers Ruth at his feet, and what does this reveal about his character? ([20:55])
3. What is the cultural significance of Ruth lying at Boaz's feet, and how does it relate to the concept of a kinsman-redeemer? ([16:48])
4. How does Naomi's understanding of Boaz's character influence her advice to Ruth? ([14:56])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her willingness to embrace Naomi's God reflect the theme of faithfulness in the story? ([02:56])
2. In what ways does the story of Ruth and Boaz illustrate God's providence and redemptive love, as seen through the role of the kinsman-redeemer? ([04:13])
3. How does the advice Naomi gives to Ruth about presenting herself well relate to the importance of virtue and character in relationships? ([13:40])
4. What does Boaz's willingness to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer suggest about his understanding of responsibility and compassion? ([25:27])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a decision to remain loyal to someone or something despite uncertainty. How did your faith influence that decision? ([02:56])
2. Consider a situation in your life where you felt bitterness like Naomi. How did you see God's providence at work during that time, and how can you apply that understanding to current challenges? ([03:36])
3. Think about the relationships in your life. How can you apply Naomi's practical wisdom in presenting yourself well and understanding relational dynamics? ([13:40])
4. In what ways can you demonstrate the kind of virtue and character that Ruth and Boaz exemplified in your own life? How might this impact your relationships? ([26:03])
5. How does the concept of a kinsman-redeemer resonate with your understanding of Jesus' role in your life? How can this understanding deepen your appreciation for communion? ([37:13])
6. Identify an area in your life where you need to trust in God's redemptive love. What steps can you take to surrender that area to Him? ([04:13])
7. Reflect on the importance of having a spiritual covering in your life. How can you seek or provide this kind of support within your community or family? ([22:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Loyalty in Uncertainty
Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi is a testament to the power of commitment and faithfulness. Despite the uncertainty of leaving her homeland and embracing a new faith, Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi demonstrates a profound trust in God's plan. Her actions teach us the importance of steadfastness in our relationships and faith, even when the future is unclear. Ruth's loyalty is not just a personal choice but a spiritual declaration, "Your God will be my God," showing her willingness to embrace a new identity and destiny. [02:56]
"But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'" (Ruth 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where you need to demonstrate more loyalty and faithfulness. How can you take a step today to show your commitment, even if it involves uncertainty or sacrifice?
Day 2: God's Hand in Our Darkest Moments
Despite Naomi's bitterness and loss, God's providence is at work, orchestrating events to bring about redemption and blessing. This narrative reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is weaving a tapestry of grace and purpose beyond our understanding. Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing illustrates how God can transform our pain into a story of hope and redemption. It encourages us to trust in His divine plan, even when we cannot see the full picture. [03:36]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt bitter or lost. How can you look for God's hand at work in your current circumstances, trusting that He is weaving a greater story of redemption?
Day 3: The Beauty of Inner Character
Ruth and Boaz are both noted for their noble character, which attracts them to each other. This highlights the significance of inner beauty and integrity, which are more enduring and impactful than outward appearances. Their story teaches us that true virtue and character are what draw people together and create lasting relationships. In a world that often values external appearances, Ruth and Boaz remind us of the importance of cultivating inner beauty and integrity. [26:03]
"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you can cultivate more inner beauty and integrity. What practical steps can you take today to develop these qualities in your character?
Day 4: The Power of Redemptive Love
The concept of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth's story is a powerful illustration of God's redemptive love for us. Just as Boaz redeems Ruth, Jesus redeems us, offering forgiveness and restoration through His sacrifice. This story foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Christ, who restores us to a right relationship with God. It is a reminder of the depth of God's love and the lengths He will go to redeem and restore us. [37:13]
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the redemptive love of Christ in your life. How can you extend this love and forgiveness to someone in your life who needs it today?
Day 5: Wisdom in Relationships
Naomi's advice to Ruth is practical and insightful, emphasizing the importance of presenting oneself well and understanding relational dynamics. This teaches us the value of wisdom and discernment in our interactions with others. Naomi's guidance helps Ruth navigate her relationship with Boaz, leading to a secure future. It reminds us that wisdom in relationships involves both practical actions and a deep understanding of the dynamics at play. [13:40]
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a relationship where you need more wisdom and discernment. What is one practical step you can take today to improve this relationship, guided by wisdom and understanding?
Quotes
"Now the Moabites are very pagan people. They don't worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Moabites are descendants of an incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters who got him drunk one night and slept with him. So the Moabites are descendants of incest. But while there, this family, the two boys get married, and they marry a couple of Moabite women. Killian marries Orpah, her name means gazelle, and Mylon marries Ruth, and her name means friendship." [00:01:34]
"And God’s going to take a bitter story and make it very sweet. And that’s the wonderful thing about what God often does in our lives. Now it isn’t that every story ends up happily ever after. You know, some stories are that God sees us through the difficulties, and God’s ever-abiding present is there through the difficulties. And then there are other times that He brings us out of the difficulties and He takes what is bitter and makes it sweet." [00:03:36]
"Jesus is reflected in every book of the Bible, including the Old Testament, and we will see Jesus revealed in this redemptive love story too, but probably not until we get to chapter four. But for tonight, we’re here in chapter three. Now I will tell you that this chapter, as we begin to read it, is a very painfully practical chapter. And the reason I say painfully is because some of you might be a little offended by the advice that Naomi gives her daughter-in-law." [00:04:37]
"Naomi concerned for Ruth and sees kind of this little love scenario happening here. She’s like, okay, like, like I want security for you. I want you to be able to get married and have security here. And so here’s your advice. Verse three, therefore, wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment. Okay, pause right there in the middle of the verse because here’s where all this practical advice from Naomi to Ruth comes." [00:07:35]
"Ruth was a virtuous woman, so she wasn’t trying to turn heads, you know, or dress to impress. The fact that she is having to be coached here a little bit indicates that, you know, she’s not all that concerned about her physical appearance per se. Her noble character is going to attract a man of noble character because we find that in this story both Ruth and Boaz are people of noble character. You will attract the kind of person that you are." [00:10:37]
"Naomi basically says to Ruth, take a bath, soak in some bath salts, go get your nails done, and then go on over to Ulta, slap down a few Ben Franklins, and get some makeup and some Moabite delight perfume, and doll yourself up. Now remember Ruth has been working in the fields, so she’s a little grungy at this point, and Naomi’s just telling her to clean up a little bit. If you want Boaz to notice, clean up a little bit." [00:12:09]
"Naomi continues with her advice. She says, then it shall be when he lies down that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go in, uncover his feet, and lie down, and he will tell you what you should do. Now this is not typical advice you would think to give to your single daughter. You know what I’m saying? Like you’re really interested in a guy, okay, go find out where he lives, stalk him at his apartment." [00:16:40]
"Ruth is going to show here her humility in this act of what she’s doing here. The third point that Naomi makes here out of verse four is that it’s okay to let a man know that you are interested and available. Now you say, but I don’t want to chase a guy. Okay, true, you shouldn’t. You shouldn’t be chasing after a guy, but it’s okay to get in his way. It’s okay to get in front of him once in a while." [00:17:46]
"Ruth has already expressed her desire to not only be with Naomi but to worship the God that Naomi worships. So she’s become a proselyte to Judaism here, but she’s new to all this, and Boaz has already calculated this. He goes, yeah, I’m interested too, but I’m not the closest relative. And he says, but I tell you what, he says, you know, I’ve noticed you haven’t gone after all the other young rich men like you’ve been waiting." [00:29:21]
"The kinsman redeemer was responsible to safeguard the persons, the property, and the posterity of the family. The persons, the property, and the posterity of the family, that’s what his role was. And in this particular case, he’s related to Maelon in some way by blood, and so he senses this obligation. But you can see here in his response, it’s more than an obligation. He actually has a heart for her." [00:33:04]
"Naomi just encourages her like, all right, look, he’s going to have to investigate who the nearest relative is. You just, you know, be patient, you know, don’t worry about it. God’s gonna sort all this out. He’s gonna take care of it because Naomi knows that Boaz is a man of character too. He’s a man of virtue, and if he said this, he’s gonna do it. So he’s just, you know, you can imagine like anybody would be in this situation." [00:35:51]
"Naomi says to her daughters-in-law, I’m going to go back home. It’s been 10 years now, but you ladies are from Moab, so you should stay here. And Orpah says, okay, that sounds good to me. I’m gonna start a huge media conglomerate and have a talk show. No, that’s Oprah, I’m sorry. This is Orpah. And so she stays in Moab, but Ruth says, no, I’m gonna go with you, and where you go, I will go, and your God will be my God." [00:02:39]
"Boaz notices her and he even warns his fellow employees. He gathers all the guys together. He says, guys, don’t you be making any advances towards that young lady. And he warns them, it basically challenges them because he becomes very protective of Ruth. You can begin to see his heart is turning towards her. And so he warns all the other guys. He’s like, don’t you dare touch her, okay, and if you do, I own all these fields." [00:09:20]
"Ruth is appealing to him. If you’re interested, I’m interested. You are a close relative because I am interested, but I’m not the closest, so we got to figure that out first before we can get married potentially. So to summarize it, here it is. The kinsman redeemer was responsible to safeguard the persons, the property, and the posterity of the family. The persons, the property, and the posterity of the family, that’s what his role was." [00:32:58]
"Boaz is related to Maelon, but he’s not the closest relative. So he’s obviously not the brother because the only other brother, Kilian, died. And it means that he’s not the next relative in the list would be an uncle. So he’s not the uncle because he says I’m not the closest relative. So he could be the uncle’s son, he could be a cousin, or he could be someone after that down the line." [00:28:21]
"Naomi says to Ruth, because they don’t take showers every day, why don’t you take a bath, like, you know, clean yourself up. Now, Ruth was a virtuous woman, so she wasn’t trying to turn heads, you know, or dress to impress. The fact that she is having to be coached here a little bit indicates that, you know, she’s not all that concerned about her physical appearance per se. Her noble character is going to attract a man of noble character." [00:10:36]
"Ruth is going to show here her humility in this act of what she’s doing here. The third point that Naomi makes here out of verse four is that it’s okay to let a man know that you are interested and available. Now you say, but I don’t want to chase a guy. Okay, true, you shouldn’t. You shouldn’t be chasing after a guy, but it’s okay to get in his way. It’s okay to get in front of him once in a while." [00:17:46]
"Naomi says to her daughters-in-law, I’m going to go back home. It’s been 10 years now, but you ladies are from Moab, so you should stay here. And Orpah says, okay, that sounds good to me. I’m gonna start a huge media conglomerate and have a talk show. No, that’s Oprah, I’m sorry. This is Orpah. And so she stays in Moab, but Ruth says, no, I’m gonna go with you, and where you go, I will go, and your God will be my God." [00:02:39]
"Boaz notices her and he even warns his fellow employees. He gathers all the guys together. He says, guys, don’t you be making any advances towards that young lady. And he warns them, it basically challenges them because he becomes very protective of Ruth. You can begin to see his heart is turning towards her. And so he warns all the other guys. He’s like, don’t you dare touch her, okay, and if you do, I own all these fields." [00:09:20]
"Ruth is appealing to him. If you’re interested, I’m interested. You are a close relative because I am interested, but I’m not the closest, so we got to figure that out first before we can get married potentially. So to summarize it, here it is. The kinsman redeemer was responsible to safeguard the persons, the property, and the posterity of the family. The persons, the property, and the posterity of the family, that’s what his role was." [00:32:58]
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