6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth

God is the perfect match maker. Chances are that he thought he would have had time to go back. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. Be Blessed. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. Ruth followed Naomi into the unknown. And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. Examining the second chapter of Ruth. She was childless. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. About Us | Contact US | Privacy | Disclaimer | Back to Top. His father was Salmon, an Israelite prince. She doesnt have great riches or great position. No machines existed. Boaz redeemed Ruth like Jesus redeemed us. The story is a mirror opposite of Israel's depressing journey from triumph to tragedy that is presented in the book of Judges. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . Naomi planned to return to Israel and encouraged Ruth to stay in Moab and return to her mother's family. This is an important truth for us today. Even though Ruth wasnt a Jew and was a Moabite, God didnt allow those titles to change His love for Ruth. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. The book of Ruth found in the Old Testament is one of the few Bible . Copyright Feel The Words 2023. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. This book is the story of a young widow named Ruth, whose heart had been broken by her husband's death yet healed by faith in the God of Israel. The story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz ( Ruth 1-4) is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. She left behind her family to go with Naomi back to Bethlehem. . The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. If we were to explore them all, this post would never end. To become a star is the beginning of the end, I have to convince other Democrats and Republicans, What is the recipe for successful achievement, In commendably seeking to protect freedom. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. She was letting him know she was ready for the next stage. Lesson 3 - Working Isn't A Lack Of Blessing. The choice is always yours. He also made sure she got a little bit more than everyone else. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth's deep love for her mother-in-law, and the love and loyalty that not only existed between them but that Ruth had for Naomi's people. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. but, his promises are true and proved. This was completely not her fault. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? When it was just a matter of property, it was easy to decide on; but if he must take Ruth as a wife, that was another matter. But even when her sister-in-law chose to go back, Ruth made a different decision. This means she was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust. How a Man Should Treat a Woman According to God. It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. Ruth Chapter 4: Fruits of Freedom. The indescribable passion and struggles that accompany love is displayed in the Book of Ruth and these actions personify our own struggles that we come face-to-face with on a daily basis. Now that we have dealt with what it means to wait for your Boaz, there are some other relationship nuggets buried in the story. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. The Book of Ruth enables readers to view, in a small-scale way, the foundational biblical story of the exodus. She owed nothing to Naomi, but instead gave her everything. It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. But life was actually worst. It was a sacrifice for Ruth to refuse to return to her family. He was wealthy but he gave more than grains and barley. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Ruth allowed herself to be loved and led by Naomi. Naomis ability to be open and honest with Ruth about her relationship with God is inspiring. She was bending over all day long to pick up grain. However, if we look forward and allow our compassion for one another fuel our outlook then we will see how love can flourish. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. Men and Women should respect each other equally. Just look at all the immigration issues globally. February 10, 2023. It was an enemy nation, and Israelites tended to look down on the Moabites. And after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was cheerful, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. . Boaz invited Ruth to eat with his employees. One of the moral lessons we can get from the bible story of Ruth is the importance of making wise choices as Ruth did in Ruth 1:16-18 that made her choose to stay with Naomi despite Orpah choosing otherwise. Her name might have formed the core of the qualities she possessed. And she took on a religion that she knew very little about just like Abraham. The Book of Ruth provides five lessons on what it's like to be a true leader. Both Naomi and Ruth experienced a great amount of grief, however both prevail Naomi loses her husband two sons. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? : , , Boaz didnt seem to have this concern. When entering into a relationship, its important that each person understand and respect the other as an equal. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. She took action. They have nothing, so Ruth goes to work in the grain fields so they have enough food to eat. 3.9 Rate this book. The book of Ruth shines like a beautiful diamond against this bleak background. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. Your past is not your final destination when you make a choice in faith. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her. He is still working. Ruth was a Moabite woman and was considered to be a foreigner in Judah, which was a huge deal in their culture at that time. Lets face it, no one is perfect! So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. Boaz described Ruth as a woman of noble character. And what a bountiful blessing she reaped! Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. As women, we can look up to Ruth as an example of goodness and someone worth emulating. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. And Boaz did not delay in calling a meeting to secure his rights to marry her. Ruth was a stranger in the land. The book of Ruth starts with the life of Naomi. The love story of Ruth and Boaz can be found in the book of Ruth. But she did not. This short by fascinating book tells the story of a woman, who comes to Israel with her mother-in-law, after the deaths of both of their husbands. You never know whos watching you and has the power to fulfill Gods plans and blessings. It was their faith that was at the center of their relationship and intimate communication. Boaz did this without any apparent expectation of getting anything from Ruth. When Boaz decided to act on Ruths interest in being married to him, he was not willing to break the law or conduct underhanded business. It was later in the story that any signs of romantic love were expressed. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. While your confidence may be wavering, Gods promises are not. In those days when men died before they had children, a male relative was responsible for taking his widow as wife and giving her children who would be considered the child of the deceased. It is true that dating can be quite a drama-filled journey. relationship between God and his people and vice versa." Without the reality of erotic conjugal love, our knowledge of God's love would be so much the poorer. He wanted to make sure she was ok. Look for a giving, unselfish man. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? But it could also mean a term of endearment. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. They choose to stay together and forge a union. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. 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). Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. 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. First, Elimelech dies then both Mahlon and Chillion die. Her best days were not behind. Hope in Trouble times. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. But she didnt. Just 10 years later her sons die, too. Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. There are three lessons that can be learned from Ruth and Naomi's relationship that are reflected in this verse. She lived a simple live in obscurity. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. . She could not be accused of being idle. To some extent, she might be considered naive. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. Clearly, the exalted nation of Israel, God's chosen people, has lost its sense of direction. You see, we are all desolate as a result of our sinful natures. Go have babies. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. With love does come heartache this can is seen through break-ups, divorce, or even death. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. All rights reserved. However, Naomi stayed committed to her daughter-in-law and wanted her to follow the God of Israel. We dont know anything about her beauty but we know her character was admirable. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. He should have already taken her in to provide for her. She lost her husband and her two sons. Ruth went above and beyond in the way she honored and respected her mother-in-law, and in doing so became known in the entire city as a virtuous woman. She worked hard to provide food for her and her mother-in-law. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. i. It's very great to learn from the book of Ruth and it's very challenging book and great book very interesting to read this 7 powerful lession. Ruth had no family in Bethlehem so Boaz did not have the opportunity to know about her through their eyes. Boaz would have needed to set up his inheritance which would include having sons to leave all his wealth to. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. In fact, we know more about the relationship between these two women than we know about them individually. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. Open your Safari menu and tap "Add to Home Screen". You have your identity when you find out, not what you can keep your mind on, but what you can't Love is a very interesting concept. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Mahlon was married to Ruth while Chillion was married to Orpah. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. Love One Another The Overlooked Commandment. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. Loss Is Hard. I dont imagine that he solved all her problems nor did they have a perfect relationship. Ruth 2:4 The Right Relationship Between Masters and Servants; Ruth 2:5-7 Attention to the Stranger at the Gate; Ruth 2:5-7 Introduction to a Future Wife; Because thieves were commonly known to break in and steal grain, Boaz slept at the threshing floor to protect his property and his produce. God will not necessarily stand in your way. Their sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. Beloved Lord God, It was Your intention that mankind live in fellowship with You eternally, but in Adam's fall from grace that bond of eternal fellowship was broken and for the first time man was in need of a Redeemer. If not, you should probably get one. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. The entire Bible is about how God orchestrated history in an effort to save us. As a widow myself, Im drawn to the story of Ruth again and again. Go get married. While Judges is about breaking covenant and leaving torah, Ruth is about keeping covenant . If she had to go it alone, it would be 10 times harder. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. Love works in mysterious ways. One of the major lessons we can deduce from the book of Ruth and Ruth's story is that choosing to serve God requires faith and determination even in uncertain times. He dies in Moab. 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. He was all too willing to do so. 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. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. Boaz took interest in her and increased his kindness. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. The rest of the book tells how Ruth married a . But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. Boaz was attracted to Ruths character. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. : .. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. Like Ruth, we also need to work to be women and men of integrity. 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. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the best-loved stories in the Bible. Remember to thank and recognize your partner each day. This was the first romantic move he made. Nothing is going in her favor, but shes brave, and her faith never wavers. It really is that simple! It seems that Naomi's entire life crumbles in those years. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. Be sure to check out The Story of Naomi in the Bible and lessons you can learn. His wife and sons stay on, and the sons marry non-Jewish women - Moabite princesses by the names of Ruth and Orpah. It is this famine that forces Elimelech to take his wife Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chillion, to leave Bethlehem and live in Moab, a pagan community. This is especially important when family isnt available. Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. And thats why when youre dating you should probably spend lots of time outdoors or around other people. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. , Thy people shall be my people, and the book of Ruth the! 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6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth