Ever feel like life has dealt you a bad hand? You’ve faced loss, hardship, or circumstances beyond your control and wondered how you’ll make it through.
The story of Ruth in the Bible is a powerful reminder that there is hope, even in our darkest moments. This young widow faced immense loss and hardship, but through courage, faith, and fierce loyalty, she was able to turn her life around.
Her story has resonated with people for centuries because we all face trials that make us question how life will go on.
Yet in Ruth’s journey, we find inspiration and timeless lessons for overcoming adversity with grace. Here are 5 powerful lessons from the book of Ruth you must know.
What is the main lesson in the book of Ruth?
The main lesson in the book of Ruth is that God rewards those who show kindness and faithfulness. Ruth, a Moabite woman, gives up her home and religious beliefs to care for her Israelite mother-in-law Naomi.
Let’s also remember that her mother-in-law was bitter aganist God for the lossof her husband and two sons. This means she would have taken out her anger or frustration on her daughters in-law Orpha and Ruth
This also means that wouldn’t have been easy for Ruth to put up with her attitude as they travelled to Bethlehem.
Orpah on the other hand had to go back because she couldn’t bear the anger of Naomi coupled with the pain of being a widow.
The reason I’m bringing this up is because when we read through the text it seem like an easy task or just a love story.
I’m quite sure that there were some days Ruth wanted to give up but I believe that she must have heard stories of the almighty God, the deliverer of the children of Israel that Naomi had forgotten about.
Because of Ruth’s devotion and loyalty to Naomi, God blesses her in amazing ways.
How to Build A Relationship with God
When Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem, Naomi must have told great stories about how Ruth had been a blessing to her.
Ruth’s good deeds were spread far and near because her good deeds brought her favour before God and man.
Ruth goes to glean in the fields to get food for them. She ends up in the field of a man named Boaz, who is kind to her and lets her glean freely because he heard of how kind she was to Naomi.
Boaz is drawn to Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi. Eventually, Boaz marries Ruth, and she gives birth to Obed, the grandfather of King David.
If you read carefully through the Ruth 3: 1-18 NIV you will also discover that Naomi gave Ruth instruction on how to gain Boaz’s attention and become his bride
God rewarded Ruth’s faithfulness in several ways:
- He led Ruth to the field of Boaz, a man who would show her kindness and protection. Sometimes God leads us to the right place or person at just the right time.
- Boaz showed Ruth favor and allowed her to glean freely in his field. When we are faithful to God, He often uses others to bless us in unexpected ways.
- Ruth found love and marriage again after losing her first husband. God gave Ruth a new family and security through her marriage to Boaz.
- Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David. Not only was Ruth blessed, but her faithfulness resulted in blessing generations of her family. Our faithfulness can have far-reaching effects.
- Ruth is one of only two women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Her story reminds us that in God’s kingdom, faithfulness is more important than gender, nationality or status. God uses the faithful, no matter their position in life.
The story of Ruth and Naomi reminds us that God honors faithfulness. When we give up our own plans to care for others,
God sees and rewards our devotion in amazing ways. Like Ruth, stay faithful – you never know how God may use your faithfulness to bless generations to come!
What are the 3 themes of the book of Ruth?
The book of Ruth tells a beautiful story of love, faith, and redemption. Within this short narrative, there are three main themes that provide powerful lessons for our lives today:
Loyalty and Commitment
Ruth demonstrated her loyalty and commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law, after the death of Ruth’s husband.
Although Ruth was from Moab and could have returned to her own people, she chose to remain with Naomi. Ruth pledged her allegiance to Naomi with these famous words: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16).
Ruth’s steadfast loyalty and commitment to Naomi provide an example we should follow in our own relationships.
Providence and God’s Timing
God’s hand of providence and perfect timing are evident throughout the story of Ruth. Ruth “just happened” to glean in the field of Boaz, who “just happened” to be Naomi’s relative.
This series of events leads to Boaz and Ruth marrying, and the birth of their son Obed who would be the grandfather of King David.
Despite the trials and difficulties Naomi and Ruth faced, God worked behind the scenes to bring blessing and reward their faithfulness. We can be encouraged that God has a purpose and timing for the events in our lives as well.
Redemption and Second Chances
The story of Ruth is a story of redemption and second chances. Naomi and Ruth experienced tremendous loss and heartache, yet God redeemed their circumstances.
He provided a “kinsman redeemer” in Boaz. Boaz took Ruth as his wife, saving her from a life of poverty and loneliness.
The child Ruth bore became Naomi’s heir, filling her life with joy and blessing again. Like Naomi and Ruth, we serve a God of redemption who can take our pain and loss and turn it into something beautiful if we remain faithful. God is the ultimate Kinsman Redeemer!
What does Ruth symbolize in the Bible?
Ruth: A Symbol of Faithfulness and Loyalty
In the Bible, Ruth symbolizes faithfulness, loyalty, and devotion. Her story shows how God rewards those who are faithful to Him and to others.
Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man named Mahlon. After Mahlon died, Ruth showed extreme loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi by refusing to abandon her.
Even though Naomi told Ruth to return to her own gods and her own people, Ruth pledged to stay with Naomi, adopting Naomi’s God and people as her own.
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. ” (Ruth 1:16 NLT)
Ruth’s faithfulness and loyalty were rewarded. She went on to remarry an Israelite man named Boaz, and she became the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth is one of only five women named in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.
A Model of Humility and Service
Ruth was also a model of humility, service, and hard work. After pledging to stay with Naomi, Ruth humbly went out to the fields to glean grain so they would have food to eat.
She worked tirelessly from morning until evening, not expecting or demanding any special treatment.
Boaz noticed Ruth’s dedication and service. He told her, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.” (Ruth 2:11)
Ruth’s humility, service, and hard work were rewarded with a new husband and a secure future. Her story reminds us that God honors and blesses those who faithfully serve others with humility.
A Story of Redemption
Ultimately, the story of Ruth and Boaz is a story of redemption. Ruth was a foreigner, outside the covenant blessings of Israel. But through her faith in the God of Israel, she was redeemed and brought into the covenant community. Boaz, as her “kinsman-redeemer,” saved her from poverty and secured her future.
Ruth and Boaz’s story foreshadows our own redemption through Jesus Christ, our eternal Kinsman-Redeemer. Like Ruth, we are outsiders brought into God’s covenant community through faith in Christ.
And like Boaz, Christ has redeemed us, saved us, and secured our eternal future. The story of Ruth is a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming grace.
What is the essence of the book of Ruth?
The book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful love stories in the Bible. At its heart, it’s about loyalty, kindness, and devotion. Beyond the romance, it teaches us some powerful lessons about life and faith.
God Uses Ordinary People
The story of Ruth revolves around everyday people – an ordinary family simply trying to survive difficult times. Yet God chose to use Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz to be part of Jesus’ lineage.
This shows us that God can use anyone for His greater purposes, no matter how ordinary or undeserving we may feel.
Loyalty and Devotion Are Rewarded
Ruth displayed immense loyalty to Naomi by refusing to abandon her mother-in-law after the death of her husband.
Her devotion and commitment to Naomi did not go unnoticed. God rewarded Ruth’s faithfulness by bringing her into the family of Boaz and allowing her legacy to live on through King David and Jesus.
This reminds us that our acts of sacrifice and fidelity to our loved ones are seen by God.
God Works In Mysterious Ways
When Naomi’s sons died, she believed God had abandoned her. Yet His sovereign hand was still guiding her path. God gave Ruth favor and led her to the field of Boaz, a kinsman redeemer.
Boaz took notice of Ruth’s noble character and married her, saving Naomi’s family line. This story shows us that even in our darkest despair, God is still in control and working behind the scenes for our good. His ways are higher than our ways.
Kindness Is Always Rewarded
Boaz showed tremendous kindness to Ruth, a foreigner and widow. He provided for her needs, protected her, and eventually married her.
Boaz’s kindness and generosity were rewarded with Ruth’s love, devotion and motherhood. The lesson here is that kindness, especially towards the vulnerable and less fortunate, always comes back to bless us in unexpected ways.
Love Knows No Bounds
The story of Ruth and Boaz depicts the power of love to overcome social barriers. As a Moabite woman, Ruth was considered an outsider.
Yet Boaz saw beyond cultural differences and was drawn to her character and spirit. Their love story shows us that true love knows no bounds and can blossom despite perceived differences or obstacles.
Another beautiful thing about their love story is that Boaz didn’t take advantage of Ruth. He was already to follow due process as custom demands before marrying Ruth. Any man that loves you must learn self-control or he won’t be able to lead you or himself.
The book of Ruth may be short, but it is filled with timeless truths and life lessons that still speak to us today. At its heart, it’s a story of hope, redemption and the far-reaching power of love.
Conclusion
So there you have it – five powerful lessons we can all learn from the inspiring story of Ruth. While life often throws difficulties and heartache our way, choosing faith, loyalty and perseverance in the face of challenges can lead to greater joy and purpose.
Ruth’s story reminds us that there is always hope, even in our darkest moments. She chose to walk the hard road, and was blessed for her faithfulness. You have the power to do the same.
What new path is God calling you to today? Have courage, take that first step, and watch as your life unfolds in beautiful new ways. The story of Ruth lives on to inspire us all.
