April 7

Ruth 1-4 (biblegateway.com)

Redeemed by Grace

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story of God’s redemption, faithfulness, and providence, set against the dark period of the Judges. It takes place when Israel was caught in a cycle of sin and disobedience, yet amidst national chaos, God’s hand is seen in the life of Ruth, a Moabite woman who chooses to follow the God of Israel. The book not only highlights human faithfulness but ultimately points to Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer, and teaches us about God’s sovereign plan to bring redemption through ordinary people.

Ruth 1 is a story of loss, loyalty, and the first steps of redemption. The story begins with Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons leaving Bethlehem due to a famine and settling in Moab (v. 1-2). Moab was a pagan nation that historically opposed Israel (Numbers 22-25), making their move a significant departure from the land of God’s promise. While in Moab, Naomi experiences great sorrow—her husband dies, and ten years later, both of her sons, Mahlon and Chilion, also die, leaving Naomi and her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, as widows (v. 3-5). In the ancient world, widowhood without male heirs meant extreme vulnerability, leaving Naomi destitute.

Hearing that the Lord had ended the famine in Bethlehem, Naomi decides to return home (v. 6-7). She urges Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab, remarry, and build a future for themselves (v. 8-9). Though Orpah eventually returns, Ruth refuses, making a powerful declaration of loyalty not only to Naomi but also to God. “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (v. 16). Ruth, a Gentile, chooses faith over familiarity, embracing the God of Israel despite the uncertainty ahead.

When Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, the town is stirred by their arrival, but Naomi, in her bitterness, tells them to call her Mara (meaning “bitter”), as she believes the Lord has afflicted her (v. 19-21). However, the chapter ends with a glimmer of hope, as the barley harvest is beginning, signaling God’s provision (v. 22).

Ruth 2 highlights God’s providence. Now back in Bethlehem, Naomi and Ruth face the harsh reality of survival as two widows. Ruth, taking the initiative, offers to glean in the fields to provide food for them (v. 2). According to Israelite law, the poor were allowed to collect leftover grain from the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10). By God’s providence, Ruth finds herself working in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy and respected relative of Naomi’s late husband (v. 3).

Boaz, known for his kindness and godly character, notices Ruth and inquires about her (v. 5-7). Upon learning of her faithfulness to Naomi, he extends grace and protection, allowing her to glean safely in his fields and providing her with water and food (v. 8-9, 14). He blesses her, saying, “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (v. 12). Ruth, humbled by Boaz’s kindness, continues gleaning until evening, gathering an abundant amount of grain (v. 17).

When Ruth returns home and shares her experience, Naomi recognizes God’s hand at work, exclaiming, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers” (v. 20). Naomi realizes that Boaz has the legal right to redeem them by marrying Ruth, hinting at a future hope for their restoration.

Ruth 3 reveals Ruth’s bold faith and Boaz’s honorable character, as God’s plan for redemption begins to unfold through their obedient trust. Recognizing an opportunity for Ruth’s security, Naomi instructs her to take a bold step of faith. She tells Ruth to go to the threshing floor at night, where Boaz is winnowing barley, and to uncover his feet as he sleeps, a symbolic act of seeking his protection as a redeemer (v. 1-4). Following Naomi’s advice, Ruth approaches Boaz and says, “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family” (v. 9).

Boaz is moved by Ruth’s faith and virtue, acknowledging that she has shown great loyalty in choosing him over younger men (v. 10). However, he informs her that there is a closer kinsman who has the first right to redeem her (v. 12-13). Despite this, he reassures her that he will resolve the matter the next day, showing his integrity and commitment to doing what is right. Before she leaves, he gives her six measures of barley as a sign of his intention to provide for her and Naomi (v. 15-17).

Ruth 4 beautifully concludes the story. The next morning, Boaz meets with the nearer relative at the city gate, where legal matters were settled. He presents the opportunity to redeem Naomi’s land, which the relative initially agrees to, but when Boaz explains that redemption includes marrying Ruth to preserve the family line, the man declines, fearing it will endanger his own inheritance (v. 1-6). With the transaction finalized, Boaz publicly declares his intention to marry Ruth, and the elders bless their union (v. 9-12).

Boaz and Ruth marry, and the Lord blesses them with a son, Obed, who later becomes the grandfather of King David (v. 13-17). Naomi, once bitter, is now filled with joy, as Obed becomes a source of blessing and restoration to her. The book concludes with a genealogy, linking Ruth’s story to the lineage of Jesus Christ (v. 18-22, Matthew 1:5-16).

In conclusion, the book of Ruth is far more than a beautiful love story. It is a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and redemptive plan at work in the midst of suffering. Naomi’s journey from despair to restoration reminds us that even when life feels empty and broken, God is still working behind the scenes for His greater purpose. Ruth’s steadfast faithfulness, even as an outsider, reveals that God blesses those who walk in obedience and trust Him, no matter how uncertain their future may seem. Likewise, Boaz, as the kinsman-redeemer, does more than simply rescue Ruth. He reflects the heart of God, pointing us to the ultimate redemption found in Christ.

Beyond the personal stories of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, the book of Ruth teaches that God’s redemptive plan is not bound by human limitations. Ruth, a Moabite, was a foreigner, an outsider with no rightful claim to Israel’s promises. Yet, in God’s sovereign plan, she was not only welcomed into His people but also woven into the very lineage of Jesus Christ. This reveals the heart of God. He extends His grace beyond borders, cultures, and backgrounds. No one is too far gone to be redeemed. No matter your past, God invites you into His family through faith in Christ.

Ruth’s faith challenges us to trust God even when circumstances seem hopeless. She had every reason to stay in Moab, to seek a secure and comfortable future there. Yet, she chose to leave everything behind and follow Naomi, entrusting herself to the God of Israel. Do we trust God when He calls us into the unknown, or do we cling to what is familiar and comfortable? True faith requires stepping forward in obedience, even when the path is unclear.

Boaz’s actions remind us that godly character matters. He exemplifies kindness, integrity, and a heart of redemption. He did not have to redeem Ruth, yet he willingly stepped in to provide for her, honoring both God and His law. In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to extend kindness and generosity to those in need? Do we live in a way that reflects the character of Christ, protecting the vulnerable, acting with integrity, and demonstrating sacrificial love? Boaz’s story calls us to live differently, to embody the same grace and faithfulness that God has shown us.

Ultimately, the greatest challenge from Ruth’s story is this: Have you personally experienced redemption through Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer? Boaz redeemed Ruth from her difficult circumstances, but Jesus offers an even greater redemption, one that rescues us from the bondage of sin and death. His sacrifice on the cross paid the ultimate price for our salvation, offering us eternal life and restoration. Yet, just as Ruth had to accept Boaz’s redemption, we must choose to accept Christ’s redeeming work in our lives. Have you surrendered your life to Him? Are you still trying to secure your own future, or have you placed your trust in the only One who can truly redeem you?

God has a plan of redemption for every life. Are you willing to trust Him, even when you cannot see the full picture? Like Ruth, will you choose faith over fear and step into the unknown, believing that God is leading you? Like Boaz, will you reflect God’s heart of kindness and redemption in the way you treat others? And most importantly, will you respond to Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, and allow Him to restore your life?

The story of Ruth is not just an ancient tale; it is a call to faith, obedience, and redemption. No matter your past, no matter where you come from, God’s grace is extended to you. His plans are always greater than our own, and His redemption is available to all who will receive it. Will you step into His plan by faith and allow Him to redeem your life for His glory?