The book of Ruth is one filled with many lessons. It depicts the journey of a woman through stages of her life. The books opens by telling us the story of a wife and husband (Naomi and Elimelech) who moved from Israel to Moab with their two sons in search of greener pastures. It was in Moab that their sons married Moabite women, one of whom was Ruth. 10 years after the marriage, Naomi’s sons and husband died and she decided to return to Israel after hearing how well the country was doing. Ruth loved Noami so much that she decided to go with her and stay by her side forever (Ruth 1:16-17). This book depicts the beauty of loyalty, selfless love, honour and the divine connection of God.
Key points and lessons shown in the book of Ruth.
One lesson the book of Ruth depicts is that your reputation matters and maintaining a good one through your character can open doors for you. When Boaz saw Ruth picking up left over grain on his field and asked his workers who she was, they described her by her reputation and character. A kind, selfless, loving, loyal, honourable and hardworking woman who honoured his close relative’s wife. The entire town knew the type of woman she was, and they respected her (Ruth 3:11).
Not only this, but God also connected her to a man of an equally beautiful character. Boaz was an honourable man with integrity (Ruth 3:13), gracious speech (Ruth 2:4), a kind heart and loyalty (Ruth 2:20). He was also a man who lived his life obeying and honouring God. In Leviticus 23:32, God commanded the Israelites to let the poor and foreigners living among them pick up remnants of their harvests. Boaz’s workers permitting Ruth and the other woman to do this without his presence on the field shows that this is something they are accustomed to doing. This shows how he honoured God in his daily life, and it was something God noted. What were the odds that she picked a random field to pick grain on and it so happened to be Boaz’s? This depicts the divine connection of God.
This story also shows the beauty of choosing God even in difficult times how God can pick you back up when you fall. When Naomi lamented about how the Lord had turned against her, Ruth who had also suffered a great loss did not use this against God. Instead, she told Naomi “your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16). She left her gods behind and chose God which God rewarded her for. So, choose God. In the bad and in the good, choose him. The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness (1 Samuel 26:23).
The book of Ruth also depicts a special bond between a mother and daughter-in-law. One of mutual love. The townspeople described her as someone who loved Naomi more than seven sons of her own would (Ruth 4:15). This is how it should be. Naomi wanted the best for Ruth and Ruth wholeheartedly loved Naomi.
