6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth

Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. 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. Boaz firstly asks the kinsman if he would be willing to purchase Naomis land. Look out for a man who is proud to call you his own. A simple Moabite widow becomes an essential character in the powerful story of salvation woven through the Bible. Ten years passed, and Mahlon and Chilion both died. (NLT). Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse. At the very beginning of the book of Ruth, shes living in Moab, her home nation. Many interpreters read Ruth as a happy-ending romance featuring Ruth, the beautiful young Moabite widow who captivated the heart of the older wealthy landowner Boaz. 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; Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. This was a sign of her level of gratitude. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Ruth is an interesting Biblical story because it contains no miracles or prophecies. She might have been married before but now she was practically starting her life over. 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. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. As we see in Ruth 1:16, Ruth chose that she will serve the God of Naomi even to the point of death as she had fully resolved and purposed in her heart. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. In the end, everyone lived their life and love prevailed. 6 Relationship Lessons from the Book of Ruth There are many things married and single people can learn about in the Book of Ruth. Things will go faster and will be much better. Are they the same with you as they are with everyone else? It doesnt matter if youre a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. We can learn a lot from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi, and loyalty is among the lessons. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. But both of them had faith that somehow things would work out. Ruths story is one that exemplifies the reality that so many of us are thrown at every day death, love, heartache, falling into love and even compassion for others that share love. 2: Ruth wins Boaz's admiration and protection. Stressful. Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. Ruth could have waited on the benevolence of stranger to come to her door but she did not. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Books to Keep You Company When Youre Walking Through Suffering, When All You Want for Christmas is a Baby, When Everything in the World Seems Wrong, Its Worth Keeping House, why God never calls us from something without calling us to something, When Christmas Leaves You Feeling Lost and Disappointed. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. So well only look at a few. The book of Ruth begins by looking at the life of Naomi. A secret relationship is a red flag. Rahab, the prostitute who escaped Jericho was Boazs mother. Ruth refuses with a passionate speech to Naomi: Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1: 16,17 KJV). When John the Baptist was born, Zacharias was speaking in the future about the work of Christ, announcing: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. (Luke 1:68). Naomi was too old to remarry or to work. In that society, kinsmen had a duty to make sure that if a relative of theirs died without children, that relatives name would live on. Every week you will receive a devotional and a free printable PDF that will help you dive deeper into our Ruth Bible Study. While there are many things to learn from the story of Ruth, here are seven powerful lessons from this tiny book that stood out to me. Like Abraham, Ruth left her life of false worship, a life surrounded by a predictable routine and people she knew. She had nowhere to go and yearned to feel complete, so she returned to Judah. This would mean marrying the widow of the deceased and making children. . So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. In fact, when she returns to Bethlehem, she tells everyone: Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. But it could also mean a term of endearment. Sometimes it seems like I take my worries everywhere except to you. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. And they respond with similar pleasantries. Lesson 2 - Obedience Brings About Breakthrough. She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. Boaz took interest in her and increased his kindness. While working, Ruth catches Boazs eye. Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. Ruth abandoned his family and journey with Naomi back home . This was backbreaking work. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. She chose to serve the God of Naomi, and she believed there was still life left for her to live. Boaz is a type of Christ, meaning, he had many characteristics of Christ and foreshadowed what Jesus was going to do for humanity. 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. Her best days were not behind. But when God is with you, whatever touches you has Gods permission and in those times, you also have Gods protection and provision. So the Book of Ruth would roughly equate to the Book of Friendship in Hebrew. Naomi told Ruth to bathe, put on her best clothes, and splash on some perfume. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. THE BOOK OF RUTH Lesson 3: Chapters 3:6-4:22 Boaz Becomes Ruth's Blood Redeemer Previous Ruth Lessons List. 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. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. (Ruth 2:11, Ruth 3:10,11 KJV). The Book of Ruth is more than just a story about someone whose life was changed by love, but it reveals how love can truly move mountains and change the course of more than just two people that fall in love. The choice is always yours. No matter what devastating situation comes into play, love will conquer all because it is ultimately what brings people together. There is no clear answer to this question in Scripture. Love is a very interesting concept. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. This chapter also displays the gracious provision and protection . You have your identity when you find out, not what you can keep your mind on, but what you can't The book of Ruth shines like a beautiful diamond against this bleak background. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. Boaz was considerably older than Ruth. If you want to share this resource with others, please share the link to the blog post. She had married the son of an Israelite family while they were living in Moab, but at some point her father-in-law, her husband, and her husband's only brother died. Instead couples should have equal say on what happens within a relationship and each voice should hold the same value. Just look at all the immigration issues globally. And even in our obscurity, and in the mess of what may be our lives, God finds a way to use the most unlikely people in ways that we could never imagine. Listen To The Advice of The Wise. When we are going through some of our toughest struggles, he often brings us to the mindbarthis is where he gives us strength. Therefore, Boaz would need to marry her instead of Naomi. Its heart-wrenching to lose a child. Even though we are basically desolate because of our sinful actions, we will all be forgiven and have the opportunity to make our lives better. There was a law that provided this opportunity. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. Naomi hatches a "plan" to join Ruth and Boaz for "good" ( Ruth 2:22 ). Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? They see you when youre good and when youre bad. God does not enter into the story with fire or glory. Its easy to judge others and caste your own beliefs and judgment upon the way theyre living their life; however its important to be able to see both sides of the fence. Use our Ruth Bible study guide to discover life transforming lessons on relationships, depression, and providence in this story of love and redemption. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. But even when her sister-in-law chose to go back, Ruth made a different decision. In fact, Naomi encourages both girls to go back to their parents and find husbands who can take care of them. Naomi knew this and so she cautioned Ruth to wait until Boazs stomach was full and he was pretty much at rest. There is Always Hope. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? God bless you. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. He called her virtuous. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. The reality that Ruth experiences is relatable to couples in love today. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. His wife and sons stay on, and the sons marry non-Jewish women - Moabite princesses by the names of Ruth and Orpah. The Book of Ruth is more than just a story about someone whose life was changed by love, but it reveals how love can truly move mountains and change the course of more than just two people that fall in love. We dont usually share our unedited feelings and thoughts about God with friends or family members. Kenneth Way September 26, 2016. Love is a very interesting concept. She left behind her family to go with Naomi back to Bethlehem. Whether youre going through a break-up or divorce, there is a reason for all of the pain. Lesson no. "I would like to go to the fields ". When Ruth gets to Bethlehem, he decided to go to the fields to pick up left over grains for them to grind into flour to use for good. When Ruth and Naomi got back to Bethlehem, they had to fend for themselves as they were both widows. Thank you xo much, may God bless you, Scripture taken from New King James Version. The point is, we cant say for sure but it is likely that he had a wife. February 10, 2023. Later tragically, Naomis husband and two sons died. Application: God had a wonderful plan for Ruth. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. She took action by going to the fields everyday day to glean. For Ruth everything seemed hopeless when she lost her husband even worse for Naomi. Ruth, biblical character, a woman who after being widowed remains with her husband's mother. Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Ruth worked from morning till night. Because of the famine in Bethlehem he decided to move his family to Moab. 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. But one thing is clear: Boaz was extremely attracted to her characteristics of being hardworking and morally sound. Communication is one of the hardest things for human beings to accomplish. Little Things Can Accomplish Bigger Plans. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. This means she was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. In the book of Job, Job declares, I know that my Redeemer [goel] lives. While Boaz was a kinsman redeemer, when Jesus comes to earth as a man, he becomes our kinsman redeemer in the flesh, and Hebrews 2:11 it says that he is not ashamed to call them brethren.. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. This is especially important when family isnt available. The love story of Ruth and Boaz can be found in the book of Ruth. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi is a reflection of the faithful love of God offered to Israel and to us in the gift of covenant. Thanks for sharing some of it. God orchestrated the events of both their lives to make finding love again possible for Ruth. 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. But God had him turn up on the perfect day so he could meet Ruth. Naomi told the women, Go back home. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Look out for a man who brings freshness to your life. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. The LORD bless you, my daughter, he replied. Ruth reminds us that no matter what lies in our past, and no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, a little bit of faith makes a huge difference. Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and serve the true living God she served through . Everyone can find something relatable in Ruths love story. Note that he addressed her as daughter. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. Because of Boaz's wise (perhaps shrewd) way of framing the occasion, this was the first time the nearer kinsman considered this, and it was a pretty big question to take in all at once. Key Words and Historical Background Notes. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. They were being punished with a famine. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. Boaz rescued Ruth from the brink of poverty and enslavement like Jesus did for us. Painful. 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. They confess their undying devotion and love for each other and in a fairytale theyd live happily ever after. God heard her cries and helped her feel complete again. A famine in Canaan forces Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons, to migrate from Bethlehem to Moab. 1. The second blessing mentions Tamar, who in Genesis 38, like Ruth, bore a child after . Ignorance isnt always bliss. This was completely not her fault. Can the same be said of you? In the book of Ruth, the character of Boaz represents the culmination of God's providence for the two destitute widows at the center of the story.In Boaz, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth found a "kinsman redeemer," one whose responsibility was to "act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need." Boaz demonstrates, perhaps better than any other in the Old Testament . Seek and heed the advice of the righteous. But thats not what she did. They were living in Moab when both of their husbands died. The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. They choose to stay together and forge a union. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. : , , Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. Couples must balance each other and have a forgiving heart. He says The Lord be with you. This was to appeal to Boazs nature. God be thanked for your love to me. Love was different for all of the women involved Ruth, Orpah and Naomi. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. Ruth the Moabite is loyal to Yahweh and Naomi. Lesson 4 - Remaining Humble While Being Favored. Ruth's and Naomi's journey from heartbreak to hope offers an Old Testament glimpse into God's redemptive power as He transforms a bitter widow and a former idolater into a family legacy . Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 4. Early in the story we met Ruth and Orpah. Hope in Trouble times. The story has three main characters: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Book of Ruth: 30 Day reading plan for kids; Video clip of the Story of Ruth for kids; Ruth gleaning in the field coloring page "Book of Ruth" coloring page; Bible Lesson: Ruth and Boaz (older elementary) God takes care of Ruth & Naomi (preschool lesson) Lesson: Ruth is Faithful (Ruth 1:1-22) Lesson: Ruth Marries Boaz (Ruth 2-4) Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem to Moab encourages both girls to go and yearned feel... 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