6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth

Relationships today are the exact same! No matter your past, you still have a purpose. Moral Lesson 1: The Value Of Making Wise Choices. The book of Ruth follows the book of Judges in our Bibles because its setting was in that time period. No matter what, work with excellence, even if the work is boring and you hate it. It means to refuse to rush or settle with someone who does not meet Gods approval. v 2 - Moab: located east of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of serious grief and . 1. He brought well-needed solutions. There is no bitterness or hostility that shadows over their relationship. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. But she didnt. Through love we learn how to deal with people and how we can become better people within our individual relationships and as an entire society. Note that he addressed her as daughter. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. So, Ruth and Naomi both return to Bethlehem. Ruth blesses Naomi with her friendship because Naomi never expected to have someone to hold onto after the loss of all the men in her life. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Stressful. Ruth laid aside her pain, left her home and family, and turned her face to the future with hope as she journeyed to a new place with her mother-in-law. Lets talk a little about the man Boaz, what was so special about Boaz, and lessons we can learn from them. Lets look at a few strengths and weaknesses of Ruth in the Bible. Then she had to do the work to make it into barley flour. About Us | Contact US | Privacy | Disclaimer | Back to Top. Its four chapters . The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible is one of the most romantic in Scripture. The Living Church of God bases its beliefs on the Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God. 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. She wasnt expecting this level of kindness and she that as a stranger this was very much out of the ordinary. Boaz meant that she was a valiant woman of great moral integrity. People can be great pretenders. Bethlehem was where Jehovah was worshipped but Moab was a place where heathen, false gods were worshipped. Lesson 1: Sometimes, the right choice requires immense sacrifice. While the two women have several things in common, they are different in some respects. When two people fall in love its a beautiful thing. Through love we learn how to deal with people and how we can become better people within our individual relationships and as an entire society. Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. Naomi and her husband decided to move away from Judah to Moab because of a terrible famine that was hurting their family. Its OK if you have some work to do in preparation for the man God has for you. He owned land and servants. 5) God has a Redeemer in place who can rescue us from the devastation of our own sin. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. As Naomi pointed out, Ruth was free to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband. After Naomi's two sons died in Moab, she decided to return to Bethlehem. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. But thats not what she did. So Ruth took on the responsibility of providing for them. In Boaz, Jesus shows up to redeem, cover, protect, rescue, and restore. 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. The Midrash points out that Ruth would only go to the fields with the permission of her mother-in-law. And this was in a time when women werent ordinarily included in genealogies. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. But we all know that reality is the furthest thing from a fairytale. The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the best-loved stories in the Bible. She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. Naomi, later on, lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. She was a convert to Judaism and she knew very little about Jewish rules. Which man is going to ignore a beautiful, well-dressed sweet smelling damsel, especially one who has already caught his attention with her character? 5 Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Ruth. And whats so amazing is that Ruth was a foreigner. Your email address will not be published. They choose to stay together and forge a union. God bless you. Having touched God's heart, she also touched the heart of one of God's champion followers Boaz. She owed nothing to Naomi, but instead gave her everything. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. The sons too perish, and at last Naomi . Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. The first lesson from the Book of Ruth is that there is always hope. What you are looking for is consistency. Often, we think of the Book of Ruth as "outdated" or "too old," yet there are important lessons we can learn. When you least expect it God provides His children with the things they need in life. 6: God redeems us from our hopeless situation The story of Boaz and Ruth has a lot of symbolism for us to take note of. Things will go faster and will be much better. It is HIS story. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And looking at the book of Ruth, we can see that even when we cant see beyond our pain to his plan, we can have hope that our story isnt over better days are coming. Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah because they were heartbroken and lost. Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. Anyone who looked at this foreign widow would have never guessed that God would choose her bloodline for the line of the promised redeemer Jesus. Every relationship will have its ups and downs because no relationship is perfect. Elimelech had intended to go back home. When these two women arrive back in Naomis home town, they are destitute, devastated, and broken. Love works in mysterious ways. Ruth shows pure, boundless love to her mother-in-law. One of the most important Naomi and Ruth relationship principles is to trust God. In a place where many would have thought shed be ostracized, she found love with a man named Boaz. It is a story of friendship, family, and redemption. 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. 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). Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. When Ruth and Naomi got back to Bethlehem, they had to fend for themselves as they were both widows. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. First, I will tell you the summary of the story from the Bible, and then I will talk about the morals of this story. Love is organic and the Book of Ruth is just one of the best examples to portray these ideal. Well, there is a lot to be said about her. Ruth was a Moabite, a nation of pagans and idol worshippers. That journey to Israel must have been frightening. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its evident that Naomi understands that God wants her to continue her relationship with Ruth and she expresses these feelings with thanks and recognition. Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. He was wealthy. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. It seems that Naomis entire life crumbles in those years. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. 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. Ruth and Naomi were in a desperate situation. At that stage of his life some things were of little consequence to him. He asked them to allow some to fall purposely for her. Boaz was one such person but there was another who came before Boaz. Mrs. Mckinnel would stay at home, while her father was the type of person who saw well in everyone. He also added that she stood out in the community for this quality. Men and Women should respect each other equally. But she cannot wash her face with the looking-glass. I imagine that they must have prayed for Gods favor. . . As you read through the book of Ruth, you wont find any places where Gods voice thunders down to her as you might in other Bible stories. Whether youre dating or married, your man is flesh and bones. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. There was no king in Israel and leadership was dependent on the judges that God selected. Boaz was a prophetic symbol and his redemptive work lives on even today. But Ruth refused to stay and instead went to Bethlehem with her. Ruth gave up everything in Moab to follow Naomi and the God she barely knew. Her commitment to journey on with Naomi was a beautiful, selfless act, and a stunning example of the love of Christ the same Christ who would be of her bloodline years later. 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. which revealed that our heavenly father do not differentiate. Go get married. Free Online Four-Week Book of Ruth Bible Study PDF: Our latest study will take you through the Book of Ruth. Instead, he waited for her to choose him. Tucked between the books of Judges and 1 st Samuel, it can be easily missed when thumbing through the Old Testament. The couples two sons both married when they moved to Moab. But life was actually worst. But when it comes to relationships, its even harder. I. Lesson #4 - Sharing Openly About Our Relationship with God Brings Intimacy to Relationships The story of Naomi and Ruth are woven together closely that their stories are nearly inseparable. . It might mean he was old enough to be her father. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . Through Naomi and Ruths mother and daughter-in-law relationship, were able to see the heavenly presence that takes place because of love. And again, after the night at the threshing floor, he gave barley to take home. Life changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully present and engaged. Love works in mysterious ways. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. Once they realize that their significant other doesnt have bad intentions when they make mistakes, theyll discover that their relationship will truly prosper. Act 3: Ruth and Boaz are at the threshing floor ( Ruth 3:1-18 ). Just like the Proverbs 31 woman. 1:1-5: Elimelech and his family go to Moab. 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. Scripture does not comment on Ruths beauty. So Boaz had to be out there in the rain and sunshine with his workers. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. Both Ruth and Naomi, her mother-in-law, have returned to Israel from Moab widowed and forlorn. But tragedy struck the family. Boaz took interest in her and increased his kindness. Have you ever heard of the saying, dont throw rocks at a glass house? Its a popular saying: Im waiting for my Boaz. No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. God had an amazing plan for Ruth. A man named Elimelech, from Bethlehem-Judah, left his hometown when a famine struck. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. He made a decision that God didnt approve. The entire Bible is about how God orchestrated history in an effort to save us. (6-7) Ruth lays down at Boaz's feet. It is true that dating can be quite a drama-filled journey. The book of Ruth in the Bible is an anthology of love and forgiveness. The characteristics of Ruth in the Bible also include her being a hard worker, and someone who takes care of those around her. God had every intention of Ruth being part of the story for the lineage of Jesus. At the beginning of the story, we meet Elimelech, the husband of Naomi. We cannot say for sure how old either of them were but there was a notable age difference. Naomi was open with Ruth about the joy, the fear, the pain, and the anguish that came with her faith in God. God is the perfect match maker. Ruth's story is celebrated during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after Passover. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Relationships today are the exact same! In short, do your part to make yourself a Ruth, ready for a Boaz. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. Blessings occur seven times in the book of Ruth, from Naomi blessing both her daughters-in-law (1:8) and Boaz (2:19-20), to Boaz's casual blessing of his workers (2:4) and deeper blessing of Ruth (3:10), and climactically to the women blessing the Lord for the birth of the child (4:14). And the story its an important one. Ruth 1-4 | Lessons 1-12: Getting to Know God Through Old Testament Stories and Genealogies. Book of Ruth: summary. Her best days were not behind. Naomi planned to return to Israel and encouraged Ruth to stay in Moab and return to her mother's family. There are really so many lessons we could draw from this epic true love story. . The book of Ruth shines like a beautiful diamond against this bleak background. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. 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. Boaz was willing to claim Ruth publicly. Nineteenth-century American historian Elizabeth Ellet imagines that Ruth's beauty and foreign appearance attracted Boaz's attention.. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah and Ruth chose different paths because that was best for them. I will not talk much about Naomi here as I have dedicated an entire post to her. Naomi is the one who sets the tone for her relationship with daughter-in-law Ruth. Thank you xo much, may God bless you, Scripture taken from New King James Version. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. It doesn't matter if you're a male or female, God cares about everyone the same. Introduction. Ruth is also one of the few women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. Answer. If we were to explore them all, this post would never end. They struggled with poverty. Its there that she meets Boaz, who also turns out to be her redeemer. After Boaz secures his place as her redeemer, the two are married and are later blessed with a son named Obed the grandfather of King David. The intersection of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but . The book of Ruth presents the inspiring journey of God's people from tragedy to triumph. The love of a man and the love of a woman should always be considered as an equally powerful element. How a Man Should Treat a Woman According to God. God has a redeemer for our lives His name is Jesus Christ. 6 Naomi was a pious and charitable woman "whose ways were nice and pleasant." 7 Ruth considered her a spiritual guide whose advice . The story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz ( Ruth 1-4) is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. At the time this story is unfolding, Israel had strayed from Gods will. 3.9 Rate this book. When Boaz is introduced in the story, the first thing he does is to greet his workers and servants. 4. Boaz listened to the voices of those who also observed and interacted with her. The time of year is early spring, "the beginning of the barley harvest " (Ruth 1:22 ). 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. Just look at all the immigration issues globally. The law is also very useful, because it shows us our defections and stains. Now, what are some of these characteristics that you should be looking for in your Boaz? He was wealthy but he gave more than grains and barley. Since Boaz was the great-grandfather of David (4:21), the book recounts events that The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. He brought something to the table that marched Ruths hardworking and virtuous nature. Naomi's grief was very real. Ruth 3:10. She wasnt hired but he invited her to partake of those provisions. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. Install Feel The Words, and access it like a regular app. More often than not, youll find that love mirrors our reality in many cases within biblical stories. Waiting for your Boaz means to wait for the one with specific characteristics. In the book of Ruth, we see Boaz as a type of Christ hes the redeemer of Ruth. Key Words and Historical Background Notes. 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Relationships, its even harder the rain and sunshine with his workers they... God she barely knew the Holy Bible, the inspired Word of God bases its beliefs on the Holy,...

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