Have you ever read the book of Ruth? Though it’s only four chapters, it contains timeless truths that can help us today. Our culture puts an incredible amount of pressure on spouses to never change, be perfectly compatible, and fulfill our deepest longings that it’s no wonder that singles often can’t seem to find the right one. However, the lesson of Ruth’s life is that she pursued God and then he took care of finding her a spouse and even built her a lasting dynasty.
—— Notes ——
1|Tragedy Strikes
Ruth 1.1 The famine in the land left people with few options
find a way to get food from someone who has some
move to a land that is not experiencing famine
starve
Ruth 1.2-5 The widow’s options
go back to family
remarry (these were arranged)
depend on charity of others
practice prostitution
starve
Ruth 1.6-14 Naomi decides everyone should go with option 1
Ruth 1.15-18 Ruth abandons her country, her gods, and her family
Background on Moab
Moab was the son of Lot and his firstborn daughter (Gen 19.29-33, 37)
God commanded Israel not to harass or fight with Moab (Deut 2.9)
(but) Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel before they came into the promised land (Num 22.1-6)
Moabite women seduced Israelite men to worship Baal (Num 25.1-3, 9; 31.16)
God commanded that no Moabite should enter his assembly (Deut 23.3-6)
During time of judges, Eglon, king of Moab, conquered Israel (Judges 3.12-14)
2|Ruth Gleans
Ruth 2.1-12 Gleaning in the barley fields was an accepted norm for the poor
Deut 23.25; 24.19, Lev 19.9 Mat 12.12
Ruth 2.20 Boaz is a potential redeemer
3|Ruth Proposes
Ruth 3.1-14 Levirate marriage
Deut 25.5-10; Gen 38.6-10
“Any childless widow had the right to expect her dead husband’s brother to marry her. If no brother existed, some more distant male relative was required to perform this duty. Whichever relative married the widow became her “go’el” (redeemer or protector). The first son born to the widow by the new marriage was counted as a child of the dead husband and inherited his property.”[1]
4|Boaz Redeems
Ruth 4.1-17 Boaz does the right things and Naomi and Ruth both benefit
Although she has every reason not to, Ruth chooses Yahweh and his people. Even if it is a forbidden love, she wants the God of Naomi. Instead of spurning her, this great lover accepts Ruth and provides for her. She comes under the protection of his wings and he takes care of the rest. Not only does he provide her with a husband and the means to thrive, but he grafts her into the ancestral tree that one day would sprout the branches of not only king David but even Jesus the Messiah! Ruth is no longer an unfortunate Moabitess widow, but a matriarch—the great grandmother of David—and the premier example of a heart who found the love of her life.
[1]Great People of the Bible and How They Lived, (Reader’s Digest Association, 1974), p. 132
1 thought on “134 Finding the Love of Your Life (Book of Ruth)”
Reverend Finnegan. An excellent and insightful sermon on my favorite book in the OT. I heard a sermon on this subject 25 years ago and I still remember how it has affected me and God has shown me even more, like the history of the Moabites. I was actually studying who Boaz’ mother was. If I am not mistaken, it was Rahab, the harlot. What I have also learned from this book, many believers feel uneqipped to be used by God because of their background. Encouraging to see that God will use whoever He wants. Bless you. PS. Your sister Joelle sat behind us in church today and met your brother Michael last weekend. Hope to meet you and your family one day soon.
Have you ever read the book of Ruth? Though it’s only four chapters, it contains timeless truths that can help us today. Our culture puts an incredible amount of pressure on spouses to never change, be perfectly compatible, and fulfill our deepest longings that it’s no wonder that singles often can’t seem to find the right one. However, the lesson of Ruth’s life is that she pursued God and then he took care of finding her a spouse and even built her a lasting dynasty.
Reverend Finnegan. An excellent and insightful sermon on my favorite book in the OT. I heard a sermon on this subject 25 years ago and I still remember how it has affected me and God has shown me even more, like the history of the Moabites. I was actually studying who Boaz’ mother was. If I am not mistaken, it was Rahab, the harlot. What I have also learned from this book, many believers feel uneqipped to be used by God because of their background. Encouraging to see that God will use whoever He wants. Bless you. PS. Your sister Joelle sat behind us in church today and met your brother Michael last weekend. Hope to meet you and your family one day soon.