Today we read an entire book in a day, a great story of love. This story is a favorite for many people. So let's get to reading.
Naomi sent Ruth to Boaz's barley field to glean. Boaz, impressed by Ruth's uprightness, allowed her as much grain as she could take. Naomi was elated.
Naomi told Ruth to ask Boaz to redeem her husband. Boaz first went to a closer relative and when he refused Boaz took Ruth as his wife. They became the grandparents of David.
Thought to Guide Your Reading
Ruth is the story of a non-Chosen Person who honors God both by mouth and by action and becomes the grandmother of Israel's great king.Summary in 100 Words or Less
Elimelech took his family to Moab during a famine. His two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. All three men died. Naomi, Elimelech's wife, released them. Both refused at first but Ruth never budged. Naomi and Ruth returned to Israel.Naomi sent Ruth to Boaz's barley field to glean. Boaz, impressed by Ruth's uprightness, allowed her as much grain as she could take. Naomi was elated.
Naomi told Ruth to ask Boaz to redeem her husband. Boaz first went to a closer relative and when he refused Boaz took Ruth as his wife. They became the grandparents of David.
How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right
Naomi sets things right by allowing her daughters-in-law to return to their families.
Naomi realizes her daughters-in-law are still young (most likely less than 30) and could possibly marry other men and have happy lives. So she realizes her situation and asks them to go home.Ruth sets things right by standing by her mother-in-law's god.
Orpah should not be slighted when reading this passage. She refuses to go at first. But Naomi convinces her to go. However, Naomi could not convince Ruth to go. In fact, Ruth makes a statement which any Israelite would have found surprising coming from a Moabite,Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that's where I'll be buried, so help me God - not even death itself is going to come between us! (1:16-17, The Message)In a time when Israel could not be bothered to obey God, a Moabite woman sets things right. God can set things right through anyone willing to do His will.
Boaz sets things right when he allows Ruth to glean among his workers and when he marries her to redeem his relative.
Boaz does not need to allow Ruth to glean. He can leave the corners of his field, the forgotten sheaves, and the fallen grain in the field for her. But instead, because Ruth was willing to set things right, he set things right for her by allowing her all he could offer. Later, when he (rather drunk) learns of her want to be redeemed he follows the Law and offers her to the closer relative. When that relative decides not to take Ruth he marries her and redeems his family member. God can set things right through His Chosen People when they do His will.God sets things right by giving Ruth children and Naomi grandchild.
What should not be lost in this entire story is how God sets things right. Naomi and Ruth have children because God allows Ruth to give birth to a son. Boaz becomes the grandfather of the king after God's own heart because God allows him to have children. God sets things right on the earth!Can God set things right through you?
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