05.18.2025 | The Story of Ruth
Ruth
Can you imagine what it would be like to go deep inside a cave with no flashlight? The heavy darkness of an unlit cave is the ultimate example of what it means to feel alone and how scary that can be!
When we read the story of Naomi, we see how she was experiencing loneliness and sadness. Her husband and sons had died, and she was in a strange land with just her two daughters-in-law. So, Naomi decided she would return to her home in Bethlehem, but she gave permission for the two younger women to return to their families in Moab. But Ruth said to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go...your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” So, the two women returned to Bethlehem together.
Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi was also a decision to trust and follow the one true God. The love they had for one another and for God helped them to return to Bethlehem as a family. And God continued to add to that family through Boaz—who married Ruth and bought back the land Naomi’s family had lost. Through Ruth and Boaz, God had completely restored the inheritance and the family of Naomi. Not only that, but Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed. When Obed grew up, he was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David! God made Naomi’s family a part of Jesus’ family tree!
Boaz cared for Ruth and Naomi. In a much greater way, Jesus is our Redeemer. Sin leaves people alone and separated from God, but Jesus died and rose again to pay for the sins of those who believe in Him and to make the way for them to be adopted into His family.
Ruth was in great need and unable to provide for herself. God provided Boaz as her redeemer. We are in great need and unable to save ourselves from our sin. God provided Jesus as our Redeemer.
