6 relationship lessons from the book of ruth
Obviously, the author was familiar with Israels greatest king. For this reason, she was at a disadvantage. Lesson 4 - Fulfilling God's Plan. This means she was ready to be taken as his wife and to enter into a relationship of mutual submission and trust. The Book of Ruth provides us with a great story about love. God doesnt not discriminate and wants His people to have the same viewpoints and understanding. I dont imagine that he solved all her problems nor did they have a perfect relationship. He found who she was in the present to be what he was looking for. He made kind gestures to reveal his heart to her and left it there. There will be days where you completely mess things up and there will be other days when you succeed in every aspect. Lesson 5 - Willing to Take Advice from Elders. He was a wealthy landowner and he earned his keep with his own sweat. Naomi reminded Ruth that she was free to leave and go back to her family. He says The Lord be with you. She is known for her faithfulness, loyalty, virtue, and love. Join me on this journey as we study the depth of . When Boaz showed up, Ruth was having a pretty rough season in her life. 1:6-22: Widowed Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem. But it could also mean a term of endearment. Elimelech passes away, and about 10 years later, both of Naomis sons die, as well. 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. Everyone loves in a different way and has a unique relationship that cannot be replicated or reproduced. 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. The Book of Ruth provides many relationship lessons that perpetuate the meaning of true love. But one thing is sure: Boaz didnt add to Ruths stress. Ruth and Boaz got married and had a child they named Obed. Everyone makes mistakes and no one should judge the other for their past actions as a man or woman. Here we glean 13 moral lessons from Ruth's story. (NLT). Ruth worked from morning till night. 1. Or do they follow Naomi into an unpredictable future where Jehovah would lead? He owned land and servants. But when things are the most difficult, thats when we need faith and hope the most. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley, When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. Naomi therefore had no idea that the hardships she was preparing to endure did not have to be her reality. And guess what, Ruth was consistent. The past is the past. She made a choice to stay with Naomi and help her, all the while knowing that she was going to a country that wouldnt like her very much. Your email address will not be published. Act 3: Ruth and Boaz are at the threshing floor ( Ruth 3:1-18 ). It has really helped me to still have hope even in difficulty times. Boaz was always ensuring Ruth had food. Hopefully the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth will hold additional lessons for us as well. Granted, she needed some help from Naomi to see it but Ruth eventually gave Boaz permission to claim her as his wife. She took action by going to the fields everyday day to glean. Answer. . No earth-shattering miracles, like the Red Sea parting, happen in her life. Just because one couple doesnt live like another doesnt mean that theyre any less or more in love than another couple. But she didnt. From the beginning, God had a number of smaller things that needed to happen before the bigger plan could come into fruition. Elimelech had intended to go back home. Character its who you really are when no one else is watching. 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 was the Moabite daughter-in-law of a Jewess named Naomi. Despite the pain, Naomi chooses to stand by her daughter-in-laws side and continue their relationship. Naomi's husband died, and her sons married Moabite women. There was a law that provided this opportunity. When were in a relationship, its relatively easy to subconsciously take advantage of your partner because they are with you each day. He brought well-needed solutions. Men and Women should respect each other equally. 5. Naomi was essentially empty and devastated after she lost her husband and sons. 33 Short Bible Verses About . They were both young women who had both lost their husbands. So he put plans in place to ensure no harm would come to her. Each lecture focuses on a key character in Ruth and what they represent. The book of Ruth focuses on this romantic story that represents Jesus and what He did for us. God has a Redeemer for our lives, too, and His name is Jesus. He didnt judge her past and didnt penalize her instead he embraced her past by also providing for Naomi. Required fields are marked *. Boaz was attracted to Ruths character. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. The funny thing is, she was just minding her own business not realizing that she was being watched. In this video, I share 6 practical lessons to learn from the book of Ruth, especially as it relates to Christian relationship. He went to meet with the kinsman who was before him in line as well as the elders. She lost her husband and her two sons. We just talked about some of the qualities of Boaz that makes him a great biblical example of the kind of man to date and marry. Copyright Feel The Words 2023. The saying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is very true. Elimelech was trying to escape hard times by leaving Bethlehem to a pagan country. Ruth is the festal scroll for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, 50 . 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. Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are all widows. 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. . Bethlehem was where Jehovah was worshipped but Moab was a place where heathen, false gods were worshipped. He was wealthy. The past is the past. She was freshly widowed and scrounging for food. These previews of Christ are a bit of a foreshadowing that falls across Old Testament pages, fully coming to reality in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus. But she did not. 1. Later we see him ensuring that they have food to eat during their lunch break and he sits and eats with then. Good, godly relationships should not produce more problems and stress than you bargained for. Each person within the relationship must understand that everyone has imperfections and its imperative that they come to terms with this reality. Ruth's courage in the face of adversity will inspire you to trust God with your future. Go get married. There were both positive and negative qualities about Ruth but more positive than negative. Providing your significant other with gratitude will show them that you genuinely care and want to make this relationship last forever. Were there negative characteristics of Ruth in the Bible? But he didnt do that. His wife and sons stay on, and the sons marry non-Jewish women - Moabite princesses by the names of Ruth and Orpah. Their sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Here are seven lessons to learn from Ruth. Perhaps thats what makes it so compelling. 4:17). 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. Look out for a man who brings freshness to your life. Here are four relationship lessons I gleaned from my most recent re-reading of the book of Ruth. This other characteristic of Ruth in the Bible often goes unnoticed. In Ruth we see the attitude and character of one in whom God is pleased. When Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi, this was a massive life transition. When Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz at the threshing floor, it was a powerful gesture. Its four chapters . Ruth was a Moabite and a widow. In that instant, she decided, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. The meeting with the other kinsman was held in the presence of Ruth, Naomi and elders in the community. Although Boaz was in love with Ruth, he never pushed or pressured her to commit to him. Orpah decided to stay but Ruth decided to go with Naomi and start over in a new place. 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. Ruth and Orpah made two different decisions. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi with her two sons. Their choices do not mean that one is better than the other. 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. No matter what, they see it all and because they are there each day its easy to get lost in that safety net. Naomis husband had died but he died leaving two sons. Life changing conversations should probably happen when both parties are fully present and engaged. Through Ruths story, we learn that God uses the most unlikely people for his purpose. 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. 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). She was free to go back to her gods and free to search for a new husband to take care of her. After moving to Moab with her husband and sons, she loses her husband and becomes a widow. He also gave compliments, protection, and respect. It is unlikely that it was written before the time of David (cp. Even if you have to pay for it, itll be worth it. Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem to be near family. Boaz saw the beauty in love and accepted Ruth for who she was. She pictured responsible living - 1:9-10, 14. The point is, we cant say for sure but it is likely that he had a wife.
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