Truths from the Book of Ruth

 

I've heard a bunch of preaching on the book of Ruth and I don't mean to be contrary or stir up trouble but I don't see this book as many preachers do. Yes, it's a story about redemption and is an example of the redeeming story of us and Christ but there are many good things to take away from this book besides that.

I do my best not to speak emphatically where God is silent. I am not in agreement that Elimelech and Naomi were in sin against God for going to Moab. Shhh! Don't tell the commentators! There's no mention that God was upset with them for doing so. I believe Elimelech was doing his best to care for his family and since there was a famine in Judah, he went where he could provide for them. It said he went to sojourn in Moab so that means it was supposed to be temporary. We are not told in scripture how long Elimelech was there before he died. But, we DO know that Naomi and her sons stayed for about 10 years and that during that time the sons married women of Moab. We can not assume that just because Elimelech dies that it means God was punishing them for leaving Judah and not trusting in Him. Should we assume that God is punishing people just because someone dies?! No! Because death is a part of life due to the first sin! There are countless examples of God allowing death or of Him flat out killing someone because of their sin. In those cases we are plainly told in scripture. There is no indication that because they left they turned their backs on God. As a matter of fact, I venture to say that it was quite possible that they continued worshipping God all along faithfully and were witnesses to their daughters in law. Or if Elimelech died before the marriages then Naomi and her sons were the witnesses. Either way, I believe that Orpah and Ruth were following in the worship of God along with them. When Naomi tells Ruth after she convinces Orpah to return to her family, that she should follow her sister in law who has returned to her gods. At this point is when Ruth tells Naomi that where she goes, Ruth will go and that Naomi's people will be her people and Naomi's God will be her God. She was choosing to follow the God of heaven as she had learned to do. 

We know that Ruth and Orpah were kind to their husbands and to Naomi. When Naomi tells them to go back, she prays that God would deal kindly with them as they had with her and the dead (meaning her sons). She also prays that God give them each another husband so they can have rest. 

The three women obviously had a close relationship because the daughters in law didn't want to go back to their parents. They wept and argued to stay with Naomi. This says much about their relationship. Often mothers and daughter in laws do not get along yet they were willing to follow Naomi to another country and dwell with her rather than return to their own mothers. 

When Naomi and Ruth get back to Judah, Ruth immediately asks permission to go to the field and glean to provide for herself and Naomi. She trusts that someone will provide grace and allow her to glean. This shows her respect (she asked permission), care and dedication to her mother in law. What a beautiful example for us ladies! In chapter 2, we see how Ruth is a hard worker and also how humble she is by reverencing Boaz for allowing her to glean beside his maidens. She questions why he's showing such kindness and he says it is because she has been kind to Naomi and left her parents to follow her. He also prays God give her a full reward for learning to trust in Him. 

Ruth is eager to take advice from her mother in law. Naomi tells her how to approach Boaz so that he could be the redeeming kinsman for them both. One thing is for sure, in Old Testament times, blood took care of blood! It went out to any relation including what we call extended family. In today's world, most women do not want nor do they listen to their mother in law's advice. Actually, it is the cause of much friction! 

Then of course there is the whole story of Boaz redeeming Naomi and Ruth to himself as a picture of what Jesus did. Also, he takes Ruth as his wife and God blesses them with a baby boy named Obed. I love that Ruth who was not born a Jew, gets to be in the lineage of Christ. BTW, there is also Rahab the harlot in the lineage, too! God uses whom he will use and they don't all have to be perfect in action or bloodline.

The more I read the book of Ruth, the more I love it! God has definitely used if of late to speak to my heart about how to conduct myself. I hope this post gives you some golden nuggets of truth from this precious book.

God is Not a Genie

 

I heard a good sermon recently that sparked the thought for this post. In the sermon the preacher said that so many people, including self-proclaimed Christians seek God's hand but not His face. Wow! What a profound and true statement! 

People are always ready to seek God when they want or need something from Him but few seem to truly seek His face. To seek His face, would involve spending time trying to get to know Him. That requires more than turning to Him to ask for things or for help. 

In James 4:8 we are told to Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...

If we want to have a close relationship with the Father of heaven we must first draw nigh to Him. 

2 Tim. 2:15 says to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Studying God's Word and learning it is the only and best way to know how to show ourselves approved. The way to know what is expected of us. The way to rightly divide the truth so that we can understand it. 

In Ephesians 5:15-17 we are told that the days are evil so we should not be a fool but be wise and understand what the will of the Lord is. 

In Colossians 1:9-10 Paul tells the church at Colossi that he doesn't cease to pray for them that they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding and that they should walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

So many seek only God's hand but not His face. In doing so they make Him their personal genie that they keep on a shelf until there is a need. 

When we seek His face. We will have joy unspeakable, peace in our souls that passes all understanding and knowledge of how to please Him. We will also be tuned in to His still small voice within us that guides us during every moment of the day when we walk close to Him. 

In Ephesians 6 we learn about how to stand against the world and the wiles of the devil. We must put on the WHOLE armour of God and in so doing we will have done ALL to stand. You can't just put on part of a set of armor. If you try that, there will be parts that are unprotected. Unprotected means exposed to potential harm. Don't make God a genie. Seek His face.