I love the story of Ruth. The short book in the bible about a heartbreaking story that turned glorious thanks to God is one of my favorites. I love how Ruth loves. If you put yourself in her shoes it would be difficult to do what she did, leaving her life to care for her mother-in-law. Usually, that relationship is strained, but Ruth defies all typical situations in this story.
If you don’t know this story it starts with a famine and Ruth, her husband, Naomi, her other son and daughter-in-law, and Naomi’s husband. All three husbands die and they set out for land the Lord has favored. Naomi told her daughters-in-law that they could now depart to their lands since they were foreigners and their husbands had died. Ruth decided to stay with Naomi, and her loyalty preceded her. In this culture when a woman was without a husband it was challenging for them to survive physically and socially. It would be easier for Ruth to go to her homeland and find a new husband, but family was important to her.
As Ruth stayed with Naomi she would gleam grain behind harvesters so she could find favor with someone. She found favor with Boaz a family redeemer. Naomi then helped Ruth by telling her how to act around Boaz. Boaz thanked her for pursuing him and not other men and commended her kindness. She lay at his feet overnight and he sent her home in the early morning with more barley. Ruth told Naomi about the news and they were very happy. After Boaz saw how good her character was he went to find out if he could redeem them. He found a relative who could redeem her but he could not due to his inheritance. So Boaz was able to redeem Ruth. He was protective of Ruth and treated her very well. He gave her food to take to Naomi to provide for her. Boaz and Ruth married and God blessed them with a son.
At a bible study once they gave us little sheets of paper that said “I want a blank faithfulness like Ruth and a blank faithfulness like Naomi”. I wrote “Unconditional” for Ruth and “Selfless” for Naomi. They loved in a way I wish all people did. I wonder if their harsh situation brought more love and joy into their lives when they realized what truly matters. Adversity often produces resilience.
Ruth’s virtues are ones I strive to have. Loyalty, love, forgiveness, dignity, resilience, care, and cunning. She is a wonderful woman with a meek nature and a strong will. Her willingness to step outside of shame and receive a new reality is inspiring. When she was waiting for God’s goodness to prevail, she was found working hard for her family in the fields. There were plenty of things going through her head about her situation that we never get to know, yet we see how despite any fears she might have she does what she needs to. Her decision to obey, listen, trust God, and be her best self led to her having a family, a son, a family redeemer, and helping Naomi to a better sustained life. Ruth is also part of Jesus’ lineage through their son Obed. Her decision to live a life with the Lord instead of her life back home which could’ve been more comfortable, put her in relation to Jesus, the son of God who died for our sins. What a miracle.
It goes to show that our virtues can change our lives for the better in big ways. Small decisions can lead to big consequences. I am so glad we have such a faithful God that he does not forget the Ruths, Boazs, and Naomis of the world but rather blesses them with abundance and joy. Our God is overflowing with goodness and love, I cannot wait to celebrate this goodness in heaven forever. I hope to have a love like Ruth’s and a faith like Naomi’s. I pray you do too. My question for you today is, who are you gleaming from? When God looks to favor you, will he find you working or complaining? Will you be faithful like Ruth and Naomi?
Like the Proverbs 31 woman, Ruth is feminine, grounded, trusting, diligent, and hard-working. Her reliable personality landed her a brand new life from God. Her hardships helped shape her destiny and provided life to multiple people. Like I said, I love Ruth! Thank God for such an inspiring story about a woman.
Homesteading Honey 