Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Ruth, A Woman of Faith and Loyalty

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold!

Today's discussion is inspired by Ruth 2:5-12; 3:9-11. I love Ruth because she is such an inspirational figure, and an example of loving-kindness and loyalty. The book of Ruth portrays a perfect example of a true belief in the Creator God in that it disseminates inclusion of all; even in the ancient world of the Israelites where separation is made obvious between Israelites and non-Israelites.

History is more than a record of battles, dates and dynasties of kings. It is indeed comforting to know that "the Judge of all the earth" has the power to direct the destiny of nations even though "the kings of the earth set themselves...against the Lord." It is just as comforting to be assured that "He who sits in the heavens" is not so occupied with running the universe as not to be able to be concerned with the ups and downs of ordinary little people.

In short, the Lord God Almighty loves every single individual in a personal way. Is God Himself concerned with you and your life? Yes He is and the book of Ruth answers this question.

The book of Ruth is a part of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. An inconspicuous believer, a peasant woman, a convert like Ruth can achieve the status of royalty. God allows strange circumstances and a resolute obedience of faith combine to make Ruth the great-grandmother of Israel's famous king David. Ruth thus becomes an ancestress to the king of kings!

Here are some quick facts about this interesting woman of the Bible. Ruth was a Moabite (Ruth 1:4). She had a sister-in-law named Orpah (Ruth 1:4). The name of her mother-in-law was Naomi (Ruth 1:22). She and Naomi moved to Bethlehem after their husbands died (Ruth 1:22). Ruth gathered grain in a field owned by Boaz (Ruth 2:2-3). Eventually she married Boaz (Ruth 4:13). She had a son name Obed (Matthew 1:5). King David was her great-grandson (Matthew 1:5-6). Ruth was one of only three women mentioned in Matthew's list of the ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Boaz’s words of encouragement for Ruth became his fervent prayer for her. Boaz believed that Ruth deserved the Lord's blessing, even though she was a Moabite, because of the constant care, love, and loyalty she bestowed upon Naomi, her mother-in-law, after the deaths of both their husbands. Ruth accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem, committed herself to worshiping the true God with His people, and provided for Naomi in every practical way possible to her.

Because they lived in poverty, Ruth followed the reapers to pick up what they left behind, a process called “gleaning.” God gave the Israelites the law on gleaning to provide for the neediest who were willing to work. Ruth gleaned without stopping from sunrise to sunset to gather enough food to provide for Naomi and her throughout the year. No wonder Boaz prayed for Ruth to receive “a full reward from the Lord.”

When Boaz prayed for Ruth, he did not know that the Lord would answer his prayer by giving Ruth to him as his wife at her request. When he committed himself to Ruth, he said, “I will do for you all that you ask for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman” (Ruth 3:11). Through Boaz, the Lord gave her refuge in the assembly of his people.

Believers do not do good deeds for rewards. They serve the Lord and His people with loving and loyal hearts. Still, the Lord will reward them in this life and give them a full reward in the life to come.

Here are some scripture references for you to read and reflect on:

"The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!" (Ruth 2:12 ESV).

"May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!” (Ruth 2:12 NRSV).

"The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth 2:12 KJV).

Questions for study:

1. Do you think the servant who managed the reapers for Boaz was surprised at the type of person Ruth showed herself to be by her long hard work? How often are we surprised when we see someone of a different nationality, race, or religion exceeding our expectations? Why do you think this is the case?

2. How would you encourage a nonbeliever or a person of a different nationality, race, or religion to come to the God of the Bible for refuge?

3. In what ways do you think God moves people to be the answer to their prayers today? What situations occur to you where this might be obvious?

4. Can you think of some experiences in Ruth's life and in Boaz's life that indicate God was working in their lives?

5. How important was Ruth's moral character in the Book of Ruth? What are some things she did that illustrate she was a worthy woman? In what ways do we emphasize the importance of moral character today?

Prayer:

Lord, be Thou my constant Guide,
Lead me all the way,
Till I reach Thy home at last,
Nevermore to stray. Amen
-Special thanks to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi