Introducing Ruth

We gathered around the table Wednesday for an introduction to the book of Ruth. The circumstances Ruth found herself living in are not much different than ours. The final sentence in Judges paints a clear picture of the condition of God’s people during the time of Ruth.

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

Judges 21:25 NLT

Eugene Peterson says it like this in The Message, “At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing.” Sounds pretty familiar. All around people do whatever they feel like doing. Whatever makes sense to them. Whatever they claim is their truth. As a result Ruth and her family found themselves living in a land of famine.

People were hungry.
So are we.

And if we are honest that hunger often leads us to foreign lands with unknown gods and cultures we don’t quite understand. Yet we stay there because we are unaware there is an answer to our gnawing desire for more. This is where you find Ruth in chapter 1. Totally unaware of what she’s truly hungry for.

By the time the second chapter rolls around Ruth is a widow who has promised to follow her mother-in-law home. There she takes her place among the poor and needy gleaning wheat on the edges of a wealthy man’s field.

As the third chapter opens we find Ruth’s eyes are opened to the true identity of this wealthy man. He is her kinsman redeemer. The one who can set things right. So she risks it all and lays her life in his hands.

This story has a happy ending. Because Ruth is now redeemed. Her life has been restored along with her mother-in-law’s. She becomes the mother of Obed who is the grandfather of King David.

Warren Wiersbe writes,

Too many of God’s people are content to live in chapter 2, picking up the leftovers and doing the best they can in their difficult situation. They want God’s gifts, but they don’t want a deeper communion with God. What a difference it would make if they would only surrender themselves to the Lord and focus on the Giver instead of the gifts!

The Bible Exposition Commentary

Where are you in Ruth’s story? Are you unaware or happy hanging out on the edges of the field picking up leftovers. Perhaps you know who the Redeemer is, but you’re not quite ready to risk it all. To let go in order to embrace your Redeemer fully. Maybe you’re living your restoration years learning to trust God more and more.

If you would like to explore further or consider God’s growing steps for you, join us Wednesday as we share what we are learning.

Also available today, our first meditation podcast in a four part series on Ruth. Simply click on the link below and you’ll arrive safely at your listening destination.