Ruth 1-4
Reading Ruth after
slogging through Judges is like a hot shower after a ten-day wilderness
backpacking trip. Reading Judges, I
wondered if I would ever be clean again, but Ruth breathes hope and
righteousness into an evil era. In the
midst of lawlessness, God was at work, planting the seeds of righteousness that
would sprout four generations later in King David.
This time through
Ruth, watch for these things:
- The themes of emptiness and
fullness; in
chapter 1, Naomi is cursed and empty, stripped of husband, sons and all
but one stubbornly faithful daughter-in-law. In the end, Naomi is blessed and full,
bouncing her grandson, Obed, on her knees.
- The role of a kinsman
redeemer;
Boaz and Ruth’s love affair climaxes in Boaz’ willingness to be the
“redeemer” for Naomi’s line, fulfilling the law of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).
- The humility of each main
character;
Naomi’s sad name for herself (Mara,
bitter), Ruth’s willingness to submit to Naomi’s God and glean in the
fields, and Boaz’ humble response to Ruth’s overtures. God does give grace to the humble!
Tomorrow, we begin the
saga of Samuel!
Pastor Gary
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