If Judges is a bloody war movie, Ruth is an intimate drama full of hope. It is set "in the days when the judges ruled", placing this story like a shining pearl amidst the moral mud of that era.
It is the story of Naomi (empty and bitter) and Ruth (a faithful Moabite). They return to Bethlehem ("House of Bread") empty-handed. What seems like a struggle for survival turns out to be God's silent gear to save the world: Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, entering the direct lineage of Jesus Christ.
"For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God."RUTH
The theology introduces two vital concepts:
1. Hesed (Loyal Love):
A stubborn love that keeps promises beyond obligation. Ruth shows Hesed to Naomi. Boaz shows Hesed to Ruth. God shows Hesed by filling empty hands.
2. The Goel (Kinsman-Redeemer):
Boaz is the figure of the Redeemer. By law, he could "buy" the debt of a relative. Boaz does this for Ruth. Theologically, Boaz is a picture of Christ, our true Goel, who paid our debt to make us His Bride.
3. Silent Providence:
In Ruth, God speaks through ordinary details. The text says "As it happened, she came to the part of the field belonging to Boaz." There is no chance. God is moving history through the ordinary.
Where does Ruth meet you?
1. When you feel "Mara" (Bitter):
Naomi said, "Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." Ruth is the book for those angry with God due to loss. It whispers: "The story isn't over. The harvest is coming."
2. Grace for Outsiders:
Ruth was a Moabite. By Law, she was excluded. By Grace, she was included in the royal family. Ruth meets those who feel unworthy. Jesus' lineage is made of redeemed broken people.
3. God in Your Work:
Most of the book happens in a workplace. God met Ruth while she was sweating and gleaning leftovers. God is working His eternal purposes while you do your daily job.