Ruth

Ruth

The book of Ruth is set during one of the darkest times of Israel. The book of Judges records countless stories of people who failed miserably in their devotion to God. It was a period of disobedience. Idolatry and violence were everywhere. God would, in turn, raise up a Judge to rule the nation. They would return to their ways once the Judge had passed. “The people did what was right in their own eyes” as the book states in different places. But there is a shining story. It’s a testament to a life of a woman who through severe hardship would follow God no matter what.

Naomi was a woman met with severe tragedy who would turn to God for guidance. Her daughter-in-law Ruth would be drawn to her and eventually worship God. As a Moabite, Ruth’s tribe was one of the nations who brought affliction to Israel again and again. There was much hostility between the two nations. Beautifully though God had this far reaching plan for Ruth. As a widow facing tremendous hardships, she would be led to a man named Boaz, an Israelite who was a relative of Naomi. In time he would take Ruth to be his wife and she became the great grandmother of King David and is an ancestor of Jesus Christ!

The beauty of this story has many layers. He used Naomi who was experiencing sheer grief to turn her trust to Him making a spiritual impact that carried on for centuries. He used a woman named Ruth who was out of Israel’s favor and in dire situations to write a beautiful story line. He took Boaz, a descendant of Rahab the prostitute who helped Israel when Jericho was taken and bring about His ultimate will even though his ancestral heritage was nothing short of flaws.

It’s a reminder our choices today have lasting impacts on lives to come. It’s a testimony of God’s strength shown through character. It’s a beautiful encouragement of people standing firm in faith even when society is collapsing around them. He uses all people who will simply put their trust in Him.