In these four little chapters of the book of Ruth, we would do well to take a step back and view the storyline of love and redemption in the whole of the Bible. Moses tells of God's redeeming love for his people in Deuteronomy chapters four and seven. And then, in the New Testament, Paul... Continue Reading →
Ruth Part Seven: Biblical Love Contrasts Worldy Love
In the intro post to the Ruth series, we began to examine the setting, plot, and characters. In Ruth chapter two, the storyline continues as we are introduced to another character, a good man named Boaz. He was described as a worthy man (2:1): a man of substance (both materially and morally). Boaz was single,... Continue Reading →
Ruth Part Six: Hope for the Future
In an earlier post, we began to look at the character of Boaz. A man of both moral standing and material wealth, he is a man who is merciful and admirable who leads his workers and does justly for Ruth. In Ruth 2:20 we will also learn that Boaz is a redeemer. In the details... Continue Reading →
Ruth Part Five: A Light in the Darkness
God works to teach lessons about Himself and it's in the second chapter of Ruth that we are introduced to a light in the darkness. In the previous chapter, the narrative dealt primarily with Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth. We now move to the community as a whole, Bethlehem and our introduction to Boaz (2:1). Darkness... Continue Reading →
Ruth Part Four: Call Me Mara
"God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them." - John Piper The two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about their arrival, and the local women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” “Don’t call me... Continue Reading →
Ruth Part Two: Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purpose
The Old Testament is full of stories about God using great leaders like David and Moses. However, in the pages of Ruth, we read a story where God intervenes in the lives of two women. Throughout scripture, God used the lives of ordinary people to achieve His extraordinary purposes. Ruth is no different. Then she... Continue Reading →
Ruth Part One: Favor in a Time of Unfavorable Circumstances
The book of Ruth is a beautiful little story right in the middle of a difficult time, and we see an amazing story of Ruth, her example, and what the love of God is like. How we behave in adversity and challenges depends entirely on who the God is we say we believe in. Ruth... Continue Reading →
Ruth Series: More Than a Love Story
What woman doesn't love the dynamics of a love story? Whether a love story is read or watched, a good romance reveals setting and plot with most emphasis on characters. Well-written classics include the unlikely tales of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Wuthering Heights. And then, there are timeless tales set to stage: Casablanca,... Continue Reading →