People are always watching you. Is your character honorable?
The story of Ruth is found between the books of Judges and 1 Samuel within the Old Testament. The book is written like a story, telling a tale when the judges ruled during a large famine. This 4-chapter-long book is not often quoted unless specifically studying the story of Ruth or Naomi. What better way to learn about these women in the time of the Judges than recounting their story and applying the lessons learned within our reality? I highly recommend reading through the book of Ruth—it is a relatively easy read, especially with the right translation. Within this text, I want to highlight sections of her life to discuss how we can be more like Ruth.
To start off the abbreviated story, Naomi had lost her husband and her two sons to the famine that was on the land of Moab. She was left with her two stepdaughters, Ruth and Oprah. After hearing that the land they used to live in (Bethlehem in Judah) had a bountiful harvest, Naomi decided to make the journey back. Along the way, Naomi told the girls to return to their mothers. Naomi did not have any more sons for the girls to marry, and if they returned, they might remarry and be granted children. Naomi at this point had thought the Lord turned against her due to the rock of the household being taken away from her as we read:
Ruth 1:13 – “Would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for him? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!”
This prompted Oprah to say her goodbyes and make the path back home. It was not the same for Ruth, however, who replied by staying:
Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth replied, ‘Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’”
She was loyal to Naomi even after not gaining anything from it. Naomi had nothing to give Ruth, and yet she stayed. Her love for Naomi shines particularly with this scripture as well as most of this story. She trusts Naomi and puts faith in her even if Naomi fails to believe she deserves it. If Naomi was going to face the unknown, at least she would face it with Ruth by her side.
Not pushing farther, the two women made their way to Bethlehem, which is in Judah. Upon arriving, Naomi had her name changed to Mara. The symbolism of this was the fact that she changed the meaning of her name from gentle, pleasantness to bitter water. This aligns with how Naomi thought the Lord turned away from her and gave her a bitter life—especially since she left Judah, her life fell apart in her eyes, and she returned with nothing to show for it. Or so she thought.
Now, when they arrived in Bethlehem, they entered into the barley season. Ruth set out to gather the remaining wheat left on the field in a process called gleaning. She happened to glean the field of Naomi's wealthy relative, Boaz. She was at his field multiple times and each time he saw her, she took his interest and his kindness. He told the workers not to shoo her off, leave behind some bundles, and even invited her to eat with them. You can see how he naturally develops that figure of protection for her, especially when she lost her husband and had no one to care for her. After gleaning we read that:
Ruth 2:18 – “And she took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned; and she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she was sufficed.”
She gave all she could to her mother-in-law. What she did, she did for her. Her love shows again with her providing food for Naomi. They had no husband, therefore no social standing, and yet Ruth stuck with Naomi. Refusing to leave her is shown by her love and loyalty.
When you read about the developing relationship between Ruth and Boaz, imagine Boaz to be the gift. When you are kind, selfless, and loyal in all the things you do through the Lord, you will be granted protection and love. The Lord saw Ruth's character and gave her a kinsman-redeemer—someone who acted responsibly on behalf of those who are in need. Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer. He has taken the responsibility of all mankind and paid the ransom cost with His life. If that is the case, is your character like Ruth? Does your reputation reflect the fact that you are a child of God?
This beautiful story of Ruth and Boaz ends with a child. The child named Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David—David, a man after God's own heart.
Acts 13:22 – “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’”
God blessed Ruth with a son as a symbolism of a reward for her beautiful character. He rewarded her not only with Boaz but with a child who was the grandfather of David. Overall, the Lord will bless your good works. He sees your efforts, your reasoning, and that, like a child, you are learning. He will not leave you. He didn't leave Naomi. He gave her a gem—the gem which was Ruth. Work diligently with yourself to shape your character in hopes of pleasing the Lord, and He will grant you tenfold.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”