A. The book of Ruth is a beautiful "interlude of love,"
B. It tells a heartwarming story of devotion and faithfulness
Ø Concerning a Moabite widow (Ruth) who leaves her homeland
Ø To live with her Jewish mother-in-law (Naomi) in the land of Israel
C. God honors Ruth's commitment
Ø By guiding her to the field of Boaz (a near kinsman to Naomi)
Ø Where she gathers grain and finds a place in the genealogy of Christ!
D. It has been said the book serves two purposes
Ø To illustrate how Jehovah rewards those who make wise spiritual choices and show steadfast filial loyalty
Ø To explain how Ruth, a Moabitess, came to be an ancestor of David and ultimately, the Messiah - Ruth 4:21-22;
1) RUTH'S NOBLE CHOICE: "I WILL GO" (1:1-22)
Ø Expressing great love for her mother-in-law, Naomi
Ø Willing to forego home and religion, and adopt Israel and the true God
o Ruth 1:16-17 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
2) RUTH'S LOWLY SERVICE: "LET ME GLEAN" (2:1-23)
Ø Exercising her right as a widow to glean after the reapers during the harvest
Ø Providing sustenance for herself and her mother-in-law
o Ruth 2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz. 2. And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 3. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz.
Ø If you will do the jobs that no body wants God will give you the jobs that everyone wants
3) RUTH'S TENDER PLEA: "TAKE YOUR MAIDSERVANT" (3:1-18)
Ø Made to Boaz, a near kinsman
Ø As part of a careful plan proposed by her mother-in-law, Naomi
o Ruth 3:1 Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee? 2. And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. 3. Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4. And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. 5. And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.
o Ruth 3:9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. 10. And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. 11. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
4) RUTH'S MARITAL JOY: "SHE BORE A SON" (4:1-22)
Ø This son became David's grandfather
o Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 14. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. 16. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. 17. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
CONCLUSION
The book also reveals examples of commendable character.
Ø Nobility of character in Ruth, who proved to be better to Naomi than seven sons!
Ø Nobility of character in Boaz, as an employer, and believer in God's promises and commands
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