OLD TESTAMENT

Intro: The book of Ruth is a touching human story of faithfulness, love and decency. It tells how Ruth, a Moabite, came to Israel and became an ancestor of David (and Jesus). The book was written during the judges’ period c. 1150–1050 BC.

– FAITH RESTORED

EVEN in the darkest of places and times there is usually some trace of decency and faith. The book of Ruth, set in the lawless period of the judges, is like a candle-flame of hope glimmering in the darkness of despair.

It begins with what seems to be a majestic act of self-sacrifice. Ruth opts to emigrate to her mother-in-law’s homeland when common sense suggests she would be better off in her own country.

Relations between Moab and Israel were constantly strained. During the judges’ period the Moabite king Eglon had oppressed Israel for 18 years (Judges 3). So Ruth could not be sure of a welcome in a country which in any case was hostile to foreigners for religious reasons.

Yet faith in God and love for Naomi overcame personal considerations. Ruth does not know that all will work out well in the end, and neither do we when faith and love demand unusual and sacrificial actions. The story reminds us that God does not let down those who trust him.

But Ruth is also a treatise on God’s providence. It illustrates superbly his provision for his people and his sovereignty over their affairs. This superbly written and carefully constructed story shows that God has not left his people.

He is not mentioned much, but he does not need to be. People may suffer heartache, grief, and hardship, but he is directing their steps through the hazards even though they are at best only dimly aware of the fact. God is like a director hovering behind the camera, placing the actors in the right places at the right times. His providence extends over a long-time scale and across territories.

Boaz also reflects God’s character. He is described as a “kinsman-redeemer” (2:20). It was the custom – indeed, the law – that the nearest relative should take as an additional wife the widow of his close relation to provide for her and to maintain the family line.

So he becomes a picture of God for hard-pressed believers. Boaz is not tarred with the brush of selfish indulgence that is clearly seen in Judges. Indeed, he is touched by Ruth’s willingness to have him as he seems old enough to be her father (3:10). For them relationships are matters of trust and honour, of faithfulness more than feeling.

Throughout Scripture God is seen as a redeemer, bringing his people out of spiritual poverty and slavery, and giving them new life and hope. He is faithful, doing what is right and keeping his covenant. And he is kind. This story reminded oppressed people at the time of the judges that the God of the Exodus had not forsaken them; his character had not changed.

Boaz’s selfless willingness to take Ruth (when a closer relative refused) and at the same time to abide by the strict conditions of the law provides a colourful illustration of the New Testament picture of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ. We too are without eternal hope; we too are dependent on mercy and grace. Christ fulfilled the law and revealed his love on the cross.

Ruth restores our faith in human nature, giving us two great examples to follow. It also rekindles our faith in God. He sticks around in the worst of times, works for our good over long periods of time, and remains faithful to his own character.

For today, the book of Ruth has a clear message. Faithfulness to God and love for others is more vital than personal comfort, and we are to trust God to guide our steps when we can’t see the future.