I wish we could know more about how Ruth was feeling. Was she scared out of her mind to go to Boaz? Was she ever lonely? Even though she was following Naomi’s directions, her actions were quite bold for a young woman in that culture.
oh, yes. it is good to know that there were god fearing people among all those who just did as they saw fit. Those who honored the Covenant and lived their lives unselfishly. God dod his work through these people too, amidst chaos and lawlessness. through this line came king David and ultimately our Lord Jesus!
I think Ruth’s obedience is in such contrast to the choices of the people in yesterday’s reading. Rather than doing what was right in her own eyes, she followed the Lord’s direction for her life. Boaz’s protection of Ruth is in such stark contrast to the Levite tossing his concubine out the front door, AND Ruth’s faithfulness to her first husband and his family, even after his death, is in such contrast to the cheating concubine. While I am not saying concubine’s punishment was just by any means, her choices prior to that gross injustice were selfish not self-sacrificing. Her indulgence cheapened her marriage, which lead to the Levite completely disrespecting her. But, Ruth’s choices won the respect of Boaz before he even took her as his wife. I think that can teach us a lot as women. I really struggled with yesterday’s reading and the mistreatment of the concubine, but if nothing else, it shows us that self-indulgence not only opens the door to other, greater sins but creates a culture of disrespect, for both men and women. As I think about the people I respect, most of them aren’t perfect but they have lived lives that have overcome huge obstacles through self-sacrifice and dependence on God, not through the traits displayed in Judges (indulgence, infidelity, inebriation, cruelty, bullying, hate, or cowardice.) The choices that made Boaz and Ruth’s relationship so admirable shine a light on the choices that made the Levite and the concubine’s marriage so horrifying.
Yes. Totally agree. We see in yesterday’s reading a marriage gone completely awry, leaving us puzzled and horrified. But God! Today’s reading gives hope that He can redeem our lives from the pit, if only we submit to His will and act accordingly to His ways. This is such a great book! I just wish Ruth was longer.
(Is anyone else kind of amazed and a little envious that a woman could have such a great relationship with her mother in law??)
I love Paul’s comment about not being deceived – bad company ruins good morals. This is so true. A friend who had a huge influence on me as a young Christian (didn’t lead me to the faith, but helped me in my growing into a deeper faith) has recently walked away from the faith after befriending a lot of atheists. Devastating.
I love Ruth as well! So refreshing after yesterday’s readings where women were dishonored and demeaned. Naomi and Boaz’s love story is tender and thoughtful.
Love the story of ruth! I was struck by something new today that I didn’t know before. Boaz seemed to imply that ruth was much younger than he when he said that she had done such a great service to Naomi – by coming with her and leaving her family, and now by not marrying the younger men. I was amazed this time reading through at Ruth’s submission to God and that she was willing to live life not for her own pleasure, but for the pleasure of God and her mother-in-law. If only we all lived this way. The world would surely see a difference in us.
I wish we could know more about how Ruth was feeling. Was she scared out of her mind to go to Boaz? Was she ever lonely? Even though she was following Naomi’s directions, her actions were quite bold for a young woman in that culture.
Yes let’s live as Ruth. Faithful, humble, hardworking
oh, yes. it is good to know that there were god fearing people among all those who just did as they saw fit. Those who honored the Covenant and lived their lives unselfishly. God dod his work through these people too, amidst chaos and lawlessness. through this line came king David and ultimately our Lord Jesus!
I think Ruth’s obedience is in such contrast to the choices of the people in yesterday’s reading. Rather than doing what was right in her own eyes, she followed the Lord’s direction for her life. Boaz’s protection of Ruth is in such stark contrast to the Levite tossing his concubine out the front door, AND Ruth’s faithfulness to her first husband and his family, even after his death, is in such contrast to the cheating concubine. While I am not saying concubine’s punishment was just by any means, her choices prior to that gross injustice were selfish not self-sacrificing. Her indulgence cheapened her marriage, which lead to the Levite completely disrespecting her. But, Ruth’s choices won the respect of Boaz before he even took her as his wife. I think that can teach us a lot as women. I really struggled with yesterday’s reading and the mistreatment of the concubine, but if nothing else, it shows us that self-indulgence not only opens the door to other, greater sins but creates a culture of disrespect, for both men and women. As I think about the people I respect, most of them aren’t perfect but they have lived lives that have overcome huge obstacles through self-sacrifice and dependence on God, not through the traits displayed in Judges (indulgence, infidelity, inebriation, cruelty, bullying, hate, or cowardice.) The choices that made Boaz and Ruth’s relationship so admirable shine a light on the choices that made the Levite and the concubine’s marriage so horrifying.
I appreciate these thoughts!
Thank you for your insight. The readings yesterday and today were such a stark contrast to each other but your thoughts helped to bring them together.
Beautiful, thanks for sharing
Yes. Totally agree. We see in yesterday’s reading a marriage gone completely awry, leaving us puzzled and horrified. But God! Today’s reading gives hope that He can redeem our lives from the pit, if only we submit to His will and act accordingly to His ways. This is such a great book! I just wish Ruth was longer.
me too,i feel like ruth is such a good example for women
What a breath of fresh air.
(Is anyone else kind of amazed and a little envious that a woman could have such a great relationship with her mother in law??)
I love Paul’s comment about not being deceived – bad company ruins good morals. This is so true. A friend who had a huge influence on me as a young Christian (didn’t lead me to the faith, but helped me in my growing into a deeper faith) has recently walked away from the faith after befriending a lot of atheists. Devastating.
So sad. I pray she turns back to the truth!
I love Ruth as well! So refreshing after yesterday’s readings where women were dishonored and demeaned. Naomi and Boaz’s love story is tender and thoughtful.
It’s like he was not only her kinsman redeemer, but for all the women before her!
Love the story of ruth! I was struck by something new today that I didn’t know before. Boaz seemed to imply that ruth was much younger than he when he said that she had done such a great service to Naomi – by coming with her and leaving her family, and now by not marrying the younger men. I was amazed this time reading through at Ruth’s submission to God and that she was willing to live life not for her own pleasure, but for the pleasure of God and her mother-in-law. If only we all lived this way. The world would surely see a difference in us.
absolutely!