The Best for Last

"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son." — Ruth 4:13

You’ve heard it said in a variety of contexts about saving your best for last. Sometimes it’s said when a basketball player hits a clutch shot at the buzzer to win the game. Or an actor gives a standing-ovation performance in the final show before closing. Or a student aces the final exam. In each case, they saved their best effort for the last possible moment – and it helped win the championship, earn accolades, or pass the course!

In a way, I think that God saved his best blessing for last in the story of Ruth. As we come to the final chapter in this short book, Ruth and Naomi’s situation has changed dramatically from one of hardship and a bleak future to one of restoration and healing, and a bright future.

Ruth: Romance and Redemption

Ruth meets Boaz: Ruth 2

In Israel, the barley harvest began in the spring. The community in Bethlehem observed God’s law concerning harvesting: “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest…. Leave them for the poor and the alien” (Leviticus 19:9-10).

"And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, ‘Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor’" (Ruth 2:2). Illustration above by Dan Andreason; below by James Tissot

Ruth was both poor and an alien. She had few prospects in Judah, as Naomi had warned her. However, she was able to provide for Naomi and herself by working hard gleaning the grain left by the harvesters (Ruth 2:2).

There is an almost idyllic quality to the Bethlehem community described in Ruth, which — especially when one considers it existed during the turbulent period of the judges — testifies powerfully to the difference a few people living God’s way can make. Bethlehem would later become famous, first as the “town of David” and later as the birthplace of the Messiah (Luke 2:4-7).

“As it turned out, [Ruth] found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech” (Ruth 2:3). Boaz was a “man of standing [Hebrew: ‘ish gibbor chail, implying Boaz was physically impressive and had noble character]” (verse 1).

Boaz asked his foreman who the stranger gleaning in the field was. The foreman replied that she was the young woman who had accompanied Naomi back from Moab. Boaz then told Ruth to continue gleaning in his field, and helped her far beyond the demands of the law. He even ordered his harvesters to make Ruth especially welcome, enabling her to gather extra barley.

Ruth then asked Boaz, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?” (verse 10). Ruth’s expression about finding favor in Boaz’s eyes, used by her on three occasions (verses 2, 10, 13), was a culturally appropriate way of showing respect. Ruth thus displayed the type of attitude the apostle Paul later taught Christians to have, when he said, “In humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Choosing Change

 Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

      

Recommended Reading Ruth 1:16-17

Do you like change? Some people dread the very word. Change can be as life-altering as a job relocation. Or it can be as simple as someone sitting in "your" seat at church or your grocery store rearranging its aisles. But even creatures of habit must admit that some changes are beneficial and, in fact, life changing.

One of the most unassuming characters in Scripture is a heroine who radically changed the course of her life, impacting the Davidic messianic line. Widowed at a young age, Ruth could have returned to the protection of her mother's family. But Ruth didn't pick the easy way. Facing enormous obstacles, this brave Gentile woman committed to a big change: "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16). By embracing change, Ruth was blessed far beyond what her finite mind could have imagined. Her son would be part of the messianic lineage.

Naomi: Having Hope Through the Famines of Life

And Naomi said, "I went out full, but the Lord has brought me home again empty." ~ Ruth 1:21 (AMP)

Have you ever gone through a famine in your life?

In this Bible study on Naomi, we will look at how God turned one woman's famine into a bountiful harvest. We will learn how, even in her darkest hour, God's plan was working to shine His light on Naomi's life.

Though she felt abandoned, He had in no way forsaken her. In all of her darkness, God had left Naomi a ray of hope.

This is the first of two Bible studies on the Book of Ruth. The next lesson with focus on Ruth herself. But, this Bible study on Naomi is here to give you hope in your life's driest seasons.

The Benefit of Wise Decisions : Ruth And Naomi

The Benefit of Wise Decisions - Ruth 1:1-18

INTRODUCTION

Ruth was of the land of Moab but married a Jewish man who was the son of Elimelech and Naomi. Naomi was a lady who suffered a great deal of loss in her life, including her husband and her two sons. After the loss of her sons (the husbands of Ruth and Orpah), Naomi determined to return home to the land of Judah.

Ruth and Orpah had tough choices to make. Should they go with Naomi or remain in Moab? Orpah determined to stay, but Ruth steadfastly determined to go with Naomi. This may have seemed like a strange decision, but read ahead in the Book of Ruth and you will find that it was a wise decision with great benefits.

Ruth finds a home with Naomi (Ruth 1:22), marries a great man named Boaz (Ruth 4:13), and finds herself in the line of King David and the Lord Jesus (Ruth 4:17; Matthew 1:5).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Missionaries leave their friends and family and go far away to tell people about the Lord. This is a hard decision. What good can come from their decision?

• Do you think that Ruth’s decision was easier than Orpah’s? Which one made the right choice?

• What would Ruth have missed had she decided to stay in Moab? Is it possible that you will miss some blessings if you fail to make wise choices?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you see the long term effect of your decisions.

• Pray that He will give you the wisdom to make the right choices, even when they are difficult.

HYMN

Trust and Obey

http://www.learnthebible.org/the-benefit-of-wise-decisions.html

Ruth Marries Boaz : trust under the wings of the God of Israel

Scripture Passage  :  Ruth 3:1-18; Ruth 4:1-22

INTRODUCTION: As the story of Ruth comes to a close, we see the great blessings of the Lord on both her and Naomi. Naomi will find blessing through her daughter-in-law. Ruth will find blessing through Boaz. He (a picture of Christ) is a kinsman of Naomi (a picture of Israel). He redeems Ruth (a type of Gentile believers). Naomi, who lost the blessing, is brought back into a time of blessing through the union of Boaz and Ruth.

1. RUTH LIES DOWN AT THE FEET OF BOAZ (Ruth 3:1-7
   )
1. The Instructions of Naomi (Ruth 3:1-4
   )
1. She seeks rest for Ruth (Ruth 3:1
   ; Ruth 1:9
   ; Isaiah 11:10
   ).
2. Tonight Boaz will be winnowing barley (Ruth 3:2
   ).
3. Prepare yourself for this night (Ruth 3:3
   ). Like believers today, she is to make herself ready and then to wait (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
   ).
4. When he lieth down, go lie at his feet (Ruth 3:4
   ).
1. Ruth is to mark the place where Boaz would lie down.
2. She is to go in and uncover his feet.
3. She is to lie down at his feet.
4. She is to receive instruction while at his feet (Luke 10:39
   ).
2. The Obedience of Ruth (Ruth 3:5-7
   )
1. She speaks words of submission (Ruth 3:5
   ).
2. She performs acts of obedience (Ruth 3:6-7
   ; 1 John 3:18
   ; James 2:15-16
   )
2. BOAZ PROMISES TO DO HIS PART FOR RUTH (Ruth 3:8-13
   )
1. Boaz Discovers Ruth (Ruth 3:8-9
   ).
1. Boaz awakes and is frightened by the woman at his feet (Ruth 3:8
   ).
2. Ruth identifies herself and her purpose (Ruth 3:9
   ).
2. Boaz Accepts Ruth’s Proposal (Ruth 3:10-11
   ).
1. Boaz praises Ruth for her kindness (Ruth 3:10
   ).
2. He promises to do for her as she requested (Ruth 3:11
   ).
3. He speaks of her reputation as a virtuous woman (Ruth 3:11
   ; Proverbs 31:10-31
   ).
3. Boaz Must Deal with a Nearer Kinsman (Ruth 3:12-13
   ).
1. There is a kinsman nearer than Boaz (Ruth 3:12
   ).
2. He must be given his chance to do the part of a kinsman (Ruth 3:13
   ).
3. RUTH RETURNS TO NAOMI TO WAIT (Ruth 3:14-18
   )
1. Ruth Rises Early in the Morning (Ruth 3:14
   ).
1. She lies at his feet until the morning.
2. She rises up before one could know another.
3. Boaz gives instructions to keep her visit a secret.
2. Boaz Sends Ruth Home with Barley (Ruth 3:15
   ).
3. Ruth Tells Her Story to Naomi (Ruth 3:16-17
   ).
1. Ruth reports to Naomi all that transpired (Ruth 3:16-17
   ).
2. Note: Naomi had returned home empty (Ruth 1:21
   ), but Ruth is not allowed to return to Naomi empty (Ruth 3:17
   ).
4. Ruth Must Wait to See What Happens (Ruth 3:18
   ).
1. Naomi tells Ruth to sit still until she receives word from Boaz.
2. Naomi tells how he will not rest until he finishes “this day” (Luke 23:43
   ).
4. ONE KINSMAN REFUSES TO REDEEM RUTH (Ruth 4:1-8
   )
1. Boaz Gathers Ten Men at the City Gate (Ruth 4:1-2
   ).
1. Boaz goes to the gate of the city and sits down (Ruth 4:1
   ). Note: The city gate is a place where judgments are made (Genesis 19:1
   ).
2. The nearer kinsman passes by, and Boaz requests a meeting (Ruth 4:1
   ).
3. Boaz gathers ten men of the elders to witness the meeting (Ruth 4:2
   ).
2. Boaz Allows the Kinsman to Redeem the Land (Ruth 4:3-4
   ).
1. Boaz informs the kinsman that Naomi is selling a parcel of land (Ruth 4:3
   ).
2. He tells the nearer kinsman that he can buy it (Ruth 4:4
   ).
3. The nearer kinsman agrees to purchase the parcel of land (Ruth 4:4
   ).
3. Boaz Explains That Ruth Is Included (Ruth 4:5
   ).
4. The Kinsman Passes the Redemption to Boaz (Ruth 4:6-8
   ).
1. He would have to share his inheritance with his present sons (Ruth 4:6
   ).
2. He gives up his right and responsibility by plucking off his shoe (Ruth 4:7-8
   ; similar to Deuteronomy 25:7-10
   ).
5. BOAZ REDEEMS RUTH AS HIS WIFE (Ruth 4:9-12
   )
1. Boaz Redeems the Inheritance of Elimelech (Ruth 4:9-10
   ).
1. Boaz takes on the responsibility before witnesses (Ruth 4:9
   ).
2. Boaz purchases Ruth to be his wife (Ruth 4:10
   ). Note: Compare this to Christ purchasing the believer by His death on the cross (Acts 20:28
   ).
3. Boaz promises to raise up the inheritance of the dead (Ruth 4:10
   ).
2. Boaz Receives the Blessing of the People (Ruth 4:11-12
   ); Ruth compared to:
1. Rachel and Leah (Ruth 4:11
   )
2. Tamar (Ruth 4:12
   )
6. RUTH BEARS A SON TO BOAZ (Ruth 4:13-17
   )
1. Ruth Has a Son by Boaz (Ruth 4:13
   ).
2. Naomi Receives a Blessing from the Women (Ruth 4:14-15
   ).
1. The name of her son to be famous (Ruth 4:14
   )
2. He is to be a restorer of her life and a nourisher of her old age (Ruth 4:15
   ).
3. Her daughter-in-law better than seven sons (Ruth 4:15
   )
3. Naomi Takes the Child to Her Bosom (Ruth 4:16-17
   ).
1. Naomi is nurse to the child (Ruth 4:16
   ).
2. The child Obed is grandfather to David (Ruth 4:17
   ).
7. RUTH’S SON IS IN THE LINE OF DAVID (Ruth 4:18-22
   )
1. The Ancestors of Boaz (Ruth 4:18-20
   )
2. The Descendents of Boaz (Ruth 4:21-22
   )

CONCLUSION: This story was guaranteed a happy conclusion when Ruth came to trust under the wings of the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16; Ruth 2:12) – not that bad things could not happen, but that good would be the final result. Have you come to trust under the wings of the God of Israel?

David Reagan and Andrew Ray

http://www.learnthebible.org/sunday-school-outlines/ruth-marries-boaz.html