Day 97 – Ruth 1-4

Talking Points

• All of Ruth in one day! Seriously?!
• This is a remarkable book with profound meaning and implications. It is a picture of salvation, it explains a requirement of our Savior (Kinsman Redeemer), and its history leads to the Savior Himself (a direct Descendant). Wow!
• In this picture of our Kinsman Redeemer, here are some things I found beautiful:
  • Elimelech means my God is King. 
  • Ruth shows us that Gentiles could believe in God.  
  • Naomi prays that the LORD, the covenant-keeping God, will deal kindly with her daughters-in-law. 
  • Ruth “clung to her” (1:14).
  • Deep commitment: “Where you go, I will go… and your God [will be] my God” (1:16).
  • God’s laws of provision put into place long before end up saving lives and being intertwined with the birth of Jesus. His plan is so astounding!
  • Boaz shows kindness even above and beyond what the Law required.
  • When Naomi refers to Boaz as “one of our closest relatives” (2:20), she actually uses the Hebrew word that means kinsman redeemer.
  • Boaz promises to seek out a nearer relative to see if he will redeem the land and Naomi, but that if that man won’t, he will. He is a man of great character.
  • God gives Boaz and Ruth a son, Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David.

Thoughts

The account of Ruth takes place during the time of the judges. Set against such a dark time of sin, famine, and turmoil, is this beautiful story of loyalty and redemption that ends up being part of Jesus’ lineage.

Consider Ruth. Without a redeemer, she is cut off. She is without a future. Destitute, with every reason to fear. Unable to redeem herself.

With a redeemer, Ruth is restored. She has provision, security, and peace. She and her family have the promise of a future. And, that future is part of God’s plan to bring about the Messiah — the Kinsman Redeemer of us all. In Him, we have provision, security, and peace. In Him, we are restored. In Him, we have the promise of a future. We stood, unable to redeem ourselves, but in Jesus Christ, we are redeemed!

“Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today” (4:14). Today, our LORD has not left us without a Redeemer! May His name be famous!