More lessons from Ruth

Blessings came upon the family...

Naomi trusted in God, Ruth depended upon God, and Boaz relied on God. When Ruth "happened" upon Boaz's field, he took on the support of both Ruth and Naomi and extended to them extra privileges (Ruth 2:14-16). "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge" (Ruth 2:12). This brought joy and hope back to Naomi's heart, which had once been so overcome with bitterness and despair. "Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!" (Ruth 2:20). God's sovereign mercy and lovingkindness was being shown to these women through Boaz.

The theme of devotion and love continues in the lives of these two brave women. The older, wiser Naomi began to coach Ruth in the customs of the land and for securing a marriage partner (Ruth 3:3-4). Ruth obediently followed the instructions, securing a future for her and Naomi (Ruth 3:5).

Everyone in Bethlehem saw in Ruth's hard work her concern for her widowed mother-in-law (Ruth 2:11). As the landowner Boaz declared to Ruth, "all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman" (Ruth 3:11). "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" (Prov 12:4).

More comparisons between Ruth and the wife of Proverbs 31:10-31:

1. Devoted to her family (Ruth 1:15-18/Proverbs 31:10-12,23)

2. Delighting in her work (Ruth 2:2/Proverbs 31:13)

3. Diligent in her labor (Ruth 2:7, 17, 23/Proverbs 31:14-18,19-21, 24,27)

4. Dedicated to godly speech (Ruth 2:10, 13/Proverbs 31:26)

5. Dependent on God (Ruth 2:12/Proverbs 31:25b, 30)

6. Dressed with care (Ruth 3:3/Proverbs 31:22,25a)

7. Discreet with men (Ruth 3:6-13/Proverbs 31:11-12,23)

8. Delivering blessings (Ruth 4:14,15/Proverbs 31:28,29,31)

The blessing of a Godly, virtuous husband and his attributes:

Diligent- Boaz is described as "a man of great wealth" (Ruth 2:1), and we see him carefully and thoughtful overseeing his property.

Friendly- Boaz greeted his workers with warmth, and even welcomed the stranger named Ruth. (Ruth 2:4,8)

Merciful- Noticing Ruth at work, Boaz asked about her situation and acted on her behalf. (Ruth 2:7)

Godly- Boaz asked Jehovah to bless Ruth in return for her care for Naomi (Ruth 2:12)

Encouraging- Boaz pointed out Ruth's strong qualities and spoke of them to cheer on (Ruth 2:12; 3:11)

Generous- Although Ruth needed food and was wiling to work for it, Boaz gave her extra (Ruth 2:15)

Kind- When Ruth reported the considerate ways of Boaz, Naomi thanked God for His kindness shown to both of them through Boaz (Ruth 2:20)

Discreet- Boaz exhibited wise discretion by sending Ruth home before daylight (Ruth 3:14)

Faithful- Following through on his promise to Ruth, Boaz "went to court" to clear the way to marry her (Ruth 4:1)

The blessing of a grandchild:

Naomi received the blessing of a grandchild (Ruth 4:16), one that would continue the heritage of her dead husband (Ruth 4:17). This child was not only a blessing to his parents and grandmother, but was part of the lineage of our Savior! "[Obed] is the father of Jesse, the father of David" (Ruth 4:17). The family tree or "the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David" includes these names: Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David (Matt 1:1, 5-6).

Now that's a blessed ending to the story of these two remarkable women!!

Messages to take away: "Look for the kindness of the Lord extended to you though the good deeds of others". "Extend the kindness of the Lord to others through your own good deeds".

References:

"The Remarkable Women of the Bible" by Elizabeth George

Scriptures taken from "Woman's Study Bible" NKJV