I pray that all is well with everyone. I'm sure you enjoyed the much needed break. However, I hope that you took some time to review the book of Ruth. If not, we will do a brief background about the book of Ruth this week. We want everyone to be familiar with the content in an attempt to start us all in the same place.
The book of Ruth carries many life lessons that God would like us to carry during our walk with Him. We find in this book excellent examples of faith, piety, patience, humility, industry, and loving-kindness, in the common events of life (Henry 1997). In addition to offering a feast of examples for us to apply to our lives as Christians, the book of Ruth helps define the blood lines traced to Christ. Ruth is the great-grandmother of David and this book establishes the lineage of David, the ancestor of Christ (Mears 1999).
Some bible scholars elude that a full understanding of the book of Ruth can only be accomplished if the study is parallel with the book of Judges. This delightful story should be read in connection with the first chapters of Judges, as no doubt it gives us an idea of the domestic life of Israel at that period of anarchy (Mears 1999). However, the book of Ruth, alone, offers such bountiful accounts of life lessons that aid in the understanding of some of God's most simplistic expectations of us. The book of Ruth shows the special care which God's providence takes of our smallest concerns and encourages us to full trust therein (Henry 1997).
This book specifically accounts Ruth's faithfulness and loyalty, in addition to her strength in making a difficult choice. This narrative masterpiece tells the story of the salvation of Ruth through her relationship with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and the discovery of the living God (Allen, Houxe, & Radmacher 1999). We can all draw from Ruth's experiences through her daily walk. We may view this book as beautiful, because natural representation of human life; as a curious detail of important facts; and as a part of the plan of redemption (Henry 1997).
As we delve into this great work, written by Samuel, and inspired by God, we will uncover a multitude of God's principles for Christian women. The book of Ruth is a beautiful love story of love, loyalty, and redemption (Allen, House, & Radmacher 1999). Many commentaries define the purpose of this book, in addition to the book of Esther, as specific accounts to guide women in their journey; it would seem that we all can take away lessons that are pivotal to a life with Christ.
Application
Please take some time this week and seek the Lord on your specific purpose in this study. Ask God to reveal to you your own significance in studying the book of Ruth. Additionally, take time to review the book of Ruth with regards to the notes provided above.
I pray that we all will receive a mighty blessing through discovering the book of Ruth.
Be blessed,
T. Carter
Allen, Th.D., Ronald B., House Th.D., J.D., H. Wayne, & Radmacher, Th.D., Earl D. (1999). Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nelsons Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee
Henry, Matthew (1999). Mathew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee
Mears, Henrietta (1999). What the Bible is All About. Regal Publishing. Ventura, California
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