Ruth and ASAP

Ruth 1 – 4

The Book of Ruth is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It’s all about loyalty, love and another non-Jewess in the line of Christ. We’ve already discussed Tamar and Rahab, but Ruth is probably my favorite of the four mentioned in Matthew.

Considering how difficult it was to travel during the time of Ruth, at least compared to today, People sure did a lot of it. The story starts with Elimelech of the tribe of Judah and his wife Naomi moving to Moab because of a severe famine in the land. Their two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, moved with them. Both of their sons did what was forbidden and married Moabite women. One of these was Ruth. The other, whose name most people probably don’t remember, is Orpah. Elimelech died and, after ten years, Mahlon and Kilion also died. The death of these Elimelech and his sons left Naomi in a terrible predicament, but she heard that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah with good crops. She and her daughters-in-law started to leave Moab, but on the way, she told Orpah and Ruth to return to their mothers and hoped they would find other husbands. Orpah decides to go back, but Ruth refuses, saying, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” The two keep going until they come to Bethlehem.

Interesting, was it not, that they arrive in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest. If you recall, our wonderful Lord made provision for widows in that they could glean the fields following the harvest. Ruth just happens to gather grain behind the harvesters in a field belonging to Boaz, a relative of Elimelech.

Boaz notices Ruth and asks others about her. He tells her to stay right behind the people he has working in the field and to let him know if anyone treats her roughly. He invites her to help herself to the water his workers draw from the well. I think, though it does not say so, that it was love at first sight for both of them. He goes out of his way to have his workers provide for her.

When Naomi hears what happens, she uses interesting words for Boaz: “one of our family redeemers.” Naomi then persuades Ruth to keep an eye on Boaz and notice where he lies down… “then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” Boaz tells Ruth that there is a closer family redeemer, but he will see if he can redeem her.

As all good love stories end with the hero and heroine getting married, Boaz persuades the other redeemer to let him marry Ruth and redeem her husband’s estate. I found it especially interesting that the elders pray that the Lord will give Boaz descendants by Ruth who will be like those of their ancestor Perez, son of Tamar and Judah.

In this way, Ruth had a son named Obed who became the father of Jesse and grandfather of David.

Could you ask for a better love story than this?

Tomorrow, it’s I Samuel 1 – 3.

ASAP

My house just went thru a housecleaning with this prayer and I didn't have to lift a finger!!

ASAP!  It means "Always Say A Prayer"

Please do not break.  Just 32 words,

"God, our Father, If it is your will, walk through my house and take away all my worries and illnesses and please watch over and heal my family in Jesus name, Amen."

This prayer is so powerful.  Pass this on to friends.  Do not break or ask questions.  Does God come first in your life? 

Watch what He does!

Until next time…