RUTH'S EXAMPLE OF JOYExtra from Volume 10#2 by Olivia Rose C. |
In Ruth 1, we see that Naomi and her family leave their home in Bethlehem in Judah to go to Moab to escape the famine (Ruth 1:1-2). After many trials, including the death of her husband, Naomi goes back home to Judah. She tried to get Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab; Orpah returns home, but Ruth stayed with Naomi. We see Ruth's response to Naomi “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1: 15-17). This statement shows Ruth's attitude toward Naomi, this is an attitude of love and faithfulness toward Naomi, through the pain of being a widow. Ruth is not holding any grudge against God, but instead she is having a cheerful attitude toward God. In chapter 2 we see that Ruth asks Naomi if she could glean and she is told yes, and so she gleaned in Boaz's field. Boaz notes her diligent work and asks who she is. And in verse 13 we read “Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens” (Ruth 2:13). This statement shows Ruth's attitude of gratefulness toward Boaz. In chapter 3 we see that Naomi talks to Ruth about marrying Boaz, and Ruth responds, “And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do” (Ruth 3:5). This statement shows Ruth's attitude of obedience towards Naomi. Ruth obeys Naomi and then we read Boaz's response to Ruth's request “And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I”(Ruth 3:10-13). In verse 10 we see Boaz's attitude of love and thankfulness toward God and Ruth. We see that Ruth was a virtuous woman; the whole city knew that! Why? Because of her cheerful attitude. And then we see that Boaz asks the other Kinsmen about redeeming the land and he was told, yes. But when Boaz talks about marrying Ruth the kinsmen said no. So Boaz buys the land and marries Ruth. Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed (Ruth 4:17). In Matthew chapter 1 we see that Obed was the ancestor of Jesus Christ. God used Ruth's cheerful attitude in a mighty way! And Jesus said about our attitude “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). God bless you. |
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