Ruth’s Example, Day 12 The legacy. Read Ruth 4:16-22. As we finish this book and wrap up the tremendous example of the woman Ruth, we actually see that Ruth fades into the distance and Naomi is center stage. While this story bears Ruth’s name in the title, we come to understand that Naomi and her journey of discovering God’s provision for her is actually the main focus of this small book. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that it’s not all about us. Instead, it is all about God. This book ends showing what amazing legacy is created through God moving in this story. The future king David and ultimately…

Ruth’s Example, Day 11 Ruth becomes pregnant. Read Ruth 4:13-15. When we first read this section, the outcome of Ruth becoming pregnant seems obvious. That was the whole point of why they were getting married is so that they could raise up a next generation. But I love that this verse has the reminder that it is God who brings about pregnancy. If we remember, Ruth had been married before. We don’t know how long her marriage to Mahlon lasted until he died, but however long it was, she had not become pregnant and did not give birth to a child with him. Ultimately, God is the one who brings…

Ruth’s Example, Day 10 Boaz’s wife. Read Ruth 4:9-12. The transaction is made and a deal is sealed. Boaz becomes the husband of Ruth. He is a husband with a purpose. However, he understands that the reason God has granted him this opportunity to be Ruth’s wife is so that he can raise up that family that had been through such destruction. His purpose was to provide the restoration of that family to the entire Israelite community. When we think about the purpose and plan that God has for us, usually one of two things happens. Either we don’t understand what that purpose would or could or should be, or…

Ruth’s Example, Day 9 Not me. Read Ruth 4:8. Boaz is going to take care of the issue. He locates the other man who has the right of redemption and asks him about his interest. Initially, the man is very interested in purchasing and redeeming the land however, when he learned that it also included a wife, he changed his mind and said, “No, not me.” It makes me wonder, how often do we get presented with something that God is looking to do, and we say, “No, not me. That might hurt my own plans that might get in the way of what I’m doing.” We can be the…

Ruth’s Example, Day 8 Wait. Read Ruth 3:12-18. Ruth has done everything she has been told to do. She followed Naomi’s instructions. She followed Boaz’s instructions. Now she is sitting at home waiting. Naomi reminds her that what she is supposed to be doing now is to wait. Waiting may be the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. I like action. I like purpose. I like being intentional about what I’m doing. However, there are times when we’ve done everything we are supposed to do. The only thing we are to do at that point is to wait. God understands timing perfectly. God recognizes there is a…

Ruth’s Example, Day 6 Ruth’s obedience. Read Ruth 3:1-6. Naomi finally stops feeling sorry for herself and realizes that she has the means and the ability to help take care of her daughter-in-law. Naomi starts to see her purpose again and find hope in what she has to do. Naomi gives Ruth some specific advice on how to get the conversation started with a potential kinsman redeemer. The advice may have seemed odd and strange to Ruth at the time, but but she took and did exactly what her mother-in-law told her to do. She trusted her mother-in-law because she knew that her mother-in-law, even with all the difficulties she…

Ruth’s Example, Day 4 Provision that Ruth is aware of. Read Ruth 2:8-14. As part of Ruth’s example, we see that she is being taken care of. She is told that she is being taken care of. Boaz comes to her and explains that he wants her to make sure that she stays here in his field, and that he will ensure she has everythingshe needs. Being obedient to God reminds us that he will keep his promises to us. We can understand and see how God’s hand moves in our circumstances so that he is caring for our needs. He tells us that he cares for our needs. We…

Ruth’s Example, Day 3 Be worthy of notice. Read Ruth 2:1-7. Ruth went to work. She recognized that there were needs that they had, and she had the capacity to go out and at least do some small things to meet those needs. She went out and went to work. She found a field in which she was allowed to come behind the harvesters and pick up stray grain. This was long, tedious, arduous work. But when the master of the field arrived, he noticed her. She wouldn’t have been the only one out working. She wouldn’t have been the only one out picking up leftover grain. But her deeds…

Ruth’s Example, Day 2 Ruth declares her dedication and commitment. Read Ruth 1:6-22. When we read through this section, there are so many pieces that stand out. We see Naomi’s tremendous bitterness and grief. We see Orpah’s confusion. And we see Ruth’s steadfast committment. Ruth was not going to be swayed in her committment by anyone. She knew what she wanted and who she wanted to be associated with and nothing Naomi’s or anyone else said was going to change that. After all we studied in the book of Judges of people riding a rollercoaster of obedience/disobedience, it’s so impressive to see someone so committed to their principles and their…