Ruth is a love story filled with kindness, tenderness, compassion and unselfish love. The main action concerns Ruth and Boaz, perhaps 2 of the most noble, Christlike characters in the Old Testament. Nothing is recorded of either one of sin or selfishness, so they stand in sharp contrast to the Patriarchs and their families, the judges and even King David. They are made for each other. Ruth does not by chance happen to be gleaning in Boaz’s fields: the Lord brought her there. Boaz falls in love with her for she has demonstrated great love for Naomi. He shows by his actions that he is honorable, generous and godly, a true believer in Yahweh, quite different from his fellow Israelites. He protects Ruth and Naomi and provides generously for their needs.
And what is even more amazing is that Naomi suddenly has hope. She suddenly realized that it is Yahweh who is blessing her and her daughter-in-law. What incredible elation she must have felt at the experience of the Lord’s mercy despite her sinfulness. She who returned home with tears of bitterness and despair now weeps tears of joy because the Lord is with her. This tells us that in the midst of our despair, in the midst of all of our problems, the Lord is working out some great purpose in our lives.
This story makes me weep for it is a wonderful illustration of the Lord’s love and mercy. He grants blessings and favor to us even though we have sinned against Him and deserve only punishment. Often we punish ourselves when God wants to bless. And then there are those legalists who want to punish everyone who breaks their rules because they think that is what God wants. Yet surprisingly God extends mercy and grace when we think He should not. Isn’t that amazing!
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