The Big Picture - The Story of Ruth

More than a literary masterpiece, this emotionally captivating story portrays God’s sovereignty and His redemptive work in our lives. What we perceive as natural disasters and loss are in fact entrances into the eternal Kingdom of God.

During these seasons, human reaction, fear and anger tend to lead us into shortsightedness, but then God graciously lifts us up to see the Big Picture. 2 Peter 1:2-11

Plight of a Powerless Woman  Ruth 1:1-5

Naomi, whose name means “pleasant,” married Elimelech. They had two sons as they began their promising family.

Ironically, a famine struck their Promised Land. The “happily ever after” phase was interrupted by harsh reality. Their survival instinct drove them into the world of the Moabites. 

While there, the sons married Moabite women. Soon after, Elimelech died and so did the sons of Naomi. It was a bitterly tragic turn of events.

Pilgrimage and the Pivotal Choice  Ruth 1:6-22

Naomi, heavily burdened by her losses, made a decision to return home to Bethlehem, known as the House of Bread. Word was out, that the House of Bread had been replenished. 

As she was leaving, she released her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to stay with their families. Orpah did so, but Ruth clung to Naomi, reciting those beautiful words of unparalleled loyalty:

Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me and more also, if anything but death parts you and me. Verses 16-17

When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, everyone cried out, “It is Naomi, the Pleasant One!” But after all the grief she had been through, she corrected them saying her new name was Mara, meaning “bitter.”

Notice how she framed her complaint about the natural circumstances she had endured: The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi since the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?  Verses 20-21

Naomi was angry with God! Truth is, we suffer loss because we live in a Fallen world. Blaming God is natural even for spiritual people. Satan is angry too. He is a fallen angel. But for us, while the immediate seems almost unbearable, God’s redemptive plan is at work.

At some point in the emotional storm of grief, we lay hold of the anchor that is our eternal hope. Hebrews 6:19 That hope holds us steady until we enter a new season.

As Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem it was the beginning of barley harvest. Verse 22

Participation and Preparation in God’s Purpose  Ruth 2 & 3

Immediately, Ruth wanted to work gleaning leftovers from the fields. Thankfully, she engaged in the opportunity to work. Work is therapeutic. Even greater opportunities arise when our hands are occupied. Being isolated and idle are pre-conditions for depression.

As Ruth worked, Boaz a wealthy landowner, took note of her. Her reputation as a hard worker was not overlooked. Finally, he had a conversation with her, instructing her to stay close to other hardworking women and avoid the young men.

Ruth humbly and thankfully fell on her knees asking, “Why have I found favor in your eyes?” Boaz said, “I know all about you and how kind and loyal you have been toward your mother-in-law.” Verse 2:11 in my words

Boaz further suggested that the Lord under whose wings she had come for refuge would repay her a full reward. Ruth, a humble servant, poured forth more gratitude for his comforting words. Verses 2:12-13

At mealtime Boaz treated her equally with the reapers allowing her to gather abundantly. Returning to Naomi, she brought portions from her mealtime and gleaning. She reported all her activities and the new acquaintances, especially that of Boaz.

At the mention of his name, Naomi rejoiced saying, “Blessed be the one who took notice of you.” She went on, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead! This man… is one of our closest relatives.” Verses 2:19-21

Naomi instructed Ruth how to present herself next. This virtuous woman Ruth (3:11) lay at the feet of Boaz. At midnight he awoke startled, asking, “Who are you?” She said, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” (Literally, Redeemer Kinsman)

Boaz responded, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! I will do for you all you request. I am a close relative.” Redeemer Kinsman

Payment for God’s Sovereign Plan  Ruth 4:1-18

Thereafter, Boaz satisfied the legal requirements to marry Ruth. She became his wife and through their seed, King David was born. Generations later, Jesus would be born as our Redeemer Kinsman! Matthew 1:5-6,16 & Ephesians 2:19

Boaz took Ruth (the Moabite) and she became his wife… and she bore a son.

Then the women said to Naomi (Ruth’s mother-in-law), “Blessed be the Lord, Who has not left you without a close relative (Redeemer Kinsman); and may his name be famous in Israel… may he be… a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you… is better to you than seven sons…”

Naomi… became a nurse to him. Also, the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi! They called him Obed (meaning Servant). Ruth 4:13-17 NKJV condensed

When dealing with hardships and losses, may God grant that we see the Big Picture from His Sovereign perspective. Rather than bitterness and blame, may we have an eye on God’s Redemptive work. He is at work in our circumstances even now. May we have this blessed assurance; all things work together for good. Romans 8:28