Many sermons and devotions have been written on Ruth’s love story. It has been compared to Christ’s redemption of us, just as Boaz became the kinsman redeemer for Ruth.
The book also includes how Ruth gave up her home and family to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s declaration of loyalty is often quoted in marriage ceremonies, even if it's about a different type of family love.
“…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:” Ruth 1:16 KJV
As older adults, we can find further inspiration from the book of Ruth by examining how two main characters react to life’s uncertainties and trials: Naomi and Ruth.
At the beginning of chapter one, Naomi, her husband and two sons move to Moab because of a famine. Naomi’s husband dies soon after, and although her two sons marry, they die as well. This summary provides a grim picture of Naomi’s current life and future. She has lost her children and husband, and according to that culture and time, any chance of inheritance.
Naomi decides to return home to Bethlehemjudah, and both daughters-in-law beg to go with her. Naomi repeatedly asks them to return to Moab, and they refuse. Naomi must have been a caring, thoughtful mother-in-law for these girls to cling so tightly. Eventually, Orpah returns home, and Ruth remains with Naomi.
We know that Naomi is discouraged because in verse 20 of chapter one, she asks neighbors and friends to call her Mara, which means bitter. However, Naomi still knows that God is with her. In Ruth 2:20, she gives God credit for Ruth stumbling upon Boaz’s field.
“.......Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead….” Ruth 1:20 KJV
If you struggle to find hope after tough times, remember (like Naomi did) that God is always with us.
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: …” Isaiah 43:2 KJV
Naomi also doesn’t give up on living. She remains engaged with Ruth and her surroundings. Throughout the book, Naomi helps Ruth adapt to the culture and find work and offers advice on how to approach Boaz.
If Naomi had retreated in defeat and ignored the world around her, Ruth would have been left without direction and friendship. Don’t underestimate what you can offer other Bethesda Senior Living community residents, from a friendly smile to prayers and encouragement.
While Ruth is much younger than Naomi at the time of the story, she also loses a husband. Ruth returned to Bethlehemjudah with Naomi, leaving behind all she had known. She was probably feeling lonely and uncertain.
Moving to an assisted living community may have been a big step for you and your family. Everything is different, from the living suites to fellow residents to mealtimes. Like Ruth, you had to adapt, creating new friendships and living patterns.
We learn from Ruth’s earlier statement in verse 16 that she was committed. She was 100% ready to move forward and get involved. Like Naomi, Ruth didn’t isolate herself. At the first opportunity, she asked Naomi what she could do to help. In her case, she went out and gathered grain. Ruth worked that entire harvest, uncomplaining as far as we know, helping support Naomi and herself.
After Ruth met Boaz and Naomi advised her on the proper method of requesting help in the form of a kinsman redeemer, Ruth followed the instructions without question. Ruth could have become bitter and cynical, but she didn’t. She trusted God and Naomi and took a leap of faith.
Sometimes, stepping out by faith is scary, but God has assured us of his love and direction.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
One of the reasons people love the book of Ruth is that it has several happy endings. Boaz and Ruth marry. Naomi gets a grandson. And little Obed becomes the grandfather of David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Nevertheless, Ruth and Naomi didn’t know about the positive outcome during their time in Moab. They didn’t follow God because they knew the future. They just had faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 KJV
A life lived by faith helps you greet every day with confidence, knowing that what happens is in God’s hands. Take time to reread the book of Ruth and reflect on God’s goodness.
