The beginning of Ruth's story started with tragedy and a new beginning.
Ruth had lost her husband, left her homeland and chose to be a foreigner in a new land where she would not be seen as favored or chosen. She chose to follow her mother in law, an Israelite, to live in the land of God's people and believe in the one true God. (Ruth 1:16-17) As a Moabite woman, the likelihood of her to be wed and start a family was close to nothing. However, in Ruth chapter 2, everything changes when God uses a man named Boaz.
Boaz was a man of good repute, a “mighty man of valor.” He represented someone who had a great standing and God would use Boaz to redeem Ruth and Naomi’s family. Boaz saw Ruth, heard Ruth’s story, and because of her character and trust in Naomi, Ruth began to find favor in the land of God’s people through Boaz. (Ruth 2:5-16)
“Blessed be the name of the LORD, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!” (Ruth 2:20 NKJV)
God had not left Ruth or Naomi. God would not abandon His covenant or break His promises. He would redeem them.
In Ruth 3, Ruth has the choice to go to Boaz and present herself to be chosen because he is a relative to Naomi. (3:1-2) Ruth follows her mother in laws instructions and prepares herself for the threshing floor. She did not reveal who she was, but she trusted Naomi, and humbled herself at Boaz’s feet and presented herself to be chosen. Boaz did not know it was Ruth, but when it was revealed, she found favor in his eyes.
“Then he said, “Blessed are you of the LORD, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”
Ruth 3:10-11
A virtuous woman. A woman of high standard and morality. Boaz saw this in Ruth. He did not see her past or where she came from. He wanted to protect her and take care of her. Boaz knew that there was another guardian redeemer that could take the place to marry Ruth, and he did not hide the truth from her. Even though there was this obstacle, Boaz would continue to go through the necessary process to redeem Ruth. (Ruth 3:12-17)
Boaz, being true to his word, would go to the council and advocate for Ruth and Naomi. He made it known that whoever would take this land would also take Ruth to be his wife. When this relative saw how this could affect his family, he declined, but Boaz would soon be the one to rise up and choose Ruth. After he advocated and found favor from the counsel, Ruth would now become his wife. (Ruth 4:11-12) They received blessings and soon would bear a son named Obed. Not only did this union redeem Ruth, this redeemed Naomi. God did not forget Naomi and the hardship she had endured.
“The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Ruth 4:15-16 NIV
Obed was not only the son of Boaz and Ruth, but would also redeem Naomi’s lineage, and would be a part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. (Ruth 4:21)
The biblical account of Ruth may be a short book, but it is filled with so much of God’s love and a reflection of Christ’s love for us.
Boaz being a representation of Christ, sought out Ruth, advocated for Ruth, and chose Ruth. Christ pursued us first. Christ went to the cross and defeated death so we could be redeemed and chosen. Christ saw us and advocated to the Father to be OUR REDEEMER.
Naomi was not left in poverty or shame. God saw Naomi’s hurt and, even though she grew bitter, He did not stop pursuing her. He would redeem her. He redeemed her lineage for HIS SON to be a part of her family line. Jesus Christ, would be born from this family line and would walk on this earth to redeem all mankind.
Every detail, every scripture, every story, is pointing to Jesus.
It points to the reality that God loves you and is calling out your name. He is waiting for you to present yourself and come to Him with it all. Your hurt, your baggage, your struggles, and for Him to redeem you and show you who you are in Him.
Your identity is not what has happened to you.
Your identity is not in your circumstance.
Your identity is not who you were or what you had done.
Your identity is chosen.
Your identity is redeemed.
Your identity is being HIS.
~ Sarah Moon