God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Friday, May 5, 2023

God's Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Last year Lighthouse Bible Studies published a compilation titled, For Love’s Sake. This book is now a finalist in the Selah awards given at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I was privileged to contribute to this wonderful book.

I have always loved the book of Ruth in the Bible and my contribution to this book is based on the love between Boaz and Ruth. I shared part of this story in another blog post For Love’s Sake, the Life-changing Facets of love. Here is the rest of that article. 

God’s Love Story

God painted a picture of the gospel through the palette of His Word in the romance of Boaz and Ruth. Boaz’s name means “strong redeemer.”1 He became the redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Christ, the second Adam, became the Kinsman Redeemer for mankind.

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people. (Luke 1:68 NKJV)

The Old Testament vision of Jesus’ love for all mankind is enacted through the book of Ruth through acceptance, provision, protection, and rest. What are the similarities in the two stories of redeeming love?

Acceptance

Ruth was accepted by Naomi (Ruth 1:22), by Boaz (2:14), and by Israel (2:6); and she wasn’t judged for her past (2:6). Ruth approached Boaz by faith (3:6).

Believers are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and we are not judged by God for our past (Psalm 103:12, Romans 8:1). We approach God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

Provision

God led Ruth to glean from the fields of Boaz when she didn’t know who Boaz was (Ruth 2:3). Boaz provided for Ruth (2:8), fed Ruth (3:15), and shared his wealth with Ruth and Naomi (4:11).

God draws us to Him before we know who He is (John 15:16). God provides for us (Psalm 37:25), Jesus feeds us (John 6:35), and He sees our poverty and need and makes us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Protection

Boaz protected Ruth from the reapers (Ruth 2:9), and he signified his protection of her by covering her with his garment—Take your maidservant under your wing (3:9 NKJV).

God protects us from the world (Galatians 1:4), and He covers us with His wings of protection (Psalm 91:4).

Rest

Boaz brought Ruth out of the heat of the day and gave her refreshment (Ruth 2:14). Ruth rested at Boaz’s feet in obedience (3:6). Redemption gave Ruth and Naomi peace (4:15).

Jesus refreshes us with living water (John 6:35). We are to rest by giving Jesus our burdens (Matthew 11:28). Jesus gives us peace (John 14:27).

Redeemed by Love


Ruth was a foreigner who had nothing until Boaz extended grace toward her (Ruth 2:13). We were foreigners without God (Ephesians 2:12) and had nothing until the Father extended love to us through Jesus.

Ruth’s acceptance into Israel shows that God loves all races of people. When God included Ruth in the line of the Messiah, He revealed that His plan of redemption was for all mankind, not just the Jews (Ephesians 3:6, Galatians 3:8).

Redemption turned the tragedy of Ruth and Naomi’s lives into triumph (Ruth 4:15), and it turned the tragedy of the cross into triumph for God and us (Romans 8:28, Colossians 2:15).

It was for love’s sake that Boaz redeemed Ruth and made her part of his family. It was for love’s sake that God visited His people and redeemed us through Christ.

Information about the book, For Love’s Sake

This amazing collection of articles will bless your soul as you read about the different ways God’s love has affected the lives of people. You can order from Lighthouse Bible Studies  or find the compilation on Amazon. 

What does the book of Ruth say to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts. 

God’s Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth (click to tweet)

  

 


25 comments:

  1. As always, your biblical insight and analysis leads your readers (me especially) to gain more understanding from God's Word. Thank you for being the faithful servant you are Ms. Barbara. Am blessed by your efforts my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kindness, J.D. You are among those I gain revelation of God's Word from too. Blessings!

      Delete
  2. Wonderful points and words. God became our Boaz through Jesus Christ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it amazing how God always connects the events in the Bible to help us see His Son? Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

      Delete
  3. Barbara, what a wonderful love-focused summery of this Bible event. My study group just finished a study of Ruth. I'm going to share this with them. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always learn something new when I read the book of Ruth. I hope your study group enjoys the article. Thanks for sharing, Connie. Blessings!

      Delete
  4. Wonderful story of love and God's grace!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Blessings!

      Delete
  5. How lovely is this post. You beautifully illustrate four love blessings: Protection, provision, acceptance, and rest. What more could we ask for?

    I think this is one of Lighthouse’s best books. Candyce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing, Candyce. I think all the articles in this book are great too. Blessings!

      Delete
  6. Barbara, I've always loved the story of Ruth for the reasons you mention. You've shared a beautiful message focusing on Boaz's love and kindness to Ruth and Naomi. And you clearly guide us to a better understanding of our Father's great love for us. Thank you for this uplifting message.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine, the book of Ruth has so many great messages of the Father's love. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

      Delete
  7. Barbara, you’ve written a lovely summary connecting this beloved Bible story to God’s love for us. I especially appreciate this point and how you connected it to God drawing us before we knew Him. “God led Ruth to glean from the fields of Boaz when she didn’t know who Boaz was (Ruth 2:3).”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind comments. I am thankful you were blessed by this story. Blessings!

      Delete
  8. Yvonne Morgan5/11/23, 10:15 AM

    I too love the story of Ruth. It paints an amazing picture of how God loves and cares for us. Thank you for sharing Barbara and congratulations on being a part of this wonderful book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do find how God intersects His word all through the Bible so amazing. Thanks for sharing, Yvonne. Blessings!

      Delete
  9. Congratulations Barbara! I love the book of Ruth too. A high school teacher opened my eyes to it, and its been a favorite since.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a wonderful gift you received from a teacher. That should give you precious memories of that person. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

      Delete
  10. Congratulations, Barbara! I love the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congratulations Barbara.I enjoyed this wonderful writing of Ruth. The acceptance, provision, protection, rest, and redemption given to Ruth by Boaz is a beautiful picture of God's blessings offered to us through Jesus Christ. Much can be gleaned from Ruth's romance. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruth's story does contain so many inspiring lessons for us. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

      Delete
  12. I never grow tired of this beautiful love story, Barbara. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love to continue in this story too, Annie. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

      Delete
    2. I love to continue in this story too, Annie. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

      Delete