Ruth's choice

​I’m delighted to begin a sermon series in the book of Ruth this coming Sunday. Ruth is a fabulous short story with a big message. On a quick read it could be viewed as just a love story, but when read with the original context in mind we learn that it’s a story about God and how he restores those who look to him with hope. It’s a story about God's faithfulness which contributes to the overall covenantal storyline of the Bible as a whole. It is also relevant to us today as it shows how God works in the everyday events in the lives of his people.

The story begins with highlighting the Judges theme of Israel and their need for a king. It explores the misery and emptiness that a family experienced during that dark time in history. All the males of a particular Israelite family who had left Bethlehem sadly died in Moab, leaving Naomi without a male relative to care for her. Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth the Moabite who chooses to be loyal to Yahweh and Naomi.

In Bethlehem, Ruth works hard gleaning in fields to support Naomi and there she meets Boaz. Boaz was a man of character and a kinsman redeemer for the family. Naomi plans to join Ruth and Boaz for good outcomes. She sends Ruth to present herself (as a woman of character) to Boaz at the threshing floor and Boaz says he will seek to redeem Naomi's family.

Boaz marries Ruth, exhibiting his loyalty to God, his commandments, and his family. Naomi’s life is restored to all fullness when a son is born to Ruth and Boaz, continuing Naomi’s family line. This son would also become an ancestor of King David and the promised Messiah. Thus, we can see how this story fits in the bigger biblical narrative.

Through it we can also see how God is at work in the day-to-day challenges we all face, such as death, moving, lack of financial resources, family responsibilities, and how he can bring redemption to each of our lives. It encourages us to view our day-to-day lives as part of God’s bigger plan for our lives and world. As we study it together, may we all become more fully aware of God's great big love for us and be encouraged to put our hope in him to get us through our darkest times.

I hope you enjoy the sermon series.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Tanya Cummings