The closing statement of Judges leaves us with a sense of hopelessness. Anarchy is rampant and then Ruth drops in. I love how this book begins, "In the days when the judges ruled..." Loosely translated it means"Meanwhile back at the ranch.." And if we take a peek in the window God is cooking up something pretty special for us to see.
Naomi and Ruth. Poverty stricken and alone. Some ten years earlier, Naomi's husband had set out to protect his family from famine only landing Naomi in a famine of a different sort. No husband and no sons, far from home. But she did have she had Ruth.
Ruth is a great surprise when we consider the Moabites. Their reputation for pride, arrogance and wrath has preceded them but Ruth has nothing in common with this description. She is humble, generous and loving. She acts in faithfulness and loyalty as we see her care for her husband's mother as one would care for their own pledging to do so even beyond what was required.
So how do you think this lovely young woman got to be that way? The culture she grew up in was not known for their goodness. In fact, they were referred to as the 'cesspool' of humanity. That's something considering that most people in the world were living in depravity during this time period.
Perhaps she gleaned some of what she did from Naomi. After all, Naomi must have been good and kind. She was well loved by her daughters-in-law (not something that always happens) and her family in Bethlehem welcomed her home with open arms. That really says something about Naomi. But I think it was more than that. I think Ruth decided to do right even when culture said it was OK to do otherwise. She actively chose goodness and her life reflected it.
So on with the beautiful love story that captures our hearts as Boaz falls in love with this woman of noble character and redeems her life and she in turn could redeem Naomi's. Good begets good and eventually years in the future, Jesus, the greatest good mankind would experience would descend from this union.
Aren't you glad when it says at the end of Judges, "everyone did as they saw fit" Ruth saw fit to do good. She shows us it is possible to live the "whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy" kind of life found in Philippians 4:8 even when dwelling in the midst of a culture who practice rebellion and anarchy. We may even have an edge that Ruth didn't. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to teach us all things and remind us of God's teachings. [John 14:26] So then, no excuses. Only action. Be one of those "and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord" kind of people. Even though it is not stated exactly like that in the story, we know Ruth was just that kind of person. We can be like her. Make the choice to do good.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2
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