Ruth 4

Today’s reading in our daily plan is Ruth 4.  Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage.  Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

  • Boaz met with the man who had the first right to marry Ruth and to claim the land that was left to Ruth’s husband.  Boaz called together ten elders to witness the meeting.
  • Boaz offered the first man the opportunity to marry Ruth and claim the land.  The man declined.  Boaz then stated his intention to take Ruth as his wife and to claim the land.
  • Boaz and Ruth were married.  Ruth became pregnant and gave birth to a son, named Obed.
  • Obed grew up and had a son named Jesse, who eventually gave birth to a son named David.  David would become King of Israel.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

  • Because Boaz followed the proper procedure before marrying Ruth, their marriage was blessed.
  • God can bring great blessings out of tragedy.  Despite Naomi’s tragedy, she continued to trust God.  And God, in his time, rewarded her greatly.  He gave her Ruth who treated Naomi better “than seven sons” (verse 15).  And He gave her a grandson, someone to carry on the family name.
  • We are not always aware of the larger purpose of our life.  Because of Ruth’s obedience and commitment to God, God used Ruth to prepare for the birth of David, the future king of Israel.  But not just that.  From David’s lineage, Jesus was born.  So God used Ruth to prepare the way for the promised Messiah,

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

  • Even in our sorrow and tough times, God can bring great blessings.  Be like Naomi, and don’t turn your back on God when tragedy strikes.  Instead of asking, “How can God allow this to happen to me?” trust Him.  He is with you in the hard times.
  • Just as Ruth was unaware of the larger purpose of her life, we will not know the full purpose and importance of our lives until we are able to look back from the perspective of eternity.  In light of that, make your choices with God’s eternal values in mind.  Taking moral shortcuts and living for short-range pleasures are not good ways to move ahead.  Be faithful to God knowing that your significance will extend beyond your lifetime.  The rewards will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have made.

Here’s a helpful video from a great resource called BibleProject that summarizes the book of Ruth: