Post by arthurpare on Nov 8, 2012 21:15:24 GMT -5
Ruth - the story of Redemption. Jewish sources attribute the writing of this book to the prophet Samuel, but it occurs quite a bit earlier in history. We read about Rahab at Jericho. Rahab married Salmon, the son of Judah's tribal leader. From this marriage would come their son Boaz, a faithful man of God. Boaz would marry Ruth (of the book of Ruth), and their son Obed would be the father of Jesse, the father of King David. From David would descend the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
Amazingly, then, a former prostitute of Canaan would become a mother in the line of the Messiah. But the story of Ruth is also quite interesting.
Can you imagine any daughter in law willing to leave her own family and country and culture and move with her mother in law to the mother in law's homeland AFTER they had lost everything? No land, no jewelry, no money, no husband, no assurance that things would get any better and yet Ruth willingly accompanies Naomi to Bethlehem, and willingly labors hard in the fields to support Naomi.
The story of Ruth contrasts sharply with Judges, where everybody did what they thought was right, resulting in much bloodshed and lawlessness. Ruth is all about living in love and under the covenant law. Everything is done in order and according to the law. Everything is peaceful, and even after losing everything and describing herself as totally empty and hopeless, Naomi finds rewards, blessings, and peace as a result of the redemption offered by their kinsman-redeemer.
Amazingly, then, a former prostitute of Canaan would become a mother in the line of the Messiah. But the story of Ruth is also quite interesting.
Can you imagine any daughter in law willing to leave her own family and country and culture and move with her mother in law to the mother in law's homeland AFTER they had lost everything? No land, no jewelry, no money, no husband, no assurance that things would get any better and yet Ruth willingly accompanies Naomi to Bethlehem, and willingly labors hard in the fields to support Naomi.
The story of Ruth contrasts sharply with Judges, where everybody did what they thought was right, resulting in much bloodshed and lawlessness. Ruth is all about living in love and under the covenant law. Everything is done in order and according to the law. Everything is peaceful, and even after losing everything and describing herself as totally empty and hopeless, Naomi finds rewards, blessings, and peace as a result of the redemption offered by their kinsman-redeemer.